Scripture reading
Hear my prayer, O Lord, listen to my cry for mercy. In the day of my trouble I will call to you, for you will answer me.
–Psalm 86:6-7
Thought of the Day
Over the last week because of the terrible events that occurred, so many people have turned to God in prayer. Mahatma Gandhi often said that he never made a decision without prayer. He also said that he was always careful to make sure he was asking for the right thing. To illustrate this he once wrote:
“There was a law directly expressed against Indians in South Africa, and I had come to oppose it. My ship was met by a hostile mob and I was advised to stay on board for the sake of my physical safety, for the crowd had come with the announced intention of lynching me. I went ashore nevertheless. I was stoned and kicked and beaten a good deal; but I had not prayed for safety, but for the courage to face the mob, and that courage came and did not fail me.”
Mr. Gandhi not only understood the power of prayer but also the purpose. Maybe the purpose of prayer sometimes instead of giving thanks or asking forgiveness, is to ask to be filled with Godly powers like patience, and courage, and self-control, and compassion, and love. We need at times like this, to turn to God and ask for all these and more.
Prayer
God, You are the God of Heaven and Earth. There is no other. Give us Your love and power. Amen.