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Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.

James 1:27, ESV

If we were able to practice pure religion, there would never be people forgotten and left to their own suffering, and the ways of the world could not touch us. We are called to seek righteousness in our living, yet we fail. Our failures are covered in the sacrifice of Christ, but this does not excuse us from continually seeking ways to care for those in need. In ancient times, the neediest were the widows and orphans, but we should not limit our concern for them alone. As followers of Christ, we are called to show compassion to all who are suffering and seek to bring hope to those in need. Our Lord desires for us to seek after the things of concern for Him and not to be deceived and pursue worldly things. This is the most difficult aspect of our faith because we are constantly being pulled by the world’s ideas of what is good and compassionate, which often is in conflict with God and His Word. We pray that our Lord keep our hearts undefiled as He washes us in His waters and redeems us through His body and blood, leading us into His peace.

Let us pray. I thank you, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, your dear Son, that you have kept me this night from all harm and danger, and I ask you to protect me this day also from sin and every evil, that in all I do today, I may please you. For into your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all that is mine. Let your holy angel watch over me, that the wicked foe have no power over me. Amen.