11th. November. 2021. Daily Devotion.
James 1:19-21
19 My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20 because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. 21 Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent, and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.
How often have you found yourself in this position? Somebody says something downright rude to you — or maybe it’s not even directed to you, maybe somebody just says something that you think is hateful, or destructive.
Prayer is the answer. If anger keeps you awake, pray long, pray deep, pray the impossible. Pray for the person who offended you, and not the easy prayer that “they may see the error of their ways.” Do not pray to change them; pray to change yourself. Pray for them to be rich, successful, and famous if that is what it takes for you to see through your anger. Love them. Your anger will not leave — you will not cast Satan (Ego) out of your heart — until you love the person who offended you as God loves them.
Sleep well, my friend. Accept your own forgiveness, forgive others their trespasses, and leave it to God to judge the sins of others.
~ M. Barge.
Lord, lead me to true and total love and forgiveness of my enemies. Amen.
To See Christ
Oh holy Christ, teach me to recognize your face in the people you put into my life today. Amen.
Prayer for Morning
This is another day, O Lord. I know not what it will bring forth, but make me ready, Lord, for whatever it may be. If I am to stand up, help me to stand bravely. If I am to sit still, help me to sit quietly. If I am to lie low, help me to do it patiently. And if I am to do nothing, let me do it gallantly. Make these words more than words and give me the Spirit of Jesus. Amen.
Prayer of Thanks
Thank you, oh source of all abundance, for surrounding me with good things. But help me to remember that nothing of earthly value owns timeless truth. Let your immeasurable blessings transform how I perceive material benefits.
Teach me to appreciate unchanging treasures: the wealth of your compassion, the grandeur of your wisdom, and the richness of reconciliation. Lighten my selfishness with simple faith. Help me to reveal your love more joyously. And strengthen me in grace, oh God, always to give the best that serves you most in humble gratitude. Amen.
Prayer for Overcoming Life’s Hardships
O Lord we call upon you in our time of sorrows, That you give us the strength and will to bear our heavy burdens, until we can again feel the warmth and love of Your divine compassion. Be mindful of us and have mercy on us while we struggle to comprehend life’s hardships Keep us ever in Your watch, till we can walk again with light hearts and renewed spirits. Amen.
For those who have died on active service
O God of truth and justice,
we hold before you those men and women
who have died in active service in the Twentieth Century wars and
in Iraq, in Afghanistan and elsewhere.
As we honour their courage and cherish their memory,
may we put our faith in your future; for you are the source of life and hope,
now and for ever. Amen.
