Daily Devotional for November 23

 

November 23                                             Matthew 18:1-9

                            "...your hand..."

Thank you, God, for the gift of my hands. Thank you for
empowering me through them to receive the gifts of life, to
heal others with a gentle touch, to praise you by raising them
in openness and trust.

Forgive me for the times I have used my hands to grasp and
cling to power, possessions, and prestige, to touch others
possessively, lustfully, or violently, or to take what belongs to
another. Today I cut off these uses of my hands and throw them
away.
       
                              "...your foot..."

Thank you, God, for the gift of my feet. Thank you for the
pleasure they give me in running, swimming, and playing, in
walking about on our planet, and in standing tall and proud
in your sunlight.

Forgive me for the times I have used my feet to enter places
that do not glorify you, to kick or trip up others on their life
journeys, or to intrude into another's space. Today I cut off
these uses of my feet and throw them away.
 

                              "...your eye..."

Thank you, God, for the gift of my eyes. Thank you for the
way they enable me to enjoy the colors, shapes, and textures
of your creation, to read and learn from the insights of others,
and to communicate without words my inner life.

Forgive me for the times I have used my eyes to look at others
in a depreciative way, to convey a dishonest message, or to
violate another's privacy by looking at his or her words, experi-
ences, or possessions uninvited. Today I pluck out these uses
of my eyes and throw them away.

         Thank you, God, for all the parts of my body.
      Teach me the right use of each part and help me
         to eliminate those abuses and misuses that
               separate me from the fullness of life.

​

From The Road to Emmaus - An inclusive devotional Edited by Joseph W. Houle

Emmaus House of Prayer - Washington D.C.198