Friday 12th June | Alicia Down
Readings
Reflection
Upon reflection of these readings, what spoke out the most to me was in Jeremiah 9:24 which says, “I am the Lord who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness to the earth.” This touched me when I was thinking about the recent events in the media, people are raising their voices in search of a better justice system, better harmony with each other, and it says right here that there is an almighty God who does just this. The people are in search for an answer, a change in society and what they need the most is to know the love and grace of Jesus Christ. The God who I know whose love is unfailing and powerful (Psalm 117:2) and ‘endures forever’ (Psalm 100:5) wants to have a relationship with everyone and whose faithfulness continues through all generations (Psalm 100:5). It is our job as servants of Christ to pave the way and to be an example of God’s love, kindness, and acceptance of all people. In acts 4:32:37, these Christians were of ‘one heart and mind’ and from this ‘there was no one in the group who was in need’ they shared all that they had with each other, there was no prejudice no social status, they were equal on all levels and treated each other with the same love and kindness God showed to them. Therefore, upon reading this passage from Acts, let us try and model this way of living today, to share all that we have with each other and spread the power of Jesus Christ who gives us the strength and peace to live better lives in ourselves and with the people around us.
Prayers
Heavenly Father,
I sing out my praises to you, you are so worthy of my praise.
Thank you, Lord that your love endures forever, that you are the complete example of justice and righteousness.
Thank you, Father for your word that we can delve into it and model the example of your wisdom and the ways in which the early Christians lived.
Help us Lord, to be an example to society on how to love everyone deeply, to accept everyone equally and to care for everyone’s needs.
I pray Father for opportunities to help others who are in need, to allow us to share our possessions with everyone we meet and bless them with the love and faithfulness of your heavenly glory.
Amen.
Collect
Beautiful God, giver of all gifts,
Who poured out your Spirit upon you servant Barnabus
And gave him grace to encourage others:
Help us, by his example,
To be generous in our judgements and unselfish in our service;
Through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,
Who is alive and reigns with you,
In the unity of the Holy Spirit,
One God, now and for ever.
Amen.
