DEVOTION
Isaiah 55:10-11 As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it
without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater,
11 so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.
PRAYER:
Almighty and Holy God. As this early Wednesday morning begins, we pause to listen. After three days of much-needed rain, perhaps we hear the drops still falling from the trees, see the wet leaves upon the ground, or simply notice that the earth around us looks refreshed. What some might call gloomy weather has actually been a wonderful gift. The ground was thirsty, and You provided.
Lord, sometimes we are thirsty too. We become tired, discouraged, distracted, or simply worn down by life. There are seasons when our spirits need refreshing just as surely as the earth needs rain. Pour Your presence into those dry places within us. Renew our faith, restore our joy, and remind us that You know what we need, sometimes before we even recognize the need ourselves.
We thank You this morning for our church family. Thank You for the people who quietly serve, encourage, pray, teach, give, visit, prepare, clean, sing, and simply show up. Continue to refresh our church as well. As we move into another season of ministry, keep us healthy in spirit, united in Christ, and willing to follow where You lead.
We lift before You those who awaken today carrying heavier burdens. Be near to those who are sick, grieving, lonely, worried about family, or uncertain about tomorrow. May Your presence fall gently upon them like this needed rain—bringing strength, comfort, healing, and hope.
Lord, our world needs refreshing too. We pray for our President, our leaders, and the leaders of other nations. We pray especially for people living where war has taken away the simple blessings of an ordinary day. Protect the innocent, comfort those who mourn, and turn the hearts of those who seek violence toward peace. And when we think of those we call enemies, teach us to pray before we condemn. Work in their hearts, Lord, and work just as deeply in ours.
As September comes to an end, help us enter a new month with grateful hearts. May these past days of rain remind us that not every blessing arrives wrapped in sunshine. Sometimes Your gifts come through clouds. Sometimes renewal begins in the rain. Thank You for knowing what the earth needs. Thank You for knowing what we need. And thank You for being faithful enough to provide both. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
DEVOTION
Isaiah 55:10-11 As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it
without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater,
11 so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.
PRAYER:
Almighty and Holy God. As this early Wednesday morning begins, we pause to listen. After three days of much-needed rain, perhaps we hear the drops still falling from the trees, see the wet leaves upon the ground, or simply notice that the earth around us looks refreshed. What some might call gloomy weather has actually been a wonderful gift. The ground was thirsty, and You provided.
Lord, sometimes we are thirsty too. We become tired, discouraged, distracted, or simply worn down by life. There are seasons when our spirits need refreshing just as surely as the earth needs rain. Pour Your presence into those dry places within us. Renew our faith, restore our joy, and remind us that You know what we need, sometimes before we even recognize the need ourselves.
We thank You this morning for our church family. Thank You for the people who quietly serve, encourage, pray, teach, give, visit, prepare, clean, sing, and simply show up. Continue to refresh our church as well. As we move into another season of ministry, keep us healthy in spirit, united in Christ, and willing to follow where You lead.
We lift before You those who awaken today carrying heavier burdens. Be near to those who are sick, grieving, lonely, worried about family, or uncertain about tomorrow. May Your presence fall gently upon them like this needed rain—bringing strength, comfort, healing, and hope.
Lord, our world needs refreshing too. We pray for our President, our leaders, and the leaders of other nations. We pray especially for people living where war has taken away the simple blessings of an ordinary day. Protect the innocent, comfort those who mourn, and turn the hearts of those who seek violence toward peace. And when we think of those we call enemies, teach us to pray before we condemn. Work in their hearts, Lord, and work just as deeply in ours.
As September comes to an end, help us enter a new month with grateful hearts. May these past days of rain remind us that not every blessing arrives wrapped in sunshine. Sometimes Your gifts come through clouds. Sometimes renewal begins in the rain. Thank You for knowing what the earth needs. Thank You for knowing what we need. And thank You for being faithful enough to provide both. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.