Daily Devotion

Reflection: Terry
Voice: Emily

Today is Friday, 18th of July. As we start another day, let us observe a moment of silence.

We open with this sentence of Scripture:
But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him.  John 4:23

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We read these words of lament in Psalm 88:13-18

But I, O Lord, cry to you;
    in the morning my prayer comes before you.
¹⁴ O Lord, why do you cast my soul away?
    Why do you hide your face from me?
¹⁵ Afflicted and close to death from my youth up,
    I suffer your terrors; I am helpless.
¹⁶ Your wrath has swept over me;
    your dreadful assaults destroy me.
¹⁷ They surround me like a flood all day long;
    they close in on me together.
¹⁸ You have caused my beloved and my friend to shun me;
    my companions have become darkness.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,
and to the Holy Spirit:
as It was in the beginning, is
now, and shall be forever. Amen.

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The Scripture Reading is Romans 16:1-6

I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant of the church at Cenchreae, that you may welcome her in the Lord in a way worthy of the saints, and help her in whatever she may need from you, for she has been a patron of many and of myself as well.

Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, who risked their necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks but all the churches of the Gentiles give thanks as well. Greet also the church in their house. Greet my beloved Epaenetus, who was the first convert to Christ in Asia. Greet Mary, who has worked hard for you.

This is the Word of the Lord
Thanks be to God

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Reflection

Friends in Christ

As Paul brings his letter to the Romans to a close, he includes a long and touching list of personal greetings—names of men and women who were dear to his heart.

Paul was constantly on the move, often “on the road” or “on the seas,” carrying out his ministry across vast and unfamiliar lands. We often hear it said that leadership is lonely, and we might imagine Paul as a solitary figure, pressing on alone. After all, he never stayed long enough in one place to develop deep friendships.

But that’s not the picture that this and other passages in his letters give us.

They reveal something else entirely: Paul was deeply connected to a wide circle of fellow believers. These were not casual acquaintances. He remembered them, appreciated them, prayed for them, and loved them deeply.

His connection with them was more than mere friendship. It was koinonia—a fellowship forged in Christ, a spiritual bond that went beyond time, distance, or routine gatherings. As John writes in 1 John 1:7:

“If we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another…”

This is the mystery and beauty of Christian community: as we walk closely with Christ, we are also drawn into deep fellowship with others who share that same walk—even if we are miles apart. In fact, some of us may be going to church regularly but hardly develop these Christian affections with those who are worshiping with us.

Reflect on these questions:

• Do you have such people in your life?
• Are you praying for them regularly?
• Do you carry them in your heart with brotherly or sisterly affection?

Take a moment today to give thanks for your spiritual friends—those with whom you’ve shared the road of faith. And ask the Lord to help you always treasure them, as Paul did—with a heart full of gratitude, Christ-centered affection, and prayer.

In Closing, receive these words of blessing that is found at the end of the book of Romans:

Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages … to the only wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ! Amen.

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In closing, I like to share a song that carries the aches in my heart over the loss of some dear friends in Christ over the years. Be blessed by this song, A Season in your Path.

Heard that friends are friends forever
But we don’t talk much anymore
I guess that I’ve gone my way
And I guess that you’ve gone yours
Was kindness too neglected
On my list of deep regret
In spite of distance unexpected
Can we forgive but not forget

Sometimes I think about you
Some old memories make me cry
Remembering the good times make me laugh
Yeah, yeah
But all in all, I’m richer
For the happy and the sad
And thankful for a season in your path

I guess God alone deciphers
When people need each other most
Who will be the blessed receiver
And who will be the gracious host
And all a servant here can do
Is unto the Lord avail
Content at times to be the wind
And at times to be the sail

If another winter settles
On your shoulder down the road
Without a thought of what’s behind us
Let me help you pull your load

Link to today’s Morning Office

About This Daily Devotion
This weekday devotion is drawn from the Morning Office and is part of a project initiated by Revd Canon Terry Wong, with contributions from clergy and members across various parishes. Each entry includes selected readings from the appointed Psalm and another Scripture passage, accompanied by a reflection and prayer. An audio option is also available, often ending with a hymn or song. We encourage you to both read and listen.

Our aim is to help Anglicans engage more deeply with our rich liturgical tradition, while meeting the devotional needs of today’s believers. This project began on Ash Wednesday 2025 and is offered on weekdays only.

For feedback, please write to us at info@mpcc.org.sg