Daily Devotion for October 2, 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 Grace and Strength
Lord God, I pray that you will fill my heart with the blessing of your Holy Spirit. Grant me this day the strength to be temperate in all things, diligent in my duties, and patient under my afflictions. Direct me in all my ways. Give me grace to be just and upright in all my dealings; quiet and peaceable; full of compassion; and ready to do good to all people, according to my abilities and opportunities. For the sake of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ,
Community of Prayer
Heavenly Lord, I know I am not alone saying these prayers or reading your Word this morning, but many people unknown to me, from all stations of life, have joined together in this brief moment of devotion. 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 10:16-23
Christ Instructs His Apostles [2]
"I am sending you out like sheep in the midst of wolves; so you must be as wise as serpents, and as harmless as doves. But beware of men, for they will drag you in front of councils, and in their synagogues they will scourge you; and before governors and kings will you be brought for my sake, to give testimony to them and to the Gentiles. When they hand you over, do not be anxious how you will speak or what you will say; what you should say will be given to you in that hour. For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father that speaks in you."
"And brother will hand over brother to death, and the father his child: and children shall rise up against parents, and cause them to be put to death. And you will be hated by all men for my name's sake; but he who endures to the end shall be saved."
"When they persecute you in this city, flee to the next. For truly I say to you: You will not have gone through the cities of Israel, before the Son of man has come."
