Daily Prayer

Aug. 27, 2022

A daily prayer from the New England Conference

Members of the New England Conference Extended Cabinet are sharing a daily prayer based on the Revised Common Lectionary for the week.

You are welcome to use these in worship or in your own devotions.

Today's Prayer

from Hebrews 13:1-8 Let mutual love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it. Remember those who are in prison, as though you were in prison with them; those who are being tortured, as though you yourselves were being tortured. Let marriage be held in honor by all, and let the marriage bed be kept undefiled; for God will judge fornicators and adulterers. Keep your lives free from the love of money, and be content with what you have; for he has said, "I will never leave you or forsake you." So we can say with confidence, "The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can anyone do to me?" Remember your leaders, those who spoke the word of God to you; consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

Holy One,

Let this be a day of solidarity with all your people.

Let this be a day of attention – a day of wishing the best for others.

Let this be a day of new discovery

Of the people we see every day

Of the people we will meet for the first time

Of the people with whom we agree and disagree.

We thank you for all those who have spoken a word of God to us, 

And for all those who have done so without speaking.

Some are family members, friends at church, friends at work, teachers, pastors…

Some are people we met just at the very moment we were ready...

They have been models for us of your love.

I close my eyes and bring to mind the image of one of these persons.

(I stop reading after this sentence, holding for a minute their image in my mind, And open my heart to the feeling – of how they made me feel wanted and loved.) *****

Thank you.

Thank you.

May I imitate their living. *****

Today, I pray to reflect your love in my meeting and greeting with others.

I’ll open my heart to neighbors I know and don’t know.

Perhaps they are in difficulty and will be reminded of whose they are.

Perhaps they will be the angel that I need this very day.

I will let mutual love flow and not interrupt. Today, I let go. Amen.

Rev. Ted Crass, President, The United Methodist Foundation of New England Inspiration: Hebrews 13.1-8