2nd March. 2022. Daily Devotion.

1 Thessalonians 4:11-12

Aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, . . . so that you may walk properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one.

“Live quietly.” Paul really should not have to say this, since the enormous emphasis on humility, in the teachings of Jesus Christ, should lead us to it. But it is a lesson that people do not want to hear, and one widely ignored by many Christians.

“Mind you own affairs.” No real explication of this phrase is necessary. Living it, when our natural instincts tell us to voice our opinions about all kinds of affairs not our own, is another matter.

“Work with your hands,” We should make our living, as best we are able, by productive work.

The telling phrase is “that you may walk properly before outsiders,” for it gives us the reason that we aspire to live quietly. What is the Christian’s primary duty to the non-Christian? Our commission from Christ is to spread the Gospel. Is it so hard to see that we injure the Great Commission when we equate politics, or any other exercise of coercive worldly power, with Christianity? M. Barge.

Lord, grant that I may always seek to live quietly and mind my own affairs. Amen.

God of grace, we bless you for the gift of each day, for the glory of creation, the joy of salvation and the fire of your love in our hearts. Amen. Handley Moule (1841-1920)

Father and Mother of all, through your word all creation comes to be, and you perfectly love all you have made. All life is your gift, and all creation will find final fulfilment in you. As your grace is sufficient for all, and as we rejoice that we are blessed to know it, even in part, we ask that we might be signs that you have given creation and heaven as a place for all. May your Holy Spirit bless us with grace, humility, hope, wisdom, and openness, as it did your son, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Prayer for Ash Wednesday

Almighty and everlasting God, who hates nothing you have made and forgives the sins of all who are penitent: Create and make in me a new and contrite heart, that I may begin this season of fasting and remembrance of your suffering, by truly lamenting my sins and acknowledging my wretchedness.

I pray that the ashes we use to symbolize the beginning of Lent may truly remind me that from dust I came, and to dust I will return, and that only by your victory over your suffering is it possible for me to find eternal peace and life. I pray for the grace of Christ, that I may obtain of you, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness of all the sins of this life; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Ukraine

Pray for God to restrain the hand of the Russian leader, to strengthen the efforts of diplomats, and to keep the people of Ukraine as they defend their land. Pray for all who are involved in humanitarian relief, welcoming refugees, and providing for the needs of displaced people. Each day we will provide a prayer from churches around the world To direct and inspire our prayers.