Friday: World
With all the noise in the world, do you hear the voice of God? Your calendar tells you what to do, but do you remember who you are? Being comes before doing. This is a call to put first things first. Return to the Lord with this daily pattern of prayer and devotion. Set aside this time as a sanctuary. Find a space free of distraction and follow this pattern.
Make the sign of the cross, and say,
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Invitation Prayer
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” (Matt. 5:8) O Lord, you see all things. Purify my heart that I may see you clearly. Amen.
Word: Matthew 6:34
Therefore, do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
Meditation
OK. Time for a peek behind the curtain. What you’re reading was created more than a week ago. From what I understand that’s pretty common in the podcasting or content-production world. And as a result there is a lag between when this was created and when you are receiving it. Normally, this isn’t a big deal. But with as fast as things can change, there is a chance that by the time you read this something will be drastically different in the world that will make all this sound a bit dated.
It’s tempting to try and predict or guess what things will be like in the future so we can be prepared for what’s coming. And while godly planning has its proper place, the truth is none of us knows what life will be in one week. Or even tomorrow.
Jesus’s instruction to not be anxious acknowledges that there is trouble of one kind or another every day. But rather than try to guess what tomorrow’s trouble might be, Jesus calls his disciples to faith in God today. And so whatever trouble is happening in your life or in the world today, give thanks to God for his care for you today and trust in his continued care for you tomorrow.
Prayer for the World
· For my city, state, and country.
· For leaders: mayor, governor, president, congress.
· For those who serve the public: police officers, firefighters, teachers, first responders, medical personnel.
· For the nations of the world, for world leaders.
· For good government, good schools, good business.
· For justice, especially for the oppressed: minorities, immigrants and refugees, orphans, widows, the very young or unborn, the aged.
· For creation: for the care of land, air, wildlife, and sea.
Closing Prayer
Father, I do not know what tomorrow will bring, but I know you. Thank you for your steadfast love and sure promises. Fix my eyes on you, today and always. Amen.
