Forward Movement is an official, non-profit agency of the Episcopal Church whose mission is to create compelling content for Christian living. Since 1935 we have published the quarterly devotional Forward Day by Day, as well as pamphlets, booklets, and books that encourage and nourish people in their lives of prayer and faith.
SATURDAY, March 20 (Cuthbert of Lindisfarne)
Mark 9:14-29. This kind can come out only through prayer.
I can identify with the disciples when I read today's passage. The disciples had tried, no doubt with the best intentions, to cast out an unclean spirit, but they had failed. We, too, often fired with enthusiasm, try to do God's work only to fail. A stewardship drive, an adult Bible class, introducing a newcomer to Christ--any number of projects on which we embark can fall surprisingly flat, leaving us wondering why.
When we have a brilliant idea for some project for God, amazed at our own ingenuity, do we pray about it? When we venture to "go out on a limb" for God, impressed with our own courage, do we pray about it? When we endeavor to reach or help others for God, pleased with our own magnanimity, do we pray about it? Or do we assume everything depends on our own talent, energy, intelligence, and leadership?
Jesus said, "Apart from me you can do nothing" (John 15:5). In my experience, I can actually do a lot of things on my own, but I have discovered that in the end, none of them matters. What matters is what Jesus does through me, and that happens only when I have surrendered my will to him and gotten out of the way. (1979)
PRAY for the Diocese of Bujumbura (Burundi)
Ps 107:33-43, 108:1-6(7-13) * 33; Exodus 2:23-3:15; 1 Corinthians 13:1-13
A Meditation for Pentecost
New! Forward Day by Day is available on your Kindle or Nook!
Learn more about how you can support the Unapologetically Episcopalian Campaign to transform the church! Forward Movement stands ready -- and you can help. Don't forget to "like" Unapolgetically Episcopalian on Facebook.
Send Us Your Cat or Dog Photos!
Forward Movement is accepting photo submissions for EpiscoCats and EpiscoPups – our 15-month, wall-hanging calendars. If your pet is chosen, you’ll receive a photo credit and 5 complimentary copies of the calendar. Click here for submission guidelines!
Claim Your Free Gift Now! Simply subscribe to our e-news by using the form below. You will then be able to download our "Ten Ways to Pray" ebook!
Be sure to confirm your preferences and check your email after subscribing. The link to your free gift is found in your "Welcome" email.
TrackBack URI for this entry
Subscribe to this comment's feed
Show/hide comments
Show/hide comment form
