1st. December. 2021. Daily Devotion.
17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. 18 He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created. James 1:17-18
One thing we can count on being perfect is the gift God gave us. He is the creator of all the lights in the sky, and He gave us the light of the world, Jesus. The birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus was a gift that did not disappoint. He came to give us redemption and life everlasting. The story never changes. His light has no shadows, never fades, and never ceases to shine. God showed us through this gift that we were the most important of all that He created. J Calvert.
Gracious God, Father of the heavenly lights, unchanging in love and grace, thank you for the most perfect gift of all, Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen.
O Lord, incline your merciful ears to our prayers and enlighten the darkness of our hearts by the light of your visitation, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Gelasian Sacramentary, fifth century.
Prayer to the Holy Spirit to be with Me Today
In humility, before the great multitude of heavenly witnesses, I come before you this morning, Eternal Spirit of God, to offer myself, my soul and body to you. I live in awe of your purity, your justice, and the power of your love. You are the strength and light of my soul, for without you I have neither life nor goodness. I desire never to grieve you by unfaithfulness, and I pray with all my heart to be kept from the smallest sin against you.
Mercifully guard my every thought; and grant that I may always watch for your light, and listen to your voice, and follow your gracious inspirations. Give me grace, O Holy Spirit, Spirit of the Father and the Son, to listen first for your voice in everything I may say or do, this day and always, Amen.
Room for all
Gracious God, we know the theory of welcoming all, that in Christ there is “no longer Jew or Greek … there is no longer male and female”, * but we all have our preferences and biases. It is comfortable to be among those who are like us. Yet you call us not to be comfortable, but to comfort – to encourage and strengthen others, including those who are troubled. It is not easy, but it is possible because you are a merciful God, a forgiving God, a hope-giving God. Through Jesus you have made room for all, so may we share your hope, your forgiveness and your mercy with those who discomfort us. Amen. *Galatians 3:28.
Prayer
Lord, we name before you those we know who are going through times of darkness. We think of them and ask, gracious God, that you may bring them light, hope, love and direction. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
