Our devotions this Lenten season have been written by members of Faith Lutheran Church. Today’s devotion is by Cathy Doughty. Also, if you would like to join our staff in praying the liturgy for Responsive Prayer/Suffrages just click here.
We want you to know, brothers and sisters, about the grace of God that has been granted to the churches of Macedonia; for during a severe ordeal of affliction, their abundant joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. For, as I can testify, they voluntarily gave according to their means, and even beyond their means, begging us earnestly for the privilege of sharing in this ministry to the saints— and this, not merely as we expected; they gave themselves first to the Lord and, by the will of God, to us, so that we might urge Titus that, as he had already made a beginning, so he should also complete this generous undertaking among you. Now as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in utmost eagerness, and in our love for you—so we want you to excel also in this generous undertaking. 2 Corinthians 8:1-7
This verse brings to mind another, in Luke 12:32, God says “Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.”
Think about how this will change your prayer as you learn to look upon God as the great all wisdom, all presence, and all power. Suppose that we had to remind God to put apples on apple trees, peaches on peach trees, or berries on berry bushes; or suppose that we had to remind God that we need or do not need so much rain or remind him every evening that it should become dark and the stars should come out and the moon.
God is doing all these things without our advice or petitions, and can we not trust him enough to know our needs without reminding him of them?
Let us pray: God, Thank you for the assurance that you will provide for your disciples. Please help us to remember that we are called to move beyond that assurance to excel in all areas of our life. Help us to become committed disciples who serve you earnestly and give generously to help create your kingdom here on Earth. In this way, we can help care for your flock. Amen.
Daily Devotions 
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