“Is anyone among you suffering? Then he must pray. Is anyone cheerful? He is to sing praises” (James 5:13).

The Lord has called for us to learn how to care for one another.  Yes, the Lord sent salvation for  you, but He also placed you in a fellowship for His sake.  If there is a need, then pray.  If there is something to rejoice over, then rejoice.  We are put together as a family, a social unit.  The world seeks to tear us apart, but the Lord will bring us together.  Seek the way of the Lord now and always.

Lord, help me to understand that when one part of the body hurts, we all hurt.  Guide me to know that in the truth of what You have revealed we do need to care for one another.  Lead me, O Lord, so that I may learn how to do these things and live into the life to which You have called me.  Help me to be sensitive to my neighbor’s needs and seek to be united with them as I am with You.

Lord Jesus, You called together Your disciples and taught them to look to You and care for one another.  You demonstrated Your care by healing the sick, giving sight to the blind, opening the ears of the deaf, and feeding the hungry.  Lead me by Your example to care for those whom You give me to care for.  Lead me in order that I would now and forever live toward the goal that faith in You has given me.  Amen.

“Awake, my glory!  Awake, harp and lyre!  I will awaken the dawn.  I will give thanks to You, O Lord, among the peoples; I will sing praises to You among the nations.”  (Psalm 57:8-9)

Look around and what do you see?  Does not the sun come up each morning?  Is not the Lord giving all that is needed for life to continue?  Has not the Lord provided for You?  Yes and more.  Awaken, and regardless what is happening around you, see that the Lord is always doing His part in the midst of every time and place.  Give thanks to the Lord for He is good and provides always.

Teach me,O Lord, to sing to You with the work of my hands.  Guide me in those gifts You have given to use them for You always.  Lead me in the way I should go that I may go there.  Open my eyes to see the beauty of the earth and all that is in it.  Let my voice raise in song and my heart swell with praise of Your goodness to all.  May others know that it is You that I praise, O Lord.

Lord and Savior, Jesus, You are leading the way for as many as come through You to the Father.  Guide my thoughts and actions this day that I may see the goodness that is all around in spite of the battle of sin that still rages.  Keep my heart in joy and away from lament, and lead me to sing a sing of praise this day through all that I do.  Help me, O Lord, to walk as You would have me walk.  Amen.

“They have prepared a net for my steps; my soul is bowed down; they dug a pit before me; they themselves have fallen into the midst of it.  My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast; I will sing, yes, I will sing praises!”  (Psalm 57:6-7)

In the midst of the turmoil of the world, many will lament, curse God and join in the fray.  But will that change the rampant sin that prevails?  No, it will not.  Praise the Lord in all seasons and know that You have His promise that everything will work for His glory.  Know that the Lord is good in the midst of all that is not good.  Let your heart be steadfast and praise the Lord at all times.

Lord I often spend time in laments, but not in praise.  Praise is not an emotion, but an attitude.  Guide me to see in You hope and a future.  Lead me into the life to which You have called me that I would go with hope in You.  No matter what happens in this life, lead me O Lord to walk in Your ways, praising You for all that comes.  Keep my heart steadfast upon You.

Lord Jesus, You know the pain and suffering more than any other, for You took it all upon Yourself.  Help me know that this is true that I may walk with You confidently trusting in all that You have done.  Let me work through every adversity while You are shaping me day by day to be more like You.  Lead me, O Lord, and grant my feet the ability to follow.  Amen