Monday Devotion and Prayer – August 7, 2023

“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” – Matthew 11: 28 – 30

Do you have memories of moments in your life that stand out? When have you experienced how different the closeness of God feels compared to times when you’ve felt alone? There have been many hills to climb and valleys to get through since my baptism. I have limped rather than run the race. The promise of Jesus stands firm. Come to him if you feel weary. Come to him however you feel. Come and rest. He wants us to do this with our lives: to rest in Him every day and open the door for others to rest in him too. Remember his words in John 6:37:

“All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.”

Life-changing words, which still hold true. I encourage you to spend time reflecting upon this beautiful invitation from God: “Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you without money, come, buy, and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost! Why spend money on that which is not bread, and your labor on that which does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of foods.” (Isaiah 55: 1 -2)

Heavenly Father, of all compassion. You have known me since before I was born. Thank you for being with me in every moment of my life, and I am your child. Help me to order my memories and put them where they belong—forgetting the unhelpful moments of the past and straining for the joy ahead—recollecting times of closeness to you. More than anything, when I said publicly, that moment of baptism, I belong to you. Today, I commit my life to you again and, in your precious name, the service of others. In Your son Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.