A Year of Prayer: Season One Weekday DevotionalsSample

Have you ever been the friend who has laboured long and hard to find the perfect gift, and the person who receives it doesn’t appreciate it as you may have hoped? It is an awkward event to realise that something you have given freely, with much thought, planning, and perhaps resources, has not been received as you had imagined.

It feels almost uncharitable to be annoyed. After all, the gift was given without consideration for reciprocation, right? We don’t give presents in order to receive presents, usually. A gift is freely released, but the recipient's attitude reveals as much about their relationship to you as it does yours to them.

How might we be gracious recipients of all gifts we receive? How might we look beyond the object given to the object giver? Thinking of the intention, thoughts, hopes, and pride that this person has taken to pick something gorgeous, practical, or practical jokey?

And what about our spiritual gifts? Jesus goes beyond a simple act of gifting us an object. He gifted us his body, his lifetime, and his death. He gifted us his separation from the Father, his voluntary giving up of his kingly status to walk in the everyday filth of life, his relationship, and his time. Then, he gifted us his Holy Spirit, who gives us the unique power to serve the world and church for Christ’s glory.

Let us look beyond simply what is given into the heart of God. Let us look to the one who gives and gives and gives of himself, that we might do the same. You have received it freely, so we might give it to you in return.

Prayer: Jesus, find me in connection with you. This time, may I see you shine through family, relationships, and restoring fractures. Let me not forget your wonders and your gift freely given.

Action: Take some time to reflect on what God has done for you over this year.