The Upper Room Daily Devotional from Nashville, Tennessee, United States “WORLDWIDE FELLOWSHIP” for Thursday, 30 June 2016 with Scripture: Philemon 1:4-7

The Upper Room Daily Devotional from Nashville, Tennessee, United States “WORLDWIDE FELLOWSHIP” for Thursday, 30 June 2016 with Scripture: Philemon 1:4 I thank my God every time I mention you in my prayers, Philemon, 5 for I am hearing about your love and commitment to the Lord Yeshua and to all God’s people. 6 I pray that the fellowship based on your commitment will produce full understanding of every good thing that is ours in union with the Messiah. 7 For your love has given me much joy and encouragement. Brother, you have refreshed the hearts of God’s people.
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The psalmist wrote, “I stretch out my hands to you; my soul thirsts for you like a parched land.”[Psalm 143:6 (NRSV)]
Our family generally uses El Aposento Alto, the Spanish-language edition of The Upper Room, in our personal devotional time with God. Our church members use it as a resource during regular visits with senior adults — especially those suffering illness — and also during our worship services. On one occasion, as an introduction to our weekly worship service, I used the cover art and the art interpretation of the September/October 2014 issue, which is the artist’s interpretation of Psalm 143.
As we studied the cover art, we identified with the words of the psalm. At times we feel burdened by the pressures of our world, sometimes to the point of not even having the strength to seek opportunities for help. I encouraged the group to remain faithful and to remember that thousands, perhaps millions, of people around the world unite and support us in prayer daily. For this we give thanks to God!
We closed our service that evening guided by the prayers written by persons around the world. Truly El Aposento Alto represents the body of Christ worldwide. We are all united in prayer for one another as we seek to continue living as Christ’s followers, glorifying God in all we do.
The Author: Hilda Ortiz-Ramos (Puerto Rico)
Thought for the Day: A shared experience of faith is a shared blessing across the world.
Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for our sisters and brothers around the world who bless us by sharing their experiences of faithful living. Amen.
Prayer focus: EDITORS AND DISTRIBUTORS OF EL APOSENTO ALTO

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