Daily Devotional, Aug 25, 2023 Limitless Worship

“God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.”

John 4:24

Like me, most mothers I know teach their children that God sees everything and that He is everywhere. This of course is true and has scriptural basis, most notably that which is found in the Gospel of St. Matthew “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20). Growing up, I heard this from my parents too but I was kind of limited on my knowledge on the places where I could pray to the Lord.

I got used to knowing that the best place to pray is in church on Sundays, and before the Blessed Sacrament. While I was also told to pray before bed, and in the school chapel, I have always thought that the best prayers are said in church. And for the most part it is true. Outside mass, I would pray before the Blessed Sacrament or sit on church pews and pray by myself for praise and thanksgiving, and then when I am at my lowest. 

Fast forward decades later, I discovered that I could still have that same worship experience even at home. Life challenges and the pandemic taught me that I can shut the door of my room and worship my Lord, and He will hear my prayers just the same. “But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” Matthew 6:6-7

So if God is indeed everywhere, He can hear us too anywhere we try to praise Him and seek His help. And this is why this popular communion song “Yahweh I know you are near” based from Psalm 139 is so touching:

“Where Can I Run From Your Love? If I Climb To The Heavens You Are There; If I Fly To The Sunrise Or Sail Beyond The Sea, Still I Would Find You There.” 

I pray that you too find Jesus anywhere in your life, and that you will have the confidence to worship, praise, and pray to Him whenever you have to. Let us hold on to His promise that “The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, To all who call upon Him in truth.” Psalm 145:18

Thank you for reading through our devotional today. I invite you to read Jeremiah 23:23-24 and John 4:1-26 to dig deeper on today’s topic.

Reflection Question: Where do you say your earnest prayers to the Lord? Do you encourage your children to pray everywhere?

Conversation with the Lord: Almighty God, thank you for being there for us always. You are my treasure and I praise you that you give me limitless ways to worship and seek you. Amen.