8th.October. 2021. Daily Devotion.

Better is a dry morsel with quietness,
Than a house full of feasting with strife.

The beginning of strife is like releasing water;
Therefore stop contention before a quarrel starts. Proverbs 17:1, 14

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Matthew 5:9

Notice that the people endorsed here are peace makers, not peace lovers. Certainly we must love peace, but that is not the subject of the verse. Making peace denotes an activity, not a passive state. The children of God are what theologians call the “Church Militant,” those who are willing to go forth and, if you will excuse the expression, fight for peace.
“The beginning of strife,” says Solomon, “is like the letting out of water.” (Proverbs 17:14) So, if there is a hole in the dam, we must learn to stick our finger in it, before it widens. To be peacemakers. Some people have a knack for this — perhaps it might even be called a spiritual gift — but it is a skill that we can all develop, and that is certainly what this verse teaches us to do.

Growing in wonder
God our Father, may the vastness of your creation that we can begin to see through a telescope, remind us of the abundance of your love. May the lowliness of the smallest creatures and cells that we can see through a microscope, remind us of how insignificant – yet special – we appear to be. May our vision each day of the world around us remind us that you so loved the world that you sent Jesus, your Son, to be one of us. In all that we observe, open our eyes so that we may really see and grow in wonder and appreciation. Amen.

An intercessory prayer
You call us to speak to you in prayer– even when the places we would usually go to are not available.
Help us to know you Spirit’s presence wherever we pray.
Today we especially pray for those who are living in fear – give them your strength.
For those who have not yet realised the urgency of the situation – protect them, and all of us from harm.
Today I especially want to pray for …….
In the name of Jesus.  Amen

A prayer for the world
God of love and hope, you made the world and care for all creation, but the world continues to feel strange right now. The news is still full of stories about Coronavirus. Some people are still worried that they might get ill. Others are anxious for their family and friends. Be with them and help them to find peace. We pray for the doctors and nurses and scientists, and all who are working to discover the right medicines to help those who are ill. Thank you that even in these anxious times, you are with us. Help us to put our trust in you and keep us safe. Amen.