Category: Daily Prayer

Our scripture this morning is ‭‭John‬ ‭3:31-36‬.

The one who comes from above is above all; the one who is from the earth belongs to the earth, and speaks as one from the earth. The one who comes from heaven is above all. He testifies to what he has seen and heard, but no one accepts his testimony. Whoever has accepted it has certified that God is truthful. For the one whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God gives the Spirit without limit. The Father loves the Son and has placed everything in his hands. Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them.

With these words John the Baptist teaches about the divine nature of Jesus and the wonder of His coming to be with us. He tells us of the eternal connection between God the Father, Jesus the Son and the Holy Spirit, and how our acceptance of Jesus as Lord is the key to salvation. This is God’s promise that “whoever believes in the Son has eternal life” (v. 36).

John was born to be the herald of Christ, and he told all who would listen “I am the voice of one calling in the wilderness, Make straight the way for the Lord” (‭‭John 1:23). He called people to a baptism of repentance that they might be ready for the teaching Jesus would bring. John’s message and his action show his faith that Jesus is indeed the Messiah.

John shares the same truth that Jesus teaches later, that no one comes to the Father except through Him (John 14:6). This is our invitation to be part of God’s plan, that through our repentance we can be forgiven and by faith we can be God’s messengers in the world. There is work for us in His kingdom!

Loving Lord, we are grateful for the gift of Your Son. Help us to turn from evil and follow our Savior that we may be part of Your eternal plan. Amen.

Our scripture this morning is Revelation 1:4-8.

John, To the seven churches in the province of Asia: Grace and peace to you from him who is, and who was, and who is to come, and from the seven spirits before his throne, and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father—to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen. “Look, he is coming with the clouds,” and “every eye will see him, even those who pierced him”; and all peoples on earth “will mourn because of him.” So shall it be! Amen. “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.”

John was given a marvelous vision of what Christ’s return will be like. While many of the images he presents are confusing and terrifying, they are given to us so that we might know the truth. The vision of the end times is intended to let us know there will be judgement of humanity according to our faith and actions.

While the things God has shown John are frightening, they also show God’s justice and His mercy to those who draw near to Him. He has shared His eternal plan with us so that we may know what is to come. I don’t believe God intends us to be “scared straight”, that’s not how He connects with us. However, He has given us this account to help us live through troubled times in faith.

Are we at the end times? Many have believed so before and many think this may be when Christ comes again for us. Remember that Jesus told His followers “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (‭‭Acts‬ ‭1:7-8‬). When He will return is up to God, how we wait faithfully is up to us.

Gracious God, thank You for trusting us with Your holy word. Help us to share this truth with Your children that all may come to You in repentance. Amen.

Our scripture this morning is 1 Corinthians 15:20‭-‬28.

But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. But each in turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him. Then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power. For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death. For he “has put everything under his feet.” Now when it says that “everything” has been put under him, it is clear that this does not include God himself, who put everything under Christ. When he has done this, then the Son himself will be made subject to him who put everything under him, so that God may be all in all.

Paul teaches about the Resurrection and Christ’s return that we might better understand God’s plan for us. He reminds us that sin came into the world by human choice. It is also by choice that we can be redeemed – God has already chosen us, we must then also choose to be part of His kingdom.

Jesus came to us as a man that in Him we could see what God intended for all humanity. When He returns for us, we will see His divine nature, the connection He has with God and the connection all believers will have through Him. This is the promise of faith offered to us.

We don’t know when He will return but we know it will happen. We must be prepared for His coming in the way we live every day. By making our hearts and minds ready here, we will be ready to be with Him in eternity.

Gracious God, we are grateful for the gift of our Savior. Help us to hear Your word and share Your love with all the world. Amen.

Our scripture this morning is ‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭1:13-19.

Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” And if you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one’s deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile, knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.

Peter writes that our faith requires a response, that we must be ready to act on the things Christ has taught us. Through our obedience we can be holy just as He was (v. 16). This is an amazing promise, that we can be like Jesus.

In order to follow in faith, we must be willing to do what is asked of us. It is our choice, Jesus forces no one. It is more than just knowing the scripture, it requires us to put that knowledge to work in our daily lives and share that love with those around us.

Peter knew better than anyone the joy of forgiveness. He had utterly failed when Jesus was arrested, going so far as denying he even knew Him. We sometimes deny Christ by our thoughts and behavior, but like Peter we can ask forgiveness and be restored to the family of God.

Loving Lord, we are sorry for the times we fail You. Forgive us we pray, and make us strong in faith to go into the world in Your name. Amen.

Our scripture this morning is Romans 3:21‭-‬26.

But now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished— he did it to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.

Paul reminds us that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (v. 23). We can’t be righteous by our own strength or actions, only by God’s grace and forgiveness. Christ’s sacrifice has redeemed us to God.

Now that we have this precious gift of redemption, it is up to us to share the joy of our reconnection with all the world. Paul travelled widely to proclaim the Good News and we are called to do the same. There are people near and far who need to hear the message of God’s love.

Our faith enables us and compels us to reach out to the world, telling everyone of the blessing of forgiveness Jesus gives. All can be saved through belief in Him. Share the love and peace you have received with everyone.

Gracious God, we are sorry for our selfish acts and ask Your forgiveness. Make us strong in our faith and may we spread Your light and love everywhere. Amen.

Our scripture this morning is ‭‭Acts‬ ‭17:24-27‬.

The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by human hands. And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything. Rather, he himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else. From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands. God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us.

In this passage Paul speaks to the people of Athens of God’s omnipotent power and how all things flow from Him. He warns them against the worship of idols, that only the one true God is worthy of our praise and that He wants to be connected to us. God waits for each of us to return to Him in repentance that we might be forgiven and renewed.

We know this teaching, but do we live it? Down through history God has sent faithful messengers to remind us of His love, but we have not always listened. Yet God continues to be present, “not far from any one of us” (v. 27).

God has made a way for all to be saved through the sacrifice of Christ. All we need to do is give up our sad human striving for things and live as Jesus taught, loving God and one another. He has offered us eternal life, it is up to us to accept His gift and be willing to share that joy with the world.

Loving Lord, we are sorry for our selfish ways, wanting worthless temporary things. Help us to know the way You intend for us and to help others walk in the light with us. Amen. 

Our scripture this morning is ‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭12:1-6.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. And have you completely forgotten this word of encouragement that addresses you as a father addresses his son? It says, “My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.”

Discipline is a difficult thing for humans. We need correction to be able to follow the right path but we don’t readily accept it. Paul reminds us that God gives discipline because He loves us and wants to keep us from evil.

Too often we don’t understand the difference between punishment and discipline. God wants us to do better and guides us away from the things that will harm us. God wants our attention so we might hear Him and do what He intends.

God wouldn’t bother to offer correction if He didn’t love us. He calls us to be part of His plan for creation, using His gifts to care for all His children. Accept the loving guidance He gives to keep us safe and lead us to salvation.

Wise and wonderful God, in Your mercy You sent Jesus to help us hear and understand Your call on our lives. May we be the face of Your love to everyone. Amen. 

Our scripture today is ‭‭Mark‬ ‭13:1-8‬.

As Jesus was leaving the temple, one of his disciples said to him, “Look, Teacher! What massive stones! What magnificent buildings!” “Do you see all these great buildings?” replied Jesus. “Not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down.” As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter, James, John and Andrew asked him privately, “Tell us, when will these things happen? And what will be the sign that they are all about to be fulfilled?” Jesus said to them: “Watch out that no one deceives you. Many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am he,’ and will deceive many. When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places, and famines. These are the beginning of birth pains.”

With characteristic human pride, a disciple points out the “massive stones and magnificent buildings”. Jesus replies that like all human efforts, it will eventually disappear due to time or as is the case for the temple, be destroyed by other humans. He wants us to remember that everything here is temporary.

When we become too wrapped up in the things of earth, we can be distracted from the eternal plan God has for us. Jesus says to take care not to be deceived by false teachers and to be ready for the trials that will precede the end time. If we focus on His teachings, we will not be caught unaware.

Jesus tells us that all can be saved, but we must share the Good News for everyone to hear. People must make their own choice but we have a responsibility to ensure that God’s love is spread everywhere. Nothing else we do will last eternally.

Gracious God, we are grateful that You call us to be part of Your plan, connected to You and each other. Help us to be the people You intend, caring for all Your creation. Amen.

Our scripture this morning is ‭‭Mark‬ ‭12:1-12‬.

Jesus then began to speak to them in parables: “A man planted a vineyard. He put a wall around it, dug a pit for the winepress and built a watchtower. Then he rented the vineyard to some farmers and moved to another place. At harvest time he sent a servant to the tenants to collect from them some of the fruit of the vineyard. But they seized him, beat him and sent him away empty-handed. Then he sent another servant to them; they struck this man on the head and treated him shamefully. He sent still another, and that one they killed. He sent many others; some of them they beat, others they killed. “He had one left to send, a son, whom he loved. He sent him last of all, saying, ‘They will respect my son.’ “But the tenants said to one another, ‘This is the heir. Come, let’s kill him, and the inheritance will be ours.’ So they took him and killed him, and threw him out of the vineyard. “What then will the owner of the vineyard do? He will come and kill those tenants and give the vineyard to others. Haven’t you read this passage of Scripture: “ ‘The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes’ ?” Then the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the elders looked for a way to arrest him because they knew he had spoken the parable against them. But they were afraid of the crowd; so they left him and went away.

Jesus tells those listening (and us) that like the vineyard in the parable we have been given responsibility for that which is not ours. The prophets were sent to Israel to bring them God’s message but they didn’t listen. Sadly, Jesus the Son was rejected by many as well.

The story sounds almost ridiculous – how many times would the landowner actually put up with that? Then we must ask ourselves “how are we different from those tenants? How many times will God forgive us and continue to reach out?” 

Thankfully, God loves us still and He still waits for us to give Him the fruits of the gifts we have received. While He is patient, the time grows ever shorter until Christ will return. Come to Him with repentance, ready to give back what is expected of us and we can be saved.

Loving Lord, we are sorry for the times we have rejected Your messengers and not heard Your word. Forgive us and may we go in Your strength to share these blessings with all the world. Amen.

Our scripture this morning is ‭‭Luke‬ ‭4:16-30‬.

He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. He stood up to read, and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written: “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him. He began by saying to them, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” All spoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his lips. “Isn’t this Joseph’s son?” they asked. Jesus said to them, “Surely you will quote this proverb to me: ‘Physician, heal yourself!’ And you will tell me, ‘Do here in your hometown what we have heard that you did in Capernaum.’ ” “Truly I tell you,” he continued, “no prophet is accepted in his hometown. I assure you that there were many widows in Israel in Elijah’s time, when the sky was shut for three and a half years and there was a severe famine throughout the land. Yet Elijah was not sent to any of them, but to a widow in Zarephath in the region of Sidon. And there were many in Israel with leprosy in the time of Elisha the prophet, yet not one of them was cleansed—only Naaman the Syrian.” All the people in the synagogue were furious when they heard this. They got up, drove him out of the town, and took him to the brow of the hill on which the town was built, in order to throw him off the cliff. But he walked right through the crowd and went on his way.

Jesus went to His own town and spoke to those who knew Him best, but they were unwilling to hear the Good News. He used scripture from earlier prophets to open their eyes but they refused to see. They became so angry they planned to kill Him.

No one likes to hear their faults exposed, to be told we are going the wrong way. However, that is why Jesus came – to show us a better way than the one we’ve made for ourselves, and that only by God’s love can we be saved. The people in Nazareth rejected Jesus because He told them a hard truth.

What hard truths are we refusing to hear? Jesus tells us the same thing He said to them “No one comes to the Father except by me” (John 14:6). He loves and cares for us all and waits eagerly for us to choose Him. 

Loving Lord, we are willful and stubborn, not wanting to hear the truth because it hurts. Help us to overcome our selfish pride and accept the gift of life You offer. Amen.