Category: Daily Prayer

Our scripture this morning is ‭‭2 Peter‬ ‭3:10-18.

“But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a roar and the elements will be destroyed with intense heat, and the earth and its works will be burned up. Since all these things are to be destroyed in this way, what sort of people ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be destroyed by burning, and the elements will melt with intense heat! But according to His promise we are looking for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells. Therefore, beloved, since you look for these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, spotless and blameless, and regard the patience of our Lord as salvation; just as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given him, wrote to you, as also in all his letters, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which the untaught and unstable distort, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures, to their own destruction. You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, be on your guard so that you are not carried away by the error of unprincipled men and fall from your own steadfastness, but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory, both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.”

We have heard of the end times from Paul, John and Jesus Himself. Now Peter writes of the last days with guidance to God’s people that they may “be found by Him in peace, spotless and blameless” (v. 14). All of these instructions remind us that we won’t know the day or time, but we know that the Day of the Lord will come.

In this passage we are warned not to be led astray by the half-truths or outright lies of those who oppose the word of God. We are taught to be “looking for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells” (v. 13). Peter, who was impatient and had a short temper before he came to the Lord, encourages us to be patient and loving as God has been with us.

In all these things we are to trust in God and not our own strength or wisdom. Peter writes these words that we might better understand how to wait for the Lord’s return and what is expected of us until then. May we be found faithful when that great day arrives!

Loving Lord, we struggle to wait patiently in an angry and impatient world. Help us to share Your truth and grace with everyone, that all may come to know Your love. Amen.

Our scripture this morning is ‭‭2 Peter‬ ‭3:1-9‬.

“Dear friends, this is now my second letter to you. I have written both of them as reminders to stimulate you to wholesome thinking. I want you to recall the words spoken in the past by the holy prophets and the command given by our Lord and Savior through your apostles. Above all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. They will say, “Where is this ‘coming’ he promised? Ever since our ancestors died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.” But they deliberately forget that long ago by God’s word the heavens came into being and the earth was formed out of water and by water. By these waters also the world of that time was deluged and destroyed. By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly. But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”

In this passage Peter reminds us that all things will come in God’s time. It may seem that evil exists unopposed, but we have heard “Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap” (Galatians 6:7). While we wait and pray for Christ’s return, God will decide when.

Waiting is difficult, we are an immediate people, used to things happening quickly. God wants us to be patient, but not to just sit around while we wait. He has things for us to accomplish in accordance with the instructions we are given – to love Him and each other, and to make disciples of all the world.

Peter tells us that God isn’t slow in the way we understand it, but He has a plan for creation that must be accomplished. We hear “Instead He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance” (v. 9). God wants us all to know the joy of a relationship with Him and to receive eternal life.

Heavenly Father, we are sorry for the times we are impatient with You and each other. Make us strong in Your love and send us into the world that all may return to You. Amen.

Our scripture this morning is ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭90.

Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations. Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the whole world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God. You turn people back to dust, saying, “Return to dust, you mortals.” A thousand years in your sight are like a day that has just gone by, or like a watch in the night. Yet you sweep people away in the sleep of death— they are like the new grass of the morning: In the morning it springs up new, but by evening it is dry and withered. We are consumed by your anger and terrified by your indignation. You have set our iniquities before you, our secret sins in the light of your presence. All our days pass away under your wrath; we finish our years with a moan. Our days may come to seventy years, or eighty, if our strength endures; yet the best of them are but trouble and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away. If only we knew the power of your anger! Your wrath is as great as the fear that is your due. Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. Relent, Lord! How long will it be? Have compassion on your servants. Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days. Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us, for as many years as we have seen trouble. May your deeds be shown to your servants, your splendor to their children. May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us— yes, establish the work of our hands.

This Psalm states in many ways the might of God and the frailty of humans. It is right that we consider God’s power over all things, remembering that we are His creation. We sometimes forget that we are not in control, and while God has given us free will to do as we choose, it is His plan that leads to eternity.

The psalmist reminds us that we are only here temporarily, urging us to “number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom” (v. 12). Our lives are intended as a gift from God, that we might grow in wisdom and love. However, He does not force our obedience or worship, wanting us to choose Him as He has chosen us.

We must gain an understanding of the world and our place in it. God has work for us here and rest for us in the world to come. We must accept the blessing of salvation sent to us through Jesus Christ and live out the charge He gives.

Gracious God, we are grateful for all our many blessings. Help us to use them wisely for the good of all Your children, that we may all live with You eternally. Amen.

Our scripture this morning is ‭‭Luke‬ ‭21:25-36.

“There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on the earth distress among nations confused by the roaring of the sea and the waves. People will faint from fear and foreboding of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see ‘the Son of Man coming in a cloud’ with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to take place, stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” Then he told them a parable: “Look at the fig tree and all the trees; as soon as they sprout leaves you can see for yourselves and know that summer is already near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. Be on guard so that your hearts are not weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of this life, and that day catch you unexpectedly, like a trap. For it will come upon all who live on the face of the whole earth. Be alert at all times, praying that you may have the strength to escape all these things that will take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.”

I have often wondered why this passage is prescribed for reading the first Sunday of Advent, when we are preparing our hearts and minds for the first coming of Christ as the baby in the manger. Perhaps it is to remind us that while “gentle Jesus, meek and mild” came to be with us as a human, He is the Lord of all Creation, and will come again to destroy evil forever.

In this reading Jesus concludes His teaching about the end times and His return to gather the faithful. He reminds us again that as we are aware of the signs of the seasons on earth, how much more we must watch for the signs of His coming. His warning goes out to all who claim Him as Lord, that we must be on guard against the distractions of the world in order to be ready for the coming of God’s kingdom.

We hear these warnings repeated by Paul in his letters and John in the book of Revelation. God’s messengers and Jesus Himself tell us of His return and that we must be prepared. While we honor His birth at Bethlehem, let us never forget the eternal promise He came to fulfill, that all who confess Him as Lord may be saved.

Gracious God, we are thankful for the gift of Your son Jesus and the sacrifice He made for us. May we worship Him at the cradle and the cross, ever mindful of His call on our lives. Amen.

Our scripture this morning is ‭‭Luke‬ ‭21:20-24‬.

“When you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation has come near. Then those in Judea must flee to the mountains, and those inside the city must leave it, and those out in the country must not enter it; for these are days of vengeance, as a fulfillment of all that is written. Woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing infants in those days! For there will be great distress on the earth and wrath against this people; they will fall by the edge of the sword and be taken away as captives among all nations; and Jerusalem will be trampled on by the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.”

Jesus warns those listening that Jerusalem will be overrun. It is a historical fact that the Roman Empire leveled Jerusalem, destroying the Temple and scattering the Jewish nation around 70 AD. While Jesus is speaking of this physical event, He is also foretelling that those who do not accept God’s Messiah will be scattered in the same way.

Jesus didn’t sugarcoat any of His teachings to us, and while we may have to look for the deeper meaning His lessons contain, they are always the truth. It is up to us to listen carefully and to be ready for what Jesus tells us is coming. It’s not always easy to hear but it is the Good News for God’s people.

The scriptures are full of very human stories, our disobedience and our failure. However, scripture also contains God’s plan for our salvation through Christ the Lord. Hear the warnings that He speaks into our lives, but also hear the joy of the offer of a renewed relationship with our loving Creator.

Heavenly Father, we are often distracted by evil and obstinate in choosing our own way. Help us to see that there is only one way, Your loving gift for us through Christ’s sacrifice. Amen.

Our scripture this morning is ‭‭1 Thessalonians‬ ‭5:12-22‬.

But we appeal to you, brothers and sisters, to respect those who labor among you, and have charge of you in the Lord and admonish you; esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves. And we urge you, beloved, to admonish the idlers, encourage the faint hearted, help the weak, be patient with all of them. See that none of you repays evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to all. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise the words of prophets, but test everything; hold fast to what is good; abstain from every form of evil.

Paul closes this letter with instructions for faithful living. There is everyday wisdom and eternal value in this guidance. We are to get along with our brothers and sisters in Christ, but that also means watching over each other in love.

We often think minding our own business and not becoming involved in the details of others lives is the best policy. Indeed, we’ve been taught “Do not judge, so that you may not be judged” (‭‭Matthew‬ ‭7:1‬), but that doesn’t mean ignoring or accepting backsliding because it’s “not our concern”. Cain tried to use that excuse – “am I my brother’s keeper?” (Genesis 4:9) – under different circumstances, but the lesson is the same.

The greatest commandment, to love God and love one another as ourselves, requires us to be aware of each other’s needs, including coming to their aid when sin encroaches on their lives. We are not called to judge them but to assist through the love and the instructions Jesus gave us. Meddling in another’s affairs because we think we know better is not what we are called to do, but reminding them that God knows better is a task for all of us.

Heavenly Father, help us to pay attention to the needs of our brothers and sisters and to be there for them in love. Bless us to be a blessing to others, sharing the joy of a connection to You with all the world. Amen.

Our scripture this morning is ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭25:1-10.

To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul. O my God, in you I trust; do not let me be put to shame; do not let my enemies exult over me. Do not let those who wait for you be put to shame; let them be ashamed who are wantonly treacherous. Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth, and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all day long. Be mindful of your mercy, O Lord, and of your steadfast love, for they have been from of old. Do not remember the sins of my youth or my transgressions; according to your steadfast love remember me, for your goodness’ sake, O Lord! Good and upright is the Lord; therefore he instructs sinners in the way. He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way. All the paths of the Lord are steadfast love and faithfulness, for those who keep his covenant and his decrees.

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Today marks the beginning of Year C in the Revised Common Lectionary cycle and Sunday is the start of Advent. It is also Thanksgiving here in the USA. May we be thankful for all our many blessings and prepare our hearts to remember the gift of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

The psalmist reminds us of the need for God’s guidance in our lives. He speaks of the blessings that await “those who keep his covenant and his decrees” (v. 10). God wants to draw us into a loving relationship, sharing His creation and teaching us His way. 

We often trust our own ways instead, disobeying the commandments we have been given. God calls us to repentance and acceptance of the gift of salvation He offers through Jesus. By asking His forgiveness and following the guidance we have received through His word, we can be restored to His original intent for us.

Loving Lord, we offer our thanks for all we have been given. Help us to use Your gifts wisely, sharing Your love with all the world. Amen.

Our scripture this morning is ‭‭John‬ ‭16:25-33.

“I have said these things to you in figures of speech. The hour is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figures, but will tell you plainly of the Father. On that day you will ask in my name. I do not say to you that I will ask the Father on your behalf; for the Father himself loves you, because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God. I came from the Father and have come into the world; again, I am leaving the world and am going to the Father.” His disciples said, “Yes, now you are speaking plainly, not in any figure of speech! Now we know that you know all things, and do not need to have anyone question you; by this we believe that you came from God.” Jesus answered them, “Do you now believe? The hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, each one to his home, and you will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone because the Father is with me. I have said this to you, so that in me you may have peace. In the world you face persecution. But take courage; I have conquered the world!”

Jesus is preparing His disciples for the time He will no longer be with them physically. He warns them that they too will be persecuted by the world, but comforts them, saying “take courage; I have conquered the world!” (v. 33). This statement is His promise to us that while evil may make us uncomfortable here temporarily, our eternal souls can be saved through His sacrifice.

This passage tells us the disciples finally express their belief in Jesus as God’s Son. Although He tells them they will be scattered, He says He will not be alone, and by their faith, the Father will be with them as well. This is the strength and protection God offers all who confess Jesus as Lord.

We must continue in His strength, willing to face the trials that will surely come, just as He did. Jesus has shown us that the world and even death have no power over Him. Our faith is the answer to evil in the world, and Jesus will return in final victory.

Loving Lord, our lives are a gift from You, along with everything in creation. Help us to use all the resources You have given us to make the world a better place, and share the joy of our connection to You. Amen.

Our scripture this morning is ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭63:1-11.

You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you; I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you, in a dry and parched land where there is no water. I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory. Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands. I will be fully satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you. On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night. Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings. I cling to you; your right hand upholds me. Those who want to kill me will be destroyed; they will go down to the depths of the earth. They will be given over to the sword and become food for jackals. But the king will rejoice in God; all who swear by God will glory in him, while the mouths of liars will be silenced.

The Book of Psalms contains all the human emotions we know – joy, pain, anger, fear – all the feelings we have can be found within the Psalms. We often hear very raw reactions to situations the authors face. This helps us to know that God wants to hear it all, the plain unvarnished truth of how we feel.

Do you have a family member or friend to whom you can “let it all out”? We need to be able to share our feelings so that they don’t consume us. Emotions unchecked can cause us to make poor decisions. God is there for all of us as well, waiting to hear and help with our lives. 

Praise and worship are essential to our faith, but so is confession. God wants us to give it all up to Him, the good and the bad. He created us and knows us better than we know ourselves. The line from the old hymn “take it to the Lord in prayer” means to give Him everything that burdens us, as well as thanks for all His gifts. Share all your feelings with God, He already knows but by releasing them you will be blessed!

Loving Lord, we are emotional creatures, often prone to act out our feelings. Help us to use our emotions more carefully with each other, and let us share Your love with all the world. Amen.

Our scripture this morning is ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭76:1-12.

“God is renowned in Judah; in Israel his name is great. His tent is in Salem, his dwelling place in Zion. There he broke the flashing arrows, the shields and the swords, the weapons of war. You are radiant with light, more majestic than mountains rich with game. The valiant lie plundered, they sleep their last sleep; not one of the warriors can lift his hands. At your rebuke, God of Jacob, both horse and chariot lie still. It is you alone who are to be feared. Who can stand before you when you are angry? From heaven you pronounced judgment, and the land feared and was quiet— when you, God, rose up to judge, to save all the afflicted of the land. Surely your wrath against mankind brings you praise, and the survivors of your wrath are restrained. Make vows to the Lord your God and fulfill them; let all the neighboring lands bring gifts to the One to be feared. He breaks the spirit of rulers; he is feared by the kings of the earth.”

A Psalm is always a good start to worship and for the week ahead. The psalmist offers praise to God for all His power and glory. He recounts God’s works among the people, both inspiring and terrifying. He reminds us that only through God’s strength are we successful.

A devotion I read recently said “our success is a gift, not a merit badge”, a very true statement. Jesus told us “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing” (‭‭John‬ ‭15:5‬). Without a relationship with God, our lives have no meaning.

How are you connecting to God on a regular basis? Morning and evening prayer, starting and ending each day with Him, is a good way to stay in touch. Jesus gave us the model of sharing our lives with God in prayer, may we be faithful in following His example.

Heavenly Father, we are sorry for the times we rely on our own strength and wisdom, not realizing without You we can do nothing. Bless us to stay connected with You in all things, at all times. Amen.