The Upper Room Daily Devotional 21st December 2022 : The Power of Presence
TOPIC: The Power of Presence
TODAY’S READING
[Jesus] said to them, “I’m very sad. It’s as if I’m dying. Stay here and keep alert.” – Mark 14:34
The Upper Room Daily Devotional 21st December 2022 MESSAGE
When I became a pastor at 22, I lived in fear of having to perform the sacred duty of saying final words at a graveside service. I didn’t know what I would say or do.
On my first day as a pastor, Hill, a 70-year-old seasoned church leader, told me, “You’re our pastor. Tell us what to do, and we’ll follow.” His trust gave me courage to lead. But after only two months, Hill’s wife, Alma, called to tell me that Hill had died. In the face of his loss, I felt unable to do anything useful for Alma or the church.
As funeral arrangements were made over the next two days, I said a few words and prayers. But mostly I just sat with Alma, held her hand, and shared her grief. Alma told me she couldn’t have gotten through it without me. It wasn’t eloquent words or grand gestures that made a difference; it was presence.
God came in the person of Jesus to be present with us. But we can get so busy trying to be useful that we forget to be present with God. As we prepare to celebrate Christ’s birth, let us not forget to spend sacred time sitting quietly and soaking in the presence of Emmanuel.
TODAY’S PRAYER
Dear Lord, in the hustle and bustle of our days, help us to be intentionally present so that we can connect with you and with those around us. Amen.
TODAY’S READING
Mark 14:32-42
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
My presence can remind others of the presence of Christ.
PRAYER FOCUS
Those who have lost a spouse
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Salvation Prayer
Have you ever made Jesus the Lord and Savior of your life?
If not, pray this prayer and start a new life in Christ.
Dear God, I come to You in the Name of Jesus. I admit that I am not right with You, and I want to be right with You. I ask You to forgive me of all my sins. The Bible says if I confess with my mouth that “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in my heart that God raised Him from the dead, I will be saved (Rom. 10:9). I believe with my heart and I confess with my mouth that Jesus is the Lord and Savior of my life. Thank You for saving me! In Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen.
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