2022 Lenten Devotional – Click Here to download your copy

Praying with Francey July 27, 2020 Aldersgate UMC, Slidell

Welcome: Greetings, I am Rev. Frances Hooton, pastor of Aldersgate UMC in Slidell, Louisiana. I am here to offer a moment of encouragement, as we continue to make wise and responsible decisions during the Covid-19 Pandemic in Louisiana.

Question of the Day: How is it with your soul?

Word of the day Humility

Scripture of the Day: Romans 7:15

¹⁵ I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. 

Inspiration:  In our prayer we must determine to go to as we are (not as we wish we should be) but exactly as we are. This in fact is humility / Christian humility.

When we approach God as we are, the way we feel, with all that we face – then we are ready for God to reveal to us what is true. So that we clearly know where we sin. God invites us to name it and ask God for His loving forgiveness and mercy.

This is where we get into trouble… when we are more interested in addressing other people’s sin in public than our own. Increasingly when I notice this behavior – the person doing this says well that is between me in God.

What is public and what is private has gotten very tricky.

What is for the individual and what is for the community.

What is hidden and what is in plain view.

True Christian humility begins with each one of us individually sitting in our own truth. Knowing that we are no better or no worse than any other human being – simply seeking God and the best way to live in the grace of Christ Jesus and empowered by the Holy Spirit.

For this to be a reality – it all begins with us sitting in the presence of God determined to sit in the presence of God just as I am, you are, we are, the way I am, you are, we are; with all that I face, you face we face…

This is the beginning of living in the presence of God’s loving forgiveness and mercy.

Prayer: Father, we pray that You will visit us, and make Your presence known in our lives and in our city. Give us faith to believe that You can transform us  through prayer and through acts of love and compassion. Let Your Kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven. Help us to cultivate Your presence in our lives as individuals and as a community of faith. We choose to partner with You for transformation in our church: Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Slidell. Remove the distractions in our lives that keep us from Your presence. If any of us are Luke-warm in our hearts, replace this ambivalence with the fire and power of your Holy Spirit. We pray boldly in the name of Jesus Christ who is our risen Lord and Savior. Amen.

Blessing for the day: Have a good day. Share the light and love of God in all that you say and do. We part from one another in the grace, peace, love and joy of God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Take care, be safe and God Bless. I’ll pray with you tomorrow. Bye.