4th. November. 2021. Daily Devotion.

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” — Matthew 5:8

One of the things God detests more than anything is hypocrisy from his people. Throughout the Old Testament, God rebukes Israel for going through the motions of religion while they keep living in sin and worshiping idols.

As we’ll see later in the Sermon on the Mount, we can show up for worship, pray, or give generously and still have a heart that is far from God. True righteousness is about more than just checking religious boxes. It’s about humbly and sincerely seeking to serve God instead of ourselves. If we are pursuing faith out of a desire for attention or personal gain, then we are hypocrites, and our worship amounts to nothing.

But when our actions come from pure faith rather than self-interest, we are able to see God and to experience his presence in a deeper way. Jesus calls us to examine our hearts and to ask God to help us truly show his love in all we do.

Father, purify my heart of sinful desires and selfish motives. Help me to serve you in humility and with pure intentions each day. Amen.

Prayer for Purity of Thought

Almighty God, who alone gave me the breath of life, and alone can keep alive in me the holy desires your Spirit brings; I pray to you, in the name of your infinite compassion, to sanctify my thoughts and endeavours this day; that I may not begin to act without a pure intention or continue it without your blessing. And grant that, having the eyes of my mind opened to behold things invisible and unseen, I may in heart be inspired by your wisdom, and in work be upheld by your strength, and in the end be accepted by you as your faithful servant, through Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen.

Meditation

“When a person is down in the world, an ounce of help is better than a pound of preaching.” ~ Edward Bulwer-Lytton

Teach us, good Lord, to serve you as you deserve; to give and not to count the cost; to fight and not to heed the wounds; to toil and not to seek for rest; to labour and not to seek for any reward, save that of knowing that we do your will; through Christ our Lord, Amen. Ignatius Loyola (1491-1556)

For Those in Medical Service

Merciful God, your healing power is everywhere about us. Strengthen those who work among the sick; give them courage and confidence in everything they do. Encourage them when their efforts seem futile or when death prevails. Increase their trust in your power even to overcome death and pain and crying. May they be thankful for every sign of health you give, and humble before the mystery of your healing grace, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen ~ Book of Common Worship PCUSA.