Presence

“You show me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; in your right hand are pleasures for evermore.” (Psalm 16). Lord, help me to live in Your presence today.

Freedom

Thank You God for my freedom.
May I use this gift to do what I can
for those who are oppressed or burdened.

Consciousness

Father, thank You for sending Your Son to earth to be with me in every experience I have. Thank You that He is with me in a special way in this time of prayer and through Your Word.

The Word of God

²⁷“But I say to you who are listening: Love your enemies; do good to those who hate you; ²⁸bless those who curse you; pray for those who mistreat you. ²⁹If anyone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also, and from anyone who takes away your coat do not withhold even your shirt. ³⁰Give to everyone who asks of you, and if anyone takes away what is yours, do not ask for it back again. ³¹Do to others as you would have them do to you.

³²“If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. ³³If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. ³⁴If you lend to those from whom you expect to receive payment, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive as much again. ³⁵Instead, love your enemies, do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return. Your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, for he himself is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked. ³⁶Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.

³⁷“Do not judge, and you will not be judged; do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven; ³⁸give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap, for the measure you give will be the measure you get back.”

Inspiration

To live the Christian faith is always a challenge and a struggle. We are told to strive to love as the Heavenly Father loves and to aim to be perfect. In particular we are asked to be merciful and never to judge others. It is summed up in the golden rule, which is to treat others as we would want them to treat us. We need the example of Jesus, who prayed on the cross for his executioners, ‘Father forgive them.’ We have much to reflect upon in our own lives and to talk to the Lord about in prayer.

Conversation

God’s Word is always fruitful.
How is it touching me now
as I reflect on what I have just prayed?
Do I feel comforted?
Do I feel challenged?

Conclusion

Filled with the loving presence of God,
I ask Him to bless me and guide my steps
as I go to do His work in my daily life.

Amen