The disciples were filled with joy and the Holy Spirit.
Acts 13:52
In every moment I have the option to rejoice in God’s gift of the Holy Spirit.
May I remember to turn to the light in hard times. May I ask the Lord to guide me in the way of wisdom, understanding, compassion, forgiveness, peace, and kindness.
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O LORD, be my helper. Psalm 30:11b
Let me not be ashamed to ask for the Lord’s help as often as I need. The Lord will not withhold from me. Let me always remember to say thank you.
Lord, may I rely on you to feed me physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. May your unfailing, kind attention fill me with gratitude.
Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you.” John 20:19b
Let us not doubt the Lord’s peace. It is a peace of the heart, the peace of knowing God is here, with us now and forever. We have not been forsaken, no matter how outside events appear. The vision is God’s, the timing is God’s, the peace is ours for the taking.
Lord, whatever I am experiencing today, I know you are here with me. Help me to receive your peace and extend it to all people everywhere.
[Jesus] had to rise from the dead. John 20:9b
With love, there is no choice. Love revives us, renews us, raises us to new life where kindness, peace, and compassion meet, collaborate, and bless our words, actions, behaviors, and our very lives.
Today I will remember Jesus had to rise from the dead because of the power of love. God’s love raises us beyond darkness and injustice, confusion and grief, illness and death.
Lord, let my heart be open to receive and release the renewing power of your love.
The other [criminal]… said in reply, “…indeed, we have been condemned justly, for the sentence we received corresponds to our crimes, but this man has done nothing criminal.” Then he said,
“Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”
He replied to him, “Amen, I say to you,
today you will be with me in Paradise.“ Luke 23:40-43
Every day brings many challenges that require me to choose appropriate words, actions, and behaviors. When I ask the Lord to remember me, I am acknowledging my need for the Lord’s constant guidance so that I may reflect God’s love, peace, and kindness in all my interactions.
Love, peace, and kindness help make heaven on earth a reality. Today I will remember that taking responsibility for my words, actions, and behaviors is a step towards holiness.
When the poor one called out, the LORD heard, and from all his distress he saved him. Psalm 34:7
God is present. God hears me when I call out. God saves me from distress by blessing me with courage and strength to bear a burden, by showing me what to do in a difficult situation, by giving me the right words at the right moment, by removing my resentments, by helping me to grieve, and through the kindness and compassion of other people.
Today I will call on God for all my needs. I will trust that my prayer will be answered and stay alert to receive the help God provides.
The Lord is kind and merciful. Psalm 103:8a
Kind words and actions and a compassionate presence do more to build up the kingdom of heaven than harshness, impatience, and an unforgiving attitude.
Lord, show me how to be more like you. Fill me with your kindness, peace, and compassion. May my words and actions reflect your infinite patience and love.
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God placed the parts, each one of them, in the body as he intended. If they were all one part, where would the body be? But as it is, there are many parts, yet one body. The eye cannot say to the hand, “I do not need you, “ nor again the head to the feet, “I do not need you.” 1 Corinthians 12:18-21
In many areas of our world and society, human life is considered cheap – to be destroyed by war, trafficking, slavery, experimental science, and many other forms of self-interest, selfishness, and greed.
We must never forget God made each precious person in the image of God’s own image of love and goodness. We must always remember to treat ourselves and every person with generosity and dignity, and with the respect and compassion that is our birthright.
We all belong to God. Today I will make sure I welcome and honor everyone I encounter.
There are different kinds of spiritual gifts but the same Spirit; there are different forms of service but the same Lord; there are different workings but the same God who produces all of them in everyone. 1 Corinthians 12:4-6
The same Spirit of love and goodness dwells in each precious human person. We are each led by God’s Spirit to bless our families and communities with that love and goodness in our own unique way.
Today I will ask God’s Spirit for deep awareness of the love and goodness in my heart and to show me how to bless everyone I encounter with that love and goodness.
Comfort, give comfort to my people, says your God. Isaiah 40:1
Each of us is a beloved child of God in need of loving kindness, encouragement, and healing.
Today I will be a source of comfort to every person I encounter.
Mary Ann McSweeny 
