Category: Daily Prayer

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.

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.