Christian Reflection and Prayer

Verse

And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine
and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.
Acts 2:42 NKJV Study Bible

Voice

It is not for oneself alone that each person asks to be
forgiven, not to be led into temptation, or to be delivered
from evil. Rather, we pray in public as a community, and
not for one individual but for all.
Cyprian of Carthage

Prayer

Lord, you have woven the threads of creation too finely
together for any of us to exist as islands unto ourselves.
Teach us to delight in your web of life and to know
ourselves in community. Amen.
Common Prayer

Scripture:

"When He saw the crowds, Jesus had compassion on
them."(Matthew 9:36)

Reflection:

The compassionate Christ "suffers together with" you
when the need arises and comforts and strengthens
you as you overcome each challenge in your day.
If it is true that misery loves company, it is even more
true that suffering needs company.

Rest confidently in the knowledge that your Savior
knows what you were going through...and He also
knows what assistance you need to emerge "more
than a conqueror" as a result.(see Romans 8:37)

Prayer:

Oh Lord may I always have a compassionate heart.
May I use that compassion to be there and help others.
In Jesus Name Amen

During World War II, Joe Louis, the champion heavyweight
boxer, was one of several celebrities scheduled to say a
few words at a fund-raising rally for the Navy Relief Society.
"I was nervous," Louis said. "I didn't know what to say.
Somebody told me the President would be listening on the
radio, so I especially wanted to get my speech off to a
good start. Just before I was called up to the mic, I asked
a friend sitting next to me how I ought to start off. He told
me to say something upbeat about the war, like, 'My
fellow Americans, God is on our side!' As I walked up to
the stage, I stumbled on the steps and lost my
concentration, so instead, when I got to the mic I said,
'My fellow Americans we are on God's side.'" Mr. Louis
may have stumbled on the steps, but he didn't stumble
at the mic. It's never a question of whether or not "God
is on our side." Rather, it's a question of whether or not
we are on God's side.