30th. March. 2022. Daily Devotion.

1 John 5:14

And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.

One of the most difficult lessons to learn in being a Christian is the difference between boldness and confidence, on the one hand, and arrogance or boasting, on the other. We have faith in God, or we have nothing. And if we have faith, it means that we are convinced in the positively 100% truth of God’s Word. Assuming we believe Him, what does He tell us about how we should pray?

We must have confidence in prayer that reflects our faith in God. If we ask for something in our prayers and — and this is a big “and” — it is something that is good for us, good for others, good for the world, God will grant our requests. Never forget, when you are praying, how much God loves you. He would die for you — wait a minute — he did die for you.

When you pray, pray with boldness and confidence. Not brashness nor arrogance, but confidence that God loves you and is listening, and wants to hear your prayer; and boldness, not the kind of arrogance that you are going to tell God what to do, but rather, a lack of any shyness about praying to Him as He has asked that you pray; not withholding anything because you don’t want to talk to God about it.
~ M Barge.

Lord God, always let me pray to you, confident in your love. Amen.

A Lenten Prayer

Lord of light, come shine your truth upon my life in this season of Lent. Light into the dark corners of disillusionment, where I hide beneath the comforts of food and drink. Light upon the fears and worries I seek to quell with control and routine. Light within the shadowed areas of hurt that cast shades of resentment and unforgiveness in me. Light bright across my thoughts, seep into my heart and come awaken my hope. May your eternal light reveal heavens beautiful promises and bring a peace that surpasses understanding. Amen.

O Lord our Governor, whose glory is in all the world:
We commend to your merciful care the people and government of Ukraine
that, being guided by your providence, they may dwell secure in your peace.
Grant to their leaders and all in authority,
wisdom and strength to know and to do your will.
Fill them with the love of truth and righteousness,
and make them ever mindful of their calling to serve their people;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Grant, O God, that your holy and life–giving Spirit
may so move every human heart in the nations of the world,
that working and witnessing together,
we may live in justice and peace
and change the hearts of those who would make for conflict and war;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Defend us, O Lord, with your heavenly grace, that we may continue yours for ever and daily increase in your Holy Spirit more and more, until we come to your everlasting kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
~ Book of Common Prayer (1552)

Gracious and loving God, thank you for staying close to us in all that we have experienced in recent times. As your holy people, we ask you to strengthen us with wisdom and understanding as we look forward to the new opportunities you will share with us. Encourage us to offer rich hospitality: to recognise the individual, welcome the stranger and offer a community of love to all. Amen.