Page 70 - Living Light - A Message of Joy!

Saturday February 24 - Called to be spiritual
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen. Philippians 4:23
It is fitting that this wonderful letter should end the way it started, with grace – God’s undeserved kindness. Like so many of Paul’s letters, it is ‘a grace sandwich’. Why this emphasis on grace? Perhaps Paul, a man trained to follow the law in the strictest way, had been so transformed by the grace of Jesus that he could not help but emphasise it repeatedly. We are saved by grace, and live by God’s grace every step of each day. Paul’s repeated emphasis on God’s work in our lives, rather than on our own human endeavours, serves as a reminder of the true source of our changed lives and spiritual strength.
This letter differs slightly, along with Galatians (6:18), inasmuch as they both end with Paul praying for grace ‘with your spirit’. This might be considered a nuance, but it is a reminder that we are called to be spiritual. This was established in creation when God breathed life into Adam’s nostrils (Genesis 2:7), the resurrected Jesus breathed upon the disciples (John 20:22), and when the Holy Spirit filled the disciples as they waited on God (Acts 2:4).
What a fitting way to end our Philippian journey, with the opportunity to receive grace. If your spirit is wounded in any way, talk to God and allow his grace to renew, restore and refresh your inner being. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit!
God of grace, may we learn to wait upon you to receive grace in our times of need. Amen.
PRAYER FOR TODAY
February 25th - March 3rd features in the next issue of Living Light
PRAYERS FOR THE WEEK
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:2
TO GOD: Father, we rejoice in the knowledge that you are the God of all peace, and of amazing grace. May we share your grace and peace with our needy world at every opportunity.
FOR THE CHURCH: Lord, forgive us for the times when we are devoid of grace, and for the dishonour this brings to your Name.
FOR THE WORLD: Lord of the harvest, we pray that you will raise up labourers (Matthew 9:38) for the harvest is ripe.
FOR OUR NATION: Lord Jesus, your return is imminent. Commission men and women, filled with your Spirit, to preach the good news boldly and declare the wonders of God.
FOR OUR FRIENDS: Father, it is your will that none may perish (2 Peter 3:9); therefore I pray with confidence for... [names]
FOR MYSELF: Loving heavenly Father, I humbly ask to receive an overflow of your peace and grace, so that I may live in the triumph of Calvary and the power of the resurrection. Amen.
NCT PRAYER
Oh Lord, please fill me afresh with your Holy Spirit and help me devote my life to you.
AMEN.
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