With all the noise in the world, do you hear the voice of God? Your calendar tells you what to do, but do you remember who you are? Being comes before doing. This is a call to put first things first. Return to the Lord with this daily pattern of prayer and devotion. Set aside this time as a sanctuary. Find a space free of distraction and follow this pattern.
Invocation
Make the sign of the cross, and say,
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Invitation Prayer
“Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” (Matt. 5:7) You are the great Giver of mercy. Move me to show your mercy. Amen.
Word: Matthew 6:24
No one can serve two masters . . . you cannot serve God and money.
Meditation
“Of course,” you say. “I’m devoted to God.” Would you ever say otherwise? But there can be a gap between what you believe and how you behave. Between what you say and what you do. So in these three illustrations – treasure, eye, master – Jesus provides a heart diagnostic. You can take the test. These three things reveal what you are devoted to:
1) Treasure: How you use money. If someone looked at your back account, what would it say about your heart?
2) Eye: Where your focus is. If someone looked at your calendar, how you spend your time, what would it say? What do you value?
3) Master: Who you serve. If someone looked at your behavior, your habits, what would they say about you?
An ancient church father once said, “The Christians’ heart, hands, and tongue must agree.” Jesus has redeemed our whole being – body, mind, and soul. We respond with our whole lives, giving him our faith, love, and praise.
Prayer for Neighbors
· For my immediate geographical neighbors.
· For my community, neighborhood, town/city.
· For neighbors hurting from broken families, addiction, violence, abuse, poverty, sickness.
· For the eyes of the Good Samaritan, to see and help my neighbor in need.
Closing Prayer
O God, you know I love you. Give me holy wisdom as I seek how best to serve you. Teach me how to live my life faithfully. I ask for Holy Spirit discernment in all my vocations. May my whole life be one of praise and thanksgiving to you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.