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Morning Devotion for the Season of Epiphany
February 7, 2026
Scholastica of Nursia
Reading: Matthew 6:5-8
‘And whenever you pray, do not be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, so that they may be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But whenever you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
‘When you are praying, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do; for they think that they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.
Meditation: Jo Ann B. Jones
A woman who is well known to me recently shared with me an interesting experience in prayer. She seemed to have been in something of a panic, the origin or source of which she did not specifically identify. This panic was so strong, that it led her to simply repeat the petition to God that God should come to her assistance. Over and over she repeated the words, “God, please help me!’ She neither paused for reflection, or, more importantly, to listen for a response from God. To her credit, she offered this prayer or petition, in the privacy of her home. She was alone. She did not rely upon any form of prayer in the Book of Common Prayer. Her petition arose from her gut, her very sense of desperation and an equally strong need for comfort and strength. Her pleas came fast and furiously and one wonders whether she considered how she could let God have an opportunity to answer her.
Then suddenly, God did come to her. Even in the midst of her cries and desperation, she clearly heard God speak to her and offer comfort. And then it was as if a huge storm had passed and she was enveloped in God’s peace. It truly was something that the world could not give. Her panic immediately receded. She could proceed in her daily activities steadily and assuredly.
What she did not understand, though, was that her prayer seemed to be in keeping with what Jesus wished to convey in this passage. True prayer is what we offer to God. My friend definitely had a sense that only God could hear and answer her. Moreover, whether she articulated this, she deeply sensed that she was praying to God who is the God of love, the One who is more ready to answer than we are to pray. In that moment of desperate need for comfort and direction, God was very, very present to her and answered her quite readily with assurance of his support of her, offering peace to quell her fears and desperation. He opened a way for her to proceed with faith and trust in God and what God intended for her. In that assurance she found strength and confidence that she now treasures. God gave willingly to her of his grace
and peace. If anything, I think she was quite surprised in this instance by God’s readiness and willingness to give.
Prayer for Quiet Confidence
O God, of peace, who has taught us that in returning and rest we shall be saved, in quietness and in confidence shall be our strength: By the might of your Spirit, lift us, we pray you to your presence, where we may be still and know that you are God; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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