Open.

As this day unfolds, we have incredible opportunities to shine hope, to reflect the love of Christ, and to tell others of the freedom He has made available to us all. Today, my friend, let’s begin by committing to seizing those moments!

Allow me to share a prayer with you written by Alan Paton, a South African author, and well known anti-apartheid activist. I keep this written on a sheet of paper and close by computer in my office. My eyes fall on these words often and it’s always a refreshing prayer to remind me that we don’t solely exist for ourselves, but to see those God will be placing in our paths every day.

Join me in beginning THIS day with this prayer. And then? Let’s see what God has in store!

Oh Lord,
open my eyes
that I may see the need of others.
Open my ears
that I may hear their cries.
Open my heart
so that they need not be without aid.

Let me not be afraid to defend the weak
because of the anger of the strong,
nor afraid to defend the poor
because of the anger of the rich.

Show me where love and hope
and faith are needed
and use me to bring them into those places.

And so, open my eyes and my ears
that I may this coming day be able
to do some work of peace for thee.

Amen.