Strength for the Day

Several mornings a week I read from a devotional, a collection of Dietrich Bonhoeffer's writings on Christianity, spirituality, the disciplines, Scripture, faith, etc. He was a brillian Christian theologian, a thoughtful believer, a brave pastor, and gifted writer. Here is the entry for today, taken from page 76 of his book Life Together:

Prayer offered in earlly morning is decisive for the day. The wasted time we are ashamed of, the temptations we succumb to, the weakness and discouagement in our work, the disorder and lack of discipline in our thinking and in our dealings with other people - all these very frequently have their cause in our neglect of morning prayer.

The ordering and scheduling of our time will become more secure when it comes from prayer. The temmptations of the working day will be overcome by this breakthrough to God. The decisions that are demandedd by our work will become simpler and easier when they are made not in fear of other people, but solely before the face of God.

"Whatever you do, do it from your hearts, as done fo rthe Lord and not done for human beings. (Col 3.23) Even routine mechanical work will be performed more patiently when it comes from the knowledge of God and God's command. Our strength and energy for work increase when we have asked God to give us the strength we need for our daily work.

Amen.