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.
WEDNESDAY, August 25 (Louis of France)
Acts 10:1-16. Cornelius…was a devout man who feared God with all his household; he gave alms generously to the people and prayed constantly to God. One afternoon…he had a vision in which he clearly saw an angel of God…and said, “What is it, Lord?” He answered, “Your prayers and your alms have ascended as a memorial before God.”
How can our prayer become effectual?
If our prayers are merely words directed at God, they are—well, merely words.
What we pray for must first be already begun in ourselves. If we would pray for peace, we must already be peacemakers. If we would have forgiveness, we must already be forgiving.
Some are so advanced as to pray for their enemies. To make this effectual we must first consider: has my enemy something against me? Am I willing to amend that offense of mine so that we may be reconciled? It is no use to pray for our enemies if we are looking down upon them.
Our actions must go in the line of our prayers. It would baffle anyone—even God—to hear someone say, “I am coming toward you” who all the while was walking in the opposite direction. “Your prayers and your alms have ascended as a memorial before God.” (1940)
PRAY for the Diocese of Georgia (Province IV, USA)
Ps 119:1-24 * 12, 13, 14; Job 6:1; 7:1-21; John 7:1-13
View the daily Lectionary Readings at Satucket.com.
Or view the Bible passages at Biblegateway.com.
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
