20th. December. 2021. Daily Devotion.
An angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, ‘Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.’ 22 All this took place to fulfil what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23 ‘The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel’ (which means ‘God with us’). Matthew 1:20-23
Reflect
There are so many disasters in the world. We care and we do what we can, but often after a few months we are called to help in another situation. It is good to know that God never forgets or moves on from those in trouble. This year has seen eleven major events around the world in India, the USA, Haiti, the Philippines, Nepal, Nigeria, Kenya Mozambique and the Canaries. Homes have been destroyed; people have died. Many of those made homeless still have nowhere to call home.
Prayer
Lord, we thank you that you never leave us. Thank you that you don’t move on to the next thing and abandon us, You are Immanuel. You are with us. Lord be with all those who are still suffering through past disasters. Those who feel abandoned and uncared for. We pray for the people who have suffered and for all the agencies that are still working there. We thank you for groups like MAF and other agencies who are seeking to get aid to those in the most desolate and difficult areas. May they know encouragement as they bring hope and peace in your name. Amen.
Meditate and Pray
As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you my God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. Where can I go and meet with God my tears have been my food, day and night?” Psalm 42:1-2
Gracious God, we pray for those who are struggling emotionally and spiritually, those finding it hard to experience your presence, those who can’t see you through the tears and the anguish.
Thank you that even when we are struggling to have a vision of you. You are with us. You have promised to never leave us, and you have said when we seek you we will find you.
Thank you that you enter into our sorrow and pain, you journey with us in our questions and our doubts. Bring comfort strength and hope we pray. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Advent Prayer
Holy Jesus, as I spend these days waiting to celebrate your birth, give me the grace to greet you without suppressed sighs of weariness. Grant me the spirit of generosity; let me open my front door to you, without any thought of inconvenience. Let me work every teaching and commandment you gave us, let me know your love and share it abundantly with all I may meet, remembering throughout this time your message and example of long-suffering love and infinite patience. Amen.
