Daily Devotion for September 8, 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
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 5:13-20
The Sermon on the Mount [Part 2] - Let Your Light Shine before Men
You are the salt of the earth: but if the salt has lost its flavor, what can be salted with it? it is good for nothing except to be cast out and trodden under foot.
You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid.
Neither do men light a lamp, and put it under a basket, but on a lamp stand; and it shines on all that are in the house. Just so, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
Think not that I came to destroy the law or the prophets: I came not to destroy, but to fulfil. For truly I say to you: 'Til heaven and earth pass away, not one jot or one tittle shall pass away from the law, until all things are accomplished.
Therefore, Whoever breaks one of the least commandments, and teaches men to do so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven: but whoever obeys and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
For I say to you, that except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.
