Enjoy this devotional.
Texts: 1 Sam. 16:1-7;Psalm 23; Eph. 5:8-14
CENTERING YOURSELF
Source of all life and love,
I come before you in this moment of stillness,
and ask that you calm my heart and quiet my mind.
Help me to let go of all distractions
and become fully present to your presence.
May your love fill me, center me, and guide me
as I seek to live in your will.
SACRED READING
The Lord does not see as mortals see; they look on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart. (1 Samuel 16:7b NRSVUE).
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters; he restores my soul. (Psalm 23:1-3a NRSVUE).
For once, you were darkness, but now in the Lord, you are light. Walk as children of light, for the fruit of the light is found in all that is good and right and true. Try to find out what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness; rather, expose them. (Ephesians 5:8-11 NRSVUE).
READING FROM SOME FAMILIAR TEACHERS
The truth is like a lion; you don’t have to defend it. Let it loose; it will defend itself.
– St. Augustine
Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.- Martin Luther King Jr.
QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION
- How can I strive to see others beyond their outward appearance and focus on their hearts, as God does?
- How can I be a source of support and encouragement to those around me who are struggling?
- How can I avoid the unfruitful works of darkness and instead be a light of love and truth?
- How can I let go of fear, anger, and pride that may keep us separated from God’s love and one another?
- How can I center myself and become fully present to God’s presence in my life?
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Source of all life,
I confess that I have not always lived as a child of light.
I have been consumed by darkness,
allowing fear, anger, and pride to separate me
from your love and from others.
I have turned away from your guidance
and instead followed my desires,
even when they led me astray.
Forgive me and help me to follow your guidance.
Grant me the grace to live as a child of light,
shining your love and truth in the world.
ASSURANCE OF FORGIVENESS
As beloved creation of God, this is my good news:
The love of the divine is steadfast and unchanging.
Through The Christ, I are forgiven and made new.
I will live in the light, knowing I am loved,
forgiven, and free.
PRAYING FOR OTHERS
Compassionate Eternal Being,
after reflecting on words that give life
and offer me guidance and comfort in my faith journey.
I see how God chose and anointed David,
a simple shepherd youth, to become the future king.
This passage reminds me to look beyond
my outward appearances and select me based on my heart.
As I walk through the valleys of life,
I take comfort in the assurance that I have a Pastoralist
who will guide me, protect me, and comfort me.
as a child of light help me to live as such,
avoiding the darkness of sin and folly.
I pray for those struggling during this time,
whether with illness, grief, loneliness, or financial hardship.
Please comfort and strengthen them,
and help me to be a source of help
and encouragement to those around me.
I pray for our world leaders
that they may be guided by your wisdom
and compassion and work for the good of all people.
Holy one, I pray that communities will be places of love,
justice, and peace, where everyone is valued and respected.
BLESSING
I go from this time of reflection
in the knowledge that I am chosen
and anointed by my Creator
and promise to live as child of light,
shining the light of love in a world that needs it.