God Opens Doors
By Sara Lloyd of Goddard, KS, USA
I know your works. Look, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut. I know that you have but little power, and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name. -Revelation 3:8
Being a knitter, I visited an Independence, Missouri, yarn shop during the 2016 World Conference. As knitters always talk to other knitters, they discovered I work with resident physicians. They shared their dedication to knitting for babies and small children in need and quickly brought out two huge bags of the most beautiful hats, blankets, and sweaters for babies and toddlers. Even more surprising, they asked if we could give them to those with great need. Quickly I answered yes! My excitement was barely contained at the magnitude of these gifts. What a huge, unexpected blessing to help those who are in so much need! Their love and support was overwhelming as they shared their knitting with a nonprofit who takes all patients, regardless of ability to pay.
When the head nurse received the items, we shared tears! The lovely items were like the best Christmas ever for the agency and their patients. Each beautiful item was packed in tissue and presented to the recipients. Each stitch was created with love, and the mothers felt that love and support for them and their young children. They were amazed. The Independence group sent another round of gifts at the perfect time when our weather turned extremely cold.
But the story doesn’t end there. I started knitting hats and shared with others how these items are needed in all seasons. Now more people are knitting for these precious babies and children and sharing in the joy. God’s abundant blessings opened doors, changed lives, and created love and joy. Amazing blessings continue to flow from World Conference.
Prayer Phrase
“Awake, my soul!” (Psalm 57:8 NRSV)
Spiritual Practice
The Prayer of the Heart
Early Christian disciples desired to take seriously the scripture mandate to pray “without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). The prayer of the heart invites us to pray “continuously” by repeating and returning to a prayer phrase planted for intentional reflection and deepening. Choose a word or phrase (from scripture, hymnody, or personal reflection) that has meaning for you. The Jesus Prayer is one form of the prayer of the heart: “Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me” (Luke 18:35-43). Invite this simple phrase to repeat in your heart throughout the day, awakening your soul to God’s presence.
Today’s Prayer for Peace
Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.
