Morning Devotional 021126 Come Together and Share God's Love

Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room

February 11, 2026

James 5:13-16

13 If any of you are suffering, they should pray. If any of you are happy, they should sing. 14 If any of you are sick, they should call for the elders of the church, and the elders should pray over them, anointing them with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 Prayer that comes from faith will heal the sick, for the Lord will restore them to health. And if they have sinned, they will be forgiven. 16 For this reason, confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of the righteous person is powerful in what it can achieve.

Good Morning! Be present with one another. 

As I gaze out my window this morning, I see the remains of contrails as they create puffy lines of clouds. I see the remaining oak leaves dancing in the gentle breeze. The sun is translucent behind the veil of clouds. Yesterday’s warmth initiated the melting of the ice that had had such a hold upon us for the past three weeks. I feel hopeful and peaceful. 

The winter weather has limited many people's ability to attend church. I have spent a lot of time on the phone staying connected with those who were unable to come out. This past Sunday, we celebrated Holy Communion. As always, it was a great blessing to come to the table of the Lord, but so many were at home. One of my most sacred duties as a pastor is to officiate and spend time at the Lord’s table. 

With improving weather, I am visiting those who were unable to attend church this past Sunday and celebrating Holy Communion with them. John Wesley believed that we should take every opportunity to come to the table and share in God’s grace. 

Peter reminds us that we are a community, a family, of faith. Our faith brings us together so that we may find strength by supporting one another in all of our seasons of life through prayer and fellowship. 

Redeeming Lord, you bless us abundantly! You bring us together as one body so that we can share in love and grow in faith. Thank you. We love you. In Christ’s name we pray, Amen.

Thought for the day: Prayer is our communication portal to God.

Love one another and be blessed! Pastor Liz