Ministry of Prayer

Greetings,

This past week I received an email talking about Saint Augustine.  On the same day, I also read about him in one of my little devotional books.  I figured God must really want me to learn something, and I did!

St. Augustine lived in the 300s, and before his mighty conversion at 31, and before he became one of Christianity’s most influential theologians, he was a wild child – the wildest of the wild.  His mother, however, was a praying mom, and she never gave up hope.  Saint Augustine finally turned to Jesus as a young adult. His mother, Monica, was so joyful, but she died nine days later.

That’s rough, to say the least.  But as I read and re-read this story, one mighty phrase jumped out at me again and again.  “Her ministry of prayer complete, her purpose in living fulfilled, Saint Augustine’s mother went to heaven.”

We all have a purpose and a ministry in this life, and it begins with praying for those we love.  Monica did not give up and was greatly rewarded.  And if you need encouragement today to keep up the conversations with God, consider the words that Saint Augustine’s mother heard when she reached out for comfort and assurance from a bishop she knew, “It is impossible that the son of so many tears should perish” (from Confessions, St. Augustine). Amen~

Dear sweet DEVO readers, if you are alive and breathing, you have purpose. PRAY. You have a ministry, a job to do for those who need Christ’s healing and salvation.  Become a daily channel through which God sends his blessings.

PRAYER: Dear Lord, We come before you on behalf of those we love.  Thank You for receiving us and hearing us.  Answer our call today for help.  Send hope, faith, joy, peace, health, and protection.  Wrap Your arms around me and my family today. In Jesus’ name. AMEN.