Call to Prayer
O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise. (Psalm 51:15)
Glory be to God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit: as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Alleluia. Amen.
Scripture for the Day
For to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit . . . . (1 Co 12:8-9)
Reflection
Wisdom, knowledge, faith, and healing. These are precious gifts of the Spirit of God. First-century Greeks under Roman rule would have recognized their value, perhaps praying to Athena for wisdom, Apollo for prophetic knowledge, or Asclepius for healing. Some traveled to sanctuaries like Epidauris, 40 miles by boat, in desperate search of healing and wholeness.
What gifts has God given you? How are these gifts both blessings and responsibilities? By what means can you return the Lord’s gifts in love for the strengthening of the church?
Praying for Greece
Pray today for Hellenic Ministries, the parent organization of AXIA 113. Pray for its ministry to indigent and refugee families. Pray for its work with men who have lost families, homes, jobs, and countries. Pray for its ministry to women who care for children or are expecting. Ask for the mercy of Christ to abound.
The Lord’s Prayer
Concluding Prayers
Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought us in safety to this new day. Preserve us with your mighty power, that we may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity, and in all we do direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
