The Upper Room Devotional for 31st October 2022

12

The Upper Room Devotional for 1st November 2022

Welcome!!! The word of God is food to the spirit man. As you read The Upper Room Devotional Today, may the word of the Lord powerfully impact on you. 

Today’s Topic: A Cloud of Witnesses
Lynn Domina (Michigan, USA)

TODAY’S READING
Hebrews 12:1-3

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
I will remember the saints in my life today.

The Upper Room Devotional For 1st November 2022

Since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders. – Hebrews 12:1 (NIV)

I have enjoyed watching videos of choirs from around the world as they sing hymns, some particular to their own cultures and others familiar to almost all Christians. In one video, people from around the world sing “Amazing Grace,” each line sung in a different language — English, Norwegian, German, Hebrew, Chinese, Arabic, and many others. The voices come together, using different words but the same melody. In another video, 800 musicians from around the world perform this hymn in English. We see images of them in all their diversity — young and old, percussionists and cellists, individuals with various complexions. Their music inspires and encourages me.

It’s the communion of saints, I thought the first time I saw it. In Christ we are connected to one another by this communion of saints, this mighty cloud of witnesses.

Whenever I find myself in the midst of a personal crisis, I’m reassured by the support I feel from all these saints. In every moment we are supported by the prayers of millions who have gone before us yet continue to accompany us. Known and unknown, they’re here with us, inviting us into their eternal chorus.

TODAY’S PRAYER
Faithful God, help us to remember to offer support to and receive help from one another. Thank you for the gift of global community. Amen.

PRAYER FOCUS
Singers and musicians