I lay down and slept;
I awoke, for the LORD sustained me.
I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people
Who have set themselvesagainst me all around. Psalm 3.5, 6

Life Together
Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1906-1945)
“We have heard God’s Word, and we have been permitted to join in the hymn of the Church; but now we are to pray to God as a fellowship, and this prayer must really be our word, our prayer for this day, for our work, for our fellowship, for the particular needs and sins that oppress us in common, for the persons who are committed to our care.”

Of course, Bonhoeffer was writing for seminary students and teaching them to join in their prayers in the morning. But in a very real sense, we do the same, even when we are praying on our own. God delights in the prayers of His people; indeed, He promises even to dwell in the midst of our praises (Ps. 22.3). Prayer in the morning should respond to the Word and look forward to the day ahead. In prayer we envision the power of God working through us, in all the details and activities of the day ahead. By it we fortify ourselves with spiritual strength to walk closely with the Lord, keeping our eyes on Him, so that we might serve Him only.

How would you describe your morning prayers? Do they prepare you adequately for the day ahead? Do they offer opportunity for you to respond to the Word of God?

T. M. Moore

Personal Mission Field
Map out your Personal Mission Field and begin to focus daily on the people to whom God is sending you. Watch this brief video, then download the worksheet and follow the instructions to identify the people to whom God is sending you as an agent of His grace.

One in Twelve: Introduction to Christian Worldview
Our free, online course, One in Twelve: Introduction to Christian Worldview, can help you understand your Kingdom-and-glory calling, and live it more effectively and fruitfully. Study at your own pace or with some friends. Click here to learn more.

Thanks to those of you who support our work with your prayers and gifts. Our heavenly Father supports The Fellowship of Ailbe through the generous and faithful gifts of those who benefit from and believe in our work. Does the Lord want to use you in this way? Please look to Him in prayer over this question. You can contribute to The Fellowship of Ailbe by using the Contribute button at our website, or by sending your gift to The Fellowship of Ailbe, 19 Tyler Drive, Essex Junction, VT 05452. Thank you.

Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.