Category: Daily Prayer

Our scripture this week is Matthew 5:1-12.

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
Matthew 5:8-9

Jesus tells us more about how we can be blessed by obeying God’s law and treating others as He intended. In these verses He teaches about being right with God and sharing that joy with others. Many of these blessings relate to our spiritual gifts and what God has called us to do.

Being right with God (justification) means we do the right things for the right reasons. Some people can act in what seems a right manner but their hearts are not right (pure) if they are acting for self-gain or attention. Peacemaking doesn’t necessarily mean negotiating treaties between warring factions, it starts at a personal level by making peace with those who may have wronged us and thereby making peace with God.

Jesus wants us to see that when we begin to live out these attributes, it has an affect on us and the world around us. He didn’t promise us it would be easy, but that it would be worth the effort. God wants us to do our best and leave our concerns about success to Him, confident that we are helping His kingdom come near to all.

Loving Lord, it is hard for us to give up our side in a conflict, but You call us to be the voice of calm. You bless us when we do right under Your law and bring together Your children. Help us to be pure of heart and peacemakers in our world. Amen.

Our scripture this week is Matthew 5:1-12.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
Matthew 5:6-7

Jesus speaks of two attributes that are necessary for the coming of the kingdom of God – righteousness and mercy. Both of these are qualities Jesus exhibits and He teaches that we must seek to make them part of our lives as well. However, in order to do God’s will we must first understand what is being asked of us.

The dictionary defines righteousness as morally correct behavior or ethical action. Jesus is our primary example of this, following God’s law and teaching its importance in our lives. Mercy is showing love to one who may have harmed us previously, or who has no way to help themself. Jesus teaches that when we behave this way, it encourages others to do so as well, and that we can expect God’s righteousness and mercy in return.

Most importantly, Jesus says we must do these things even if others don’t treat us the same way. It’s not a matter of “do unto others as they do unto you” but behaving as Jesus did in every situation, regardless of the response of the world. Jesus teaches it is not worldly approval we must seek, but God’s.

Heavenly Father, we don’t always follow the example which Jesus gave us, falling into envy and competition for worldly things. Help us to see the eternal value of our connection to You and to share that joy with the world. Amen.

Our scripture this week is Matthew 5:1-12.

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
Matthew 5:4-5

Jesus continues His teaching with explanations of how we are blessed when we have certain attitudes or are in certain situations. Some of these may not sound like things we would ask for or intentionally do, but Jesus shows how these can strengthen our relationship with God.

He tells us that even when we are suffering loss, He will be there to comfort us. This has a double meaning – we are not promised we will never be sad, but we know God will stand beside us in our sorrow, bringing us through dark times. The meek inheriting the earth is likely a strange teaching to a people under oppression, as Israel was at that time, but Jesus says we are to be patient and trust in God for victory and release.

In each of these, Jesus has a specific lesson to be applied to our lives. We can face sorrow and those who stand against us knowing that God is with us, especially in troubled times. Hold firm to the love He sends us all, and look to God for comfort and peace.

Gracious God, we know we can count on You even when we are in painful situations. Strengthen us through faith to endure trying times and show others Your love through our persistence. Amen.

Our scripture this week is Matthew 5:1-12.

Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them. He said: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 5:1-3

Jesus begins this teaching with words of encouragement, telling the people they are blessed. This is a new way of reaching out, much different than the teachers of the law who focused on rules of behavior. Jesus speaks of what lies within a person rather than what they do.

Jesus knows that the people have lived for years with a mindset of “do this and don’t do that”. He knows that the law God gave them is important and He will teach them that as well, but right now He wants them to focus on what is in their hearts. Jesus will teach them that right behavior comes as a result of a right spirit, that true connection to God is one of seeking good rather than merely avoiding punishment for wrongdoing.

He tells them that they are blessed when they are like the poor who cry out for for help, humbling themselves before God and asking for His forgiveness. Only when we have this spirit of need, an acknowledgement that without God we are nothing, can we begin to change our hearts and lives to better connect with Him. May we also be blessed as the poor in spirit and be ready for the kingdom of God.

Gracious God, we come before You in our weakness, admitting the wrong we do. Help us to release our guilt through our faith in Christ that we may live as productive members of Your creation. Amen.

Our scripture this week is Matthew 5:1-12.

Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them. He said: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”
Matthew 5:1-12

This beautiful passage, called The Beatitudes, is part of a larger scripture section known as the Sermon on the Mount. In Matthew 5-7 Jesus lays out the basis of His ministry, with instruction on a variety of different subjects, teaching about our relationship with others and with God. It is the first time in the Gospel of Matthew that we hear directly from Jesus.

Jesus tells us that we are blessed by a variety of attitudes and actions, some of which don’t really sound much like blessings: “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me” (verse 11). Jesus is telling us from the very beginning that the world will resist the change He brings through us and there will be repercussions. Jesus never “sugar coated” anything, He was always honest about what saying yes to Him would mean in our lives.

When I was a child I thought the title of this passage was “The Be Attitudes”, how we were supposed to be. (Editorial note: I may not have originated this term, but that’s definitely what I heard when Dr. Clark preached it!) Looking back, perhaps that isn’t such a bad interpretation. If we would be more like the examples Christ gave us in this lesson, we and the world would all be better for it.

Loving Lord, we hear Your teachings but we are slow to apply them to our lives. Make us strong in Your word that we may share the love it shows us with all the world. Amen.

Our scripture this week is Matthew 4:12-23.

When Jesus heard that John had been put in prison, he withdrew to Galilee. Leaving Nazareth, he went and lived in Capernaum, which was by the lake in the area of Zebulun and Naphtali— to fulfill what was said through the prophet Isaiah: “Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles— the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.” From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen.  “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” At once they left their nets and followed him. Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets. Jesus called them, and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him. Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people.
Matthew 4:12-23

Jesus went out among the people to gather His disciples. He chose common people, no one special – because to Jesus we are all special. He didn’t look for people with power or wealth, but He didn’t turn them away either.

Jesus wanted to show that no one was beneath His dignity. He ministered to the poor who were often forgotten and pushed aside. He preached to the rich who were often hated for their wealth and position. He taught Jews and Gentiles that they all had the same Heavenly Father in spite of their differences.

Jesus wanted us to know how much we were the same and how much God loves us. He wanted us to understand that God is ready to forgive and welcome us back into a relationship with Him. Jesus has so much to share with us if we only take time to listen and believe.

Gracious God, you sent Your Son to love and heal and free us from our sins. May we be faithful to what He taught and share Your love with all the world. Amen.

Our scripture this week is Matthew 4:12-23.

Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people.
Matthew 4:23

This verse could be the “Reader’s Digest Condensed Version” of His entire ministry. Jesus went to the people, not expecting them to come to Him, although they later would follow Him throughout the countryside. He taught them about the coming of the kingdom, and healed them. This was the core of His mission, connecting with us and bringing us back into a relationship with God.

He calls us to go do the same in the world today. That may be an awesome task to consider – Jesus wants us to do what He did. How could we possibly be able to do those things? Jesus was God incarnate, of course He could reach out, teach and heal, but we are mere humans!

First, we must trust Him. He would not have called us to something we aren’t capable of doing. He didn’t promise it would be easy but He promised to be there to support us in everything. The old hymn tells us “‘Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus and to take Him at His word”. When we rely on Jesus, we are blessed to go and use the gifts we are given in His name.

Loving Lord, we are often overwhelmed at the task You have given, to make disciples of all the world. Help us to know Your love and support and to go boldly in Your name for the purpose You have chosen for us. Amen.

Our scripture this week is Matthew 4:12-23.

Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets. Jesus called them, and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.
Matthew 4:21-22

Jesus continues calling a group of men that will be the closest to him and the ones He teaches most. Later, they will be the ones entrusted to carry on His ministry here on earth. Jesus showed us that our relationship with God is essential, but also that being connected to our brothers and sisters in Him is needed.

18th century preacher John Wesley wrote “The Gospel of Christ knows no religion but social; no holiness, but social holiness.” We were all made for God and each other. Jesus spent time alone in prayer with God, but He was with His followers more often, knowing that they all needed each other’s presence.

We need to follow His example for time alone and time with others. The balance may be different for each person depending on the gifts you have been given and the call God places on your life, but we all need to find the peace He gives when we are connected to Him and each other. We are separate beings but we are not meant to be separated.

Loving Lord, in Your creating wisdom You made all things to work together, including humans. Show us how we should be connected to You and each other every day. Amen.

Our scripture this week is Matthew 4:12-23..

As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” At once they left their nets and followed him.
Matthew 4:18-20

This familiar passage tells us of Jesus calling His disciples. Jesus doesn’t give them a scripted recruitment pitch, He merely tells them “Come follow me and I will send you out to fish for people” (verse 19). It is an unusual statement but amazingly the ones He called go without hesitation.

Jesus tells them they will be gathering in people as they once drew in fish. I always thought this “catching” analogy a little strange. After all, didn’t Jesus invite people? He certainly didn’t drag them in like fish in a net!

Perhaps we need to look at this a little differently. What if we think of Jesus catching us as we fell in sin and putting us back on our feet, in a right relationship with God and with a new life and purpose? This seems more in line with what Jesus does for us. He draws us in with His love and teaches us, then sends us out to share the Good News. You might say Jesus uses “catch and release” to spread the word of His love.

Gracious God, we are grateful for the coming of Jesus to gather us in and show us Your love. Help us to go in His name to gather our brothers and sisters in to feel Your love too. Amen.

Our scripture for this week is Matthew 4:12-23.

From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”
Matthew 4:17

The message Jesus brings sounds much like what John proclaimed earlier – “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near” (Matthew 3:2 and Matthew 4:17). It was a message that the people had not heard before then. Yes, prophets from the distant past had called them to repentance, but now something new is also being told to them – the kingdom of heaven has come near.

What did that mean to them? Some thought it was a reference to Jesus Himself. Isaiah had written “See, I am doing a new thing!” (Isaiah 43:19) and God was certainly trying to reach us in a new way through Jesus. Yet it means more than just His presence with us.

God had called Israel to a special relationship when He told them “You will be a nation of priests” (Exodus 19:6), giving them the task of sharing God with the world. Through Jesus they are called to go outside their cultural comfort level to reach those who are not part of their society. God’s call to us has not changed: we must repent and with His help share the love He has for all people, for His kingdom has indeed come near.

Loving Lord, we are often selfish and disobedient, going our own way instead of Your way. Put us back on the right path that we may be energetic in our work for Your kingdom. Amen.