3rd October. 2022. Daily Devotions.

12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:1-13

Contentment was a powerful word to the Greek-speaking people of Paul’s day. To be content literally means “to find everything you need within yourself.”

Many teachers in that day believed that contentment was the greatest virtue. But their version of contentment was based on self-accomplishment. To become content, they taught, a person had to be able to provide completely for himself or herself.

Paul knew that it was a myth to think that a human being can be completely self-sustaining. And yet here he looks within himself and finds that everything he needs is there within him. How did it get there? God put it there. God’s own Spirit had begun living inside of Paul.

This contentment provided by the Spirit of God gave Paul tremendous freedom. He goes on to say that sometimes his physical needs have been met, and sometimes they have not been met. But even when he has not had enough food, clothing, money, or other basic needs, he has still found that God’s peace and strength have been present within him. S. De Vries.

Jesus, live in us. Fill us with your Spirit’s strength and peace, we pray, and help us to trust that you will provide whatever else we need for today. Amen.

Lord Jesus Christ, Wisdom and Word of God, dwell in our hearts, we pray, by your most Holy Spirit, that out of the abundance of our hearts, our mouths may speak your praise. Amen. Christina Rossetti (1830–1894)

We believe that every living thing was created by you, God, and that you pronounced creation to be very good. You entrusted your creation to humankind, allowing plants and creatures to evolve and adapt over time in human care. Jesus, you instructed us to love God, and to love our neighbours, as much as we love ourselves. To fulfil that commandment effectively, we also need to care for the whole of creation, as all living things are dependent on one another for survival. We have lost our way and caused damage instead of love and care. Please forgive us and show us again how to love, to renew; to recreate the beauty and bounty of your world. Amen.

Prayer to Serve God

God our Father, make us to think more of what we can give to life and less of what we can get out of it. May we be mindful that we hold our gifts, our talents, our possessions, our life itself, in trust for you and the service of mankind. Save us from thinking only of our own needs and desires; and help us to remember that it is more blessed to give than receive, according to the teaching of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.

For Those in Need of Strength

I pray, Lord, for all who will need strength and courage in the day ahead: For those who face danger. For those who risk themselves for others. For those who must make an important decision today. For people who are seriously ill. For those facing persecution or torture. I ask you, Lord, to give them the power of your Spirit, Amen.