26th. February. 2021. Daily Devotion.
13 Now all has been heard;
here is the conclusion of the matter:
fear God and keep his commandments,
for this is the duty of all mankind.
14 For God will bring every deed into judgment,
including every hidden thing,
whether it is good or evil. Ecclesiastes 12:13-14
“The two most important days in your life are the day you are born, and the day you find out why.” Mark Twain. One would hardly think of Mark Twain as a Christian apologist, but here we have him in a rare moment of sincerity; the most sarcastic man one can imagine, and yet he stopped for a moment and realized, that understanding the reason why you are born is the greatest moment in your life.
So, let us rejoice together. We know where we are going and what we are supposed to do. We can let go of the anxiety and depression that beset the modern world. We must suffer many things, but here is something we can be thankful for, today and every day. Christ has given us purpose, and it is purpose that we will follow all our days, that will extend even as our bodies get old and feeble; our soul, and thus our true self, will forever stay vital and fresh. M Barge.
Lord God, I thank you for giving me real purpose in my life, and I pray you will remind me to be thankful for it every day. Amen.
For Refuge
Oh God, who has been the refuge of my fathers through many generations, be my refuge today in every time and circumstance of need. Be my guide through all that is dark and doubtful. Be my guard against all that threatens my spirit’s welfare. Be my strength in time of testing. Gladden my heart with your peace, through Jesus Christ my Lord. Amen. John Baillie, 1942
Lent prayers
Loving God let a desire for change rise up within us. May we overflow with compassion and love. May we reshape our world together to reflect your kingdom of hope for all. Amen.
Generous God strengthen us as we try to treat others as we would wish to be treated, whether in our own local communities, or around the world. Amen.
Keep open my mind and heart
Dear Lord, I have been the recipient of so much of your goodness in my life.
Please keep me open my mind and heart to receive whatever grace you wish to give me.
In this time of pandemic, it could be that you are giving me new eyes to see
how much I have been taking for granted in my daily life and how much I have
received without taking notice.
You have given me years and years of blessings.
When my friends and I emerge from this period of isolation, may we
truly treasure each person we know as a gift from You.
I pray, in the name of Jesus. Amen.
