7th. April 2020. Daily Devotion.

Good day everyone,

Let the gospel of Christ dwell among you in all richness; teach and instruct one another with all the wisdom it gives you. Colossians 3:16

On Tuesday of Holy Week, Jesus taught in the Temple courts and instructed his disciples about faithfulness and preparedness. There has been a lot in the news about preparedness, especially preparedness for the pandemic, and how we have been caught short by the sudden appearance of the Covid 19 virus.

In his final week Jesus emphasised the importance of drawing near to God, of the suddenness of judgment and of the uncertainty of life. When all is well, and life runs smoothly, it is easy to take it for granted. This Easter we have special reason to reflect upon how great a priority in our own lives, the nurture of our faith really is. Of course, the week will end with amazing grace, with the opening of the Kingdom of God and the opportunity for a fresh start. Today we take time consider to whether we are ready for the coming of the Lord and how will we affirm our faithfulness and keep awake spiritually.

Reading: Matthew 25:1-13

25 ‘At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. 2 Five of them were foolish and five were wise. 3 The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. 4 The wise ones, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. 5 The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep.
6 ‘At midnight the cry rang out: “Here’s the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!”
7 ‘Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. 8 The foolish ones said to the wise, “Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.”
9 ‘“No,” they replied, “there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.”
10 ‘But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut.
11 ‘Later the others also came. “Lord, Lord,” they said, “open the door for us!”
12 ‘But he replied, “Truly I tell you; I don’t know you.”
13 ‘Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.

Psalm Fragment 71

1 In you, Lord, I have taken refuge;
let me never be put to shame.
2 In your righteousness, rescue me and deliver me;
turn your ear to me and save me.
3 Be my rock of refuge,
to which I can always go;
give the command to save me,
for you are my rock and my fortress.

Prayers

Lord Jesus, it was on a Tuesday that you spoke out against abuse of power, collaboration with oppressors, misuse of authority. So today we pray, comforter of the abused, strengthen those burdened by corrupted rule or injustice; rescue the overwhelmed; be present to those who call on your name, to those we name on our lips, and in the silence of our hearts, those whose concerns are known only to you; Amen.

O God, Son of God, you took on yourself our nature and suffered death on the cross for us. By your Passion you have set us free from eternal death. Preserve us in your grace; through your mercy, O our God, you are blessed, and live and govern all things, now and forever. Amen.

Please pray for Boris Johnson today and all our politicians and leaders.

A prayer for the caregivers

Father,
We pray today for those who are caring for the sick. It takes a kind and selfless heart to care for those who are ill with an illness that threatens the carer and we thank you for their courage and dedication. We ask that you give them rest and renewal when they are tired and be their source of hope as they confront with faith a frightening and unseen adversary.

Lord we know from your word that whoever gives freely shall be given back in greater proportion; bless then the caregivers. Add your healing power to all their efforts, keep them in health and strength and safe from infection as they work to bring others back to health. In Jesus’ name, Amen

Wake, awake for night is flying – CH4 278

May your mercy, O Lord, be on us, even as we wait confidently for you. (Psalm 33:22)