21 Days of Prayer & Fasting 2023: Day 18

Thursday, February 23
DAY 18: HOSPITABLE GENEROSITY

READ
Acts 18:1-4, 24-26

REFLECT
The Russian/Ukraine war has dislocated many Ukrainian families. However, on online platforms such as Host a Sister, Ukraine Take Shelter, Host 4 Ukraine, RefugeBooking, and others, many people living in other counties have offered their homes and time to help those displaced by this war. When the Irish government opened up a website for people wanting to host displaced Ukrainian refugees, so many Irish signed up that the website crashed.

This passage reveals generosity is not only about money. We also can express generosity through our hospitality. Whereas yesterday we read about a couple who was not a great example to follow, today we read about Aquila and Priscilla, a couple worthy of following. Instead of money, this couple offered their home and time to both Paul and Apollos.

Their example demonstrates generosity can be expressed creatively through giving our time and energies to others who may need them. This is the biblical definition of hospitality. Being hospitable is not only about opening up your home, it also involves the giving up of your self in order to serve others.

RESPOND
Spend time in prayer, following the Upward, Inward, Outward, Upward format.

Upward: Who God is; What God has done, is doing, will do

Inward: Who you are; How you live

Outward: Intercession for others

Today’s Prayer:
“God, thank you for showing me what hospitable generosity looks like. Anytime I need you, you are 100% there and are never distracted. Stir within my heart a desire to show this same kind of generosity to others. Help me to show true hospitality by giving myself and what I have been blessed with to serve them. Guide us a church family in showing hospitable generosity to the less fortunate in our community.”

Upward: Thanksgiving and Worship