Today is the 7th Day of Christmas
Morning Prayer Readings for December 31st: Year 2
Psalm 46, 48;
1st Kings 3:5 to 14; James 4:13 to 17 and 5:7 to 11; John 5:1 to 15:
“It pleased the Lord that Solomon had asked this.” (1st Kings 3: 10)
The new young king Solomon prayed to God for the understanding necessary to lead God’s people. God was pleased that Solomon did not ask for riches or for long life, or for human glory, or harm to his enemies. At this point in his life Solomon was genuine about wanting to do the right thing in shepherding God’s people.
We should understand that Solomon, while assisting God, wanted what was best for the people believing in the one God. God wanted what was best for the faithful. God still does.
We should take a page from Solomon’s play-book, our prayers to God must be sacrificial, Agape love. Each of us are placed in communities, or called to communities, where the gifts God has placed in us are needed. Our prayers, like Solomon’s, should always be to give God thanks, and to use our God-given gifts as God sees fit for the benefit of those in our midst.
So too may we be granted the understanding that enables us to live loving lives void of any negativity towards others. Merry Christmas: Day 7
As we listen to what the Spirit of God is saying to us, let us live to love and to serve, and to teach others to love and to serve, while pondering anew what the Almighty can do. John
Let us pray: A Prayer of Self-Dedication (BCP p. 832)
Almighty and eternal God, so draw our hearts to thee, so guide our minds, so fill our imaginations, so control our wills, that we may be wholly thine, utterly dedicated unto thee; and then use us, we pray thee, as thou wilt, and always to thy glory and the welfare of thy people; through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
onewhoponders 