Category: Daily Prayer

Our scripture this morning is 1 John 4:7-10.

Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, for God is love. God’s love was revealed among us in this way: God sent his only Son into the world so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins.

If you do a search of the Bible for how often the term “love” occurs, you may be overwhelmed by the results. The Bible is the story of our relationship with God, the very connection that allows us to exist. We were created through His love and “the steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end;” (Lamentations 3:22).

Here John echoes the commandment that Jesus gave us to love one another (John 13:34). In Matthew 22:37-39 we are taught to love God and our neighbor as ourselves. Jesus came to show us what a life of love can be, and to help us be more loving in all we do.

This passage emphasizes that it is only through God’s love and Christ’s sacrifice that we can be saved. In John 14:6 we read “no one comes to the Father except through me”. No human action can accomplish this; accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior is the only way to eternal life. 

Gracious God, in love You created us and in love You sent Your son to save us. Bless us to be the bearers of Your love to all the world. Amen.

Our scripture this morning is John 16:31-33.

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!”

John 14-17 is called the “Farewell Discourse” by biblical scholars, Christ’s final teachings to His disciples. Throughout His time on earth Jesus offered people an opportunity to believe God’s promise to them. What He taught and did are the example for living in constant connection with the Father.

Jesus has overcome the power of evil through His resurrection and the forgiveness of sin. He calls all of us to trust in God’s love and mercy even when we face the obstacles the world puts in our path. He reminds us “In the world you face persecution. But take courage; I have conquered the world!”

We are invited to share in His resurrection and be part of His kingdom work. This is a choice; no one will be forced.  It is up to each of us to say “yes Lord!” and accept the Great Commission we have been given to make disciples of all nations.

Loving Lord, we are ashamed of our disobedience and our lack of care for one another. Help us to be the people we were created to be, made in Your image to share the joy of salvation with everyone. Amen.

Our scripture this morning is Colossians 4:5-6.

Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

Paul gives instructions to the Colossians (and us) regarding our interactions with those outside the faith. Jesus set the example for us in how He treated Gentiles, those who were not Jewish. He was kind and inviting to all people, regardless of their heritage.

We are to use the time God has given us to share His love and explain our faith in Him. Grace gives kindness without condition, and we are to give grace to others, just as He has given us grace. We are called to be ready witnesses for Christ, using our gifts to “know how to answer everyone.”

Paul recommends our conversation be “seasoned with salt”, a reference to its cleansing and preserving qualities. Our task is to help cleanse the world of evil and preserve God’s people. When we work together as the body of Christ, we can make a difference!

Gracious God, we are sorry for the times we don’t extend Your love to everyone. Help us to see all people as Your beloved children and share the blessings we have been given. Amen.

Our scripture this morning is Matthew 5:14-16.

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

When I was appointed to pastor two churches in rural southwest Kansas, one of the first things I noticed was how dark it was at night. Having lived in the city most of my life I was sometimes a little concerned about traveling in the darkness. Without light to guide me it was easy to go off course.

In many ways, our world has gone off course. The prophet Isaiah tells us “I, the Lord, have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles” (Isaiah 42:6). God will guide us and wants His people to be an example for the world.

In John 8:12 Jesus says “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” In this passage He tells us “you are the light of the world.” We are called to reflect His light and love, sharing our faith everywhere.

Heavenly Father, we are sorry for the times we wander into the darkness. Help us to walk in Your light, bringing the Good News to everyone. Amen.

Our scripture this morning is Job 19:25-27.

“I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand on the earth. And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God; I myself will see him with my own eyes—I, and not another. How my heart yearns within me!”

The story of Job is both difficult and inspiring. Even in terrible circumstances, Job’s faith was unshaken. More importantly, God is always constant in His love for His children. Job believed that even if his death came first, he would be saved.

Paul writes “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful (Hebrews 10:23). Unlike humans who waver based on our feelings, God is steadfast in His care for us and all of creation. We can trust Him because He is unchanging.

Job says “I know that my redeemer lives”, a heartfelt statement of his faith in the Lord. God is alive and will redeem His people. He adds “yet in my flesh will I see God”, his testimony that God is the Creator and will restore the faithful on the last day. May we demonstrate the faith that Job taught us.

Heavenly Father, we are grateful for Your eternal love and mercy. Bless us to be the bearers of the Good News to all the world. Amen.

Our scripture this morning is Hebrews 11:6-8.

And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family. By his faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that is in keeping with faith. By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.

Speaking about our faith is sometimes difficult because it is individual and personal. The author of Hebrews, long considered to be Paul, refers back to Noah and Abraham as examples of faith long before there was an organized Jewish religion. Faith is a relationship with God, a trust that when we follow His commandments we can be part of His eternal plan for us.

The Filament Bible commentary says we have this relationship “not because we have to, but because we get to.” God invites us, just as He did Noah and Abraham, and we must choose to have faith in Him. No one is forced into a relationship with God.

Habakkuk 2:4 tells us “the righteous person will live by his faithfulness”, meaning both our way of living here daily and the promise of life with God through Christ’s sacrifice for us. Paul says “without faith it is impossible to please God”, a warning that we can’t just go our own way and expect to receive the blessing of eternal life with Him. However, “He rewards those who earnestly seek Him”, and we can count on His love and mercy when we live as He intends.

Gracious God, we are sorry for our headstrong ways. Forgive us and bless us to be Your children, called by Your name and going to share Your love with the world. Amen.

Our scripture this morning is Psalms 55:16-18, 22.

As for me, I call to God, and the Lord saves me. Evening, morning and noon I cry out in distress, and he hears my voice. He rescues me unharmed from the battle waged against me, even though many oppose me. Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.

This passage speaks of God’s care and protection for those who put their faith in Him. It testifies to His steadfast love when we reach out to Him. When we suffer because the world opposes us, “He hears my voice.” 

King David wrote many psalms about the difficulties he and his people faced, but His faith in God never faltered. We should look to this example in our own lives. While we may not face the same kind of issues David and the children of Israel did, we know we can call on our Heavenly Father whenever we are in need.

We are taught to “cast your cares on the Lord” and trust the promise that “He will sustain you”. God cares about all of creation, but we who were created in His image have a special relationship and carry a special responsibility. Our task is to love God, love neighbor and make disciples of all the world.

Gracious God, we are grateful for Your love and care. Help us to love and care for Your creation and carry the Good News everywhere. Amen.

‭‭Our scripture this morning is Proverbs‬ ‭11:23‭-‬25‬.

The desire of the righteous ends only in good, but the hope of the wicked only in wrath. One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.

Proverbs guide us toward living and loving each other as God intends. In this passage we hear about generosity and that giving will actually enrich us. As with much that Jesus teaches, this seems counterintuitive to our often materialistic culture.

Are there people on the street asking for help where you are? I see folks like this and sometimes wonder “if I help them will they spend it on drugs or alcohol?” I read somewhere the admonition to “give without worrying where the blessings fall”, reminding me I’m only passing on what God has given me. (And remember, money is not the only way to help those in need and to always share God’s love!)

Jesus preached an upside-down kingdom, where the last shall be first (Matthew 20:16) and those who give up their life will save it (Matthew 10:39). If we want to be more like our Savior, we will give without wanting to control how the gift is used. It is by blessing others that we are truly blessed.

Loving Lord, thank You for calling us to be part of what You are doing in the world. Help us to share the Good News and care for Your children. Amen.

Our scripture this morning is Psalms 24:7-10.

Lift up your heads, you gates; be lifted up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is this King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, you gates; lift them up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is he, this King of glory? The Lord Almighty— he is the King of glory.

The people lift their praise to God in this psalm that names Him the King of glory. The question “who is this king of glory?” is answered immediately “the Lord Almighty – He is the King of glory!” Many believe this psalm was sung as the Ark of the Covenant returned to Jerusalem from battle.

While this psalm speaks of God’s power, which is absolute, it also reminds us of His love, which is also absolute. Our God is the definition of love and power. God protects us because He loves us. By creating us in His own image, we are eternally connected.

We have a choice in how we relate and respond to Him. God does not force anyone to love Him; He has blessed us with free will to decide for ourselves. However, as Jesus taught us “without me, you can do nothing” (John 15:5). May we come to the King of glory in humble repentance and accept the forgiveness He offers.

Gracious God, we praise You for Your power and love. Bless us to go in Your name to share our joy with the world. Amen.

Our scripture this morning is Romans 10:9-13.

Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.” For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

Paul tells us that confessing Jesus is Lord and believing in His resurrection is what saves us, not anything else we do or say. Salvation is offered to all, no matter who we are. God has already done what is needed, all we have to do is believe.

In Ephesians 2:8-9 we hear “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” There is nothing we can do to save ourselves. Only by our repentance and acceptance of God’s gift of love can we be made whole.

Paul notes that while we may be different in our heritage and history, God sees all His children in the same loving way. He has kingdom work for all of us, sharing His love and His word. No one is denied, for “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

Gracious God, we are amazed that You want a relationship with us. Help us to give up our selfish ways and go in the path You have set for us. Bless us to be the disciples of today, bringing the Good News to all. Amen.