Daily Office Readings for Monday of the 3rd Week of Epiphany: Year 2
Morning, Psalms 41 and 52; Evening, Psalm 44
Genesis 14:8 to 24; Hebrews 8:1 to13; John 4:43 to 54
“The official said to him, ‘Sir, come down before my little boy dies.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Go; your son will live.’ The man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him and started on his way.” (John 4:49 – 50)
Intercessory prayer is so important. In fact, prayer on behalf of others may be the most important prayers. But like the official above, when we pray for someone, we must believe and go, go believing our Lord Jesus has done, or is doing, what is best.
I’m not so sure I like the continuation of this passage because the official who is the father, is trying to prove to himself that it was in fact Jesus who did the healing. “As he was going down, his slaves met him and told him that his child was alive. So he asked them the hour when he began to recover, and they said to him, ‘Yesterday at one in the afternoon the fever left him.’ The father realized that this was the hour when Jesus had said to him, ‘Your son will live.’ So he himself believed, along with his whole household.” (John 4: 51 – 53)
Prayer is not all fact based. It is however, all love and hope filled. We must hope and pray for people we love and for anyone whom we realize is in dire straits, even if they are not on our favorites list. Prayer to our Lord Jesus works. When we sincerely ask for help, or healing, or comfort for others, our Lord Jesus will hear our plea and will respond. Remember, “God’s ears hears tears.” Never, never, never give up, and don’t try to make sense of, or seek proof of, the Lord’s work. But rather, just be thankful for it. Thank You Lord Jesus.
Today we remember The Conversion of The apostle Paul, as transferred from Yesterday, January 25, due to it being a Sunday; and his information may be found at: The Conversion of St. Paul.
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:
O Almighty God, Creator and lover of all souls, help us we pray, to put aside all thoughts of selfish desires and to be more communal as You were when You walked among us, for the benefit of us. Enable our hearts to reach out to the real needs of others and to bring our loving concerns to You for Your universal loving care, for the welfare of all people. Amen
onewhoponders 