8th. December. 2021. Daily Devotion.
3 ‘I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.’ John 16:33
Just imagine everyone living in harmony and peace; placing each other first. No one cutting in line or honking a horn because you hesitated at a green light. No one blaming you for their mistakes. No one cheating on a test or taking something that isn’t theirs. No one killing, saying it’s in the name of God. No one using the Lords name in vain. No one cursing, or complaining, or lying. No one criticizing, or bickering, or pestering, or name calling. No one with a prideful attitude. No one that demands their stance is the only way to go. No one passing judgment. No one drowning their pain in drugs or alcohol? This would be a true utopia for sure.
Two things: Love God and love each other.
This means we also need to forgive others of their wrongdoings to truly love them, and we need to see other’s through the lens of God’s eye. Do we see our neighbour as our child; one we created in love, one we adore and nurture? Do we see one inflicted by the injury of injustice, which is the motivation of their actions? Can we get to the root of the evil, or at least trust the one who can? J Calvert.
To the One who has overcome the world: Help us in our sinful nature to love you with all we have in us, and to love others as you love. Through the Christ of peace, we most assuredly can. Amen
Prayer to Have Inner Peace in the Coming Day
Heavenly God, may I have peace within, today. May I trust God that I am exactly where I am meant to be. May I not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith. May I use those gifts that I have received and pass on the love that has been given to me. May I be confident knowing I am a child of God. Let this presence settle into my bones, and allow my soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love. This I pray in Christ’s name, Amen. ~ St. Therese of Lisieux
Prayer for Renewal
Lord, I am one of your people, the sheep of your flock. I pray for you to heal those who are wounded; touch those who are in pain; clean those who are soiled; warm those who are cold; help me to know the Father’s love through Jesus the shepherd, and through the Spirit.
Help me to lift up that love and show it all over this land. Help me to build love on justice and justice on love. Help me to believe mightily, hope joyfully, and love divinely. Renew me that I may help renew the face of the earth. Amen.
Prayer for Others
God of all, whose love welcomes each person, in a world where many feel they have no place, help us to remember that you offer a place for all, that no one is excluded from your love and that each has a home in your kingdom of justice and peace. When we are tempted to think ourselves more important than others, remind us of the special place you hold for people who are poor, weary and dispossessed, and for those who are neglected, reviled or unjustly treated. Help us to share in your righteous anger against all that harms our sisters and brothers, to rejoice in your all-encompassing love and to see in our neighbour the face of Christ, who makes us one. Amen.