HEADLINE DEVOTIONAL

2 Timothy 1:3-14 (NRSV)

I am grateful to God--whom I worship with a clear conscience, as my ancestors did--when I remember you constantly in my prayers night and day. Recalling your tears, I long to see you so that I may be filled with joy. I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that lived first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, lives in you. For this reason I remind you to rekindle the gift of God that is within you through the laying on of my hands; for God did not give us a spirit of cowardice, but rather a spirit of power and of love and of self-discipline. Do not be ashamed, then, of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner, but join with me in suffering for the gospel, relying on the power of God, who saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works but according to his own purpose and grace. This grace was given to us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. For this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher, and for this reason I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know the one in whom I have put my trust, and I am sure that he is able to guard until that day what I have entrusted to him. Hold to the standard of sound teaching that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. Guard the good treasure entrusted to you, with the help of the Holy Spirit living in us.

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Paul wrote, "I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone."
- 1 Timothy 2:1 (NRSV)
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EACH morning, my husband usually leaves the Bible and The Upper Room on the breakfast table, but occasionally he leaves only the newspaper. Seeing the front-page headlines used to depress me, but I've learned to use them as a guide to prayer.

When I see the president's face, I'm reminded to pray for my nation's leaders; a train derailment moves me to pray for the dead and injured and for their families to know peace and comfort. A natural disaster prompts prayers for the victims and aid workers and perhaps prompts me to respond by giving a donation to a relief agency. Murder and other acts of horror are harder. I'm led to pray not only for the victim's healing but the perpetrator's spiritual healing. Through reports in the newspaper, I am reminded always to give thanks for my own circumstances. I'm reminded, too, to confess my own transgressions.

God, though all-powerful, invites us to help others through intercessory prayer, bringing healing and hope to those in need.

Prayer: In our distress, Lord, you hear us when we call; and for that, we give you thanks. Remind us that we can be a conduit of your help to those in need. Amen.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
Today, "pray" the news.

-- Bonnie Thomson Ogle (Florida, U.S.A.)

PRAYER FOCUS: National leaders