Daily Devotion for October 1, 2009
Prayers
Scripture
Lord's Prayer
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever.
Prayer for the Morning
Oh Lord, most heavenly Father, Almighty and everlasting God, who has safely brought me to the beginning of this day; I give you thanks for my creation, preservation, and all the blessings of my life. Grant that this day I fall into no sin, neither run into any kind of danger; but that all my doings, being governed by your will, may be righteous in your sight. Through Christ our Lord, I pray.
Prayer for the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit
Christ Jesus, before ascending into heaven, You promised to send the Holy Spirit to Your apostles and disciples.
Grant that the same Spirit may perfect in my life the work of Your grace and love.
Grant me the Spirit of Fear of the Lord that I may be filled with a loving reverence toward You.
the Spirit of Piety that I may find peace and fulfillment in the service of God while serving others;
the Spirit of Fortitude that I may bear my cross with You and, with courage, overcome the obstacles that interfere with my salvation;
the Spirit of Knowledge that I may know You and know myself and grow in holiness;
the Spirit of Understanding to enlighten my mind with the light of Your truth;
the Spirit of Counsel that I may choose the surest way of doing Your will, seeking first the Kingdom;
Grant me the Spirit of Wisdom that I may aspire to the things that last forever;
Teach me to be Your faithful disciple and animate me in every way with Your Spirit.
Community of Prayer
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be among the community of all who pray in the name of Christ this morning, and remain among us always.
Think of the day ahead in terms of God with you, and visualize health, strength, guidance, purity, calm confidence, and victory as the gifts of His presence.
Gospel of Matthew 10:1,4-15
Christ Instructs His Apostles [1]
Jesus called his twelve disciples to him, and gave them authority to cast out unclean spirits and to heal all kinds of disease and illness. He sent these twelve out [into Judea], instructing them:
"Do not travel on the roads of the Gentiles, and do not enter any city of the Samaritans; rather, go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. And as you go, preach, saying, 'The kingdom of heaven is at hand.' "
"Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons. Give freely, as you have freely received. Have no gold, or silver, or brass in your purses, no wallet for your journey; nor two coats, nor shoes, nor staff: for the laborer is worthy of his food."
"Whatever city or village you enter, search out who is worthy, and live there until you leave. As you enter the house, greet it. If the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it; but if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you."
"Whoever will not receive you or hear your words, as you depart that house or that city, shake the dust off of your feet. Truly I say: It will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment, than for that city."
Other Voices
The best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing.
~ Theodore Roosevelt
