Saint of the Day
St. Lawrence
St. Lawrence (d. 258) was a deacon of the Roman church who was martyred under Emperor Valerian. When commanded to hand over the treasures of the Church, he presented the poor, the sick, and the suffering, declaring, "These are the treasure of the Church." He was grilled alive on a gridiron and reportedly said, "Turn me over — I'm done on this side." His courage and wit in the face of death have made him one of the most beloved of the early martyrs.
Scripture Reading
1 Peter 4:12-13
Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.
Reflection
St. Lawrence faced the literal fire of martyrdom with such peace that he became a symbol of joy in suffering. Peter tells us trials are not strange interruptions — they are part of the path of those who follow Christ. The grace to endure is not given in advance; it arrives in the moment it is needed, as Lawrence discovered.
Prayer for Today
Dear Lord I come to you in no other name but the name of Jesus. I come casting all my cares, concerns and troubles upon you because in you there is hope, unspeakable joy, unfailing love, all sufficient grace and endless mercy. According to your word in
Matthew 11:28 you said come unto you all who are weary and heavy burdened and you will give rest. You also said your yoke is easy and your burden is light.
So Lord in the secret place of you the most high, let your river of grace gush through my soul. Quiet and renew my spirit with the fresh oil of your anointing. Let your balm in Gilead heal the wounds and remove the pain and discomfort in my heart.
Like Jabez prayed, I ask that you let your hands be upon me and keep me from the evil one. (1 Chronicles 4:9-10) In addition to enlarging my perspective on life and being able to see things through your eyes, I ask Lord that you enlarge my desire to do
your perfect will each day. Expand my faith capacity and perfect your love in me to cast out every appearance of doubt and fear.
According to your word I am the light of the world (Matthew 5:14) so I ask Lord that you cause your light to illuminate in me and drive out darkness and the spirit of discouragement. Your word is also a lamp unto my feet and a light to my path-way (Psalm
119:105) so let your light beam through the valley of despair and allow me to take rest in you once again.
Thank you for helping me to receive your peace. Thank you for the refreshing rain that gives beauty for ashes, and brings consolation and joy in place of mourning and the garment of praise in exchange for the spirit of heaviness. (Isaiah 61:3) Keep my
mind stayed on you so that you will keep me in your perfect peace. (Isaiah 26:3) that I may think only on the things that are true, noble, right, pure, authentic, excellent and worthy of praise unto your name. (Philippians
4:8) In Jesus name, amen.
Matthew 11:28 you said come unto you all who are weary and heavy burdened and you will give rest. You also said your yoke is easy and your burden is light.
So Lord in the secret place of you the most high, let your river of grace gush through my soul. Quiet and renew my spirit with the fresh oil of your anointing. Let your balm in Gilead heal the wounds and remove the pain and discomfort in my heart.
Like Jabez prayed, I ask that you let your hands be upon me and keep me from the evil one. (1 Chronicles 4:9-10) In addition to enlarging my perspective on life and being able to see things through your eyes, I ask Lord that you enlarge my desire to do
your perfect will each day. Expand my faith capacity and perfect your love in me to cast out every appearance of doubt and fear.
According to your word I am the light of the world (Matthew 5:14) so I ask Lord that you cause your light to illuminate in me and drive out darkness and the spirit of discouragement. Your word is also a lamp unto my feet and a light to my path-way (Psalm
119:105) so let your light beam through the valley of despair and allow me to take rest in you once again.
Thank you for helping me to receive your peace. Thank you for the refreshing rain that gives beauty for ashes, and brings consolation and joy in place of mourning and the garment of praise in exchange for the spirit of heaviness. (Isaiah 61:3) Keep my
mind stayed on you so that you will keep me in your perfect peace. (Isaiah 26:3) that I may think only on the things that are true, noble, right, pure, authentic, excellent and worthy of praise unto your name. (Philippians
4:8) In Jesus name, amen.
Amen.