Category: Daily Prayer

Our scripture this morning is ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭18‬:‭1‬-‭5.

About that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who is greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven?” Jesus called a little child to him and put the child among them. Then he said, “I tell you the truth, unless you turn from your sins and become like little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven. So anyone who becomes as humble as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven. And anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf is welcoming me.”

The disciples are honestly trying to understand all Jesus tells them, but they suffer from a crippling condition – adulthood. We all seem to reach a point where we think we know how things work. We take pride in what we think we know and compare our knowledge to that of others, vying to be the greatest.

Jesus teaches us to “turn from your sins and become like little children” (v. 3) if we are to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. He shares eternal things that we try to comprehend with our limited human capability. Unless we humble ourselves and listen with a childlike intensity, we won’t learn His lessons.

Notice this important difference – demanding our own way and refusing to learn is childish, not the childlike openness Jesus wants from us. This is how sin entered the world, through our selfishness and disobedience. When we admit our failing and ask God to forgive us, we can be made new, born again into His grace and mercy, children of His Kingdom.

Heavenly Father, we are sorry for our arrogance and our lack of love for one another. Help us to see ourselves and others as Your blessed children, learning and growing in Your love. Amen.

Our scripture this morning is ‭‭1 John‬ ‭5‬:‭1‬-‭12‬.

Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has become a child of God. And everyone who loves the Father loves his children, too. We know we love God’s children if we love God and obey his commandments. Loving God means keeping his commandments, and his commandments are not burdensome. For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith. And who can win this battle against the world? Only those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God. And Jesus Christ was revealed as God’s Son by his baptism in water and by shedding his blood on the cross—not by water only, but by water and blood. And the Spirit, who is truth, confirms it with his testimony. So we have these three witnesses— the Spirit, the water, and the blood—and all three agree. Since we believe human testimony, surely we can believe the greater testimony that comes from God. And God has testified about his Son. All who believe in the Son of God know in their hearts that this testimony is true. Those who don’t believe this are actually calling God a liar because they don’t believe what God has testified about his Son. And this is what God has testified: He has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have God’s Son does not have life.

John tells us that “everyone who loves the Father loves his children, too” (v. 1). Earlier in this letter (‭‭1 John‬ ‭4‬:‭20‬) he writes “If someone says, “I love God,” but hates a fellow believer, that person is a liar; for if we don’t love people we can see, how can we love God, whom we cannot see?” Jesus taught the same lesson in the greatest commandment, that we must love one another just as we love God.

The part we have trouble with is we want to choose who to love the same way we love God, excluding those who don’t fit into our category of God’s children – as if we had anything to do with it. We are all created by God and He loves us no matter what our situation, and He calls us to love each other in the same way He does. If we choose God, we automatically choose all His children as well.

God showed us His love by sending Jesus to be part of our world and part of our lives. His example of love for everyone is the guidance we need for all our relationships. All of us are connected to God through Christ and if we claim that blessing, we claim kinship with all His children everywhere.

Loving Lord, we often judge and label others and use that as an excuse to avoid contact with them. Help us to see the image of God in His children that we may love one another as You have taught us. Amen.

Our scripture this morning is ‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭2‬:‭10‬-‭18‬.

It was fitting that God, for whom and through whom all things exist, in bringing many children to glory, should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through sufferings. For the one who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one Father. For this reason Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters, saying, “I will proclaim your name to my brothers and sisters, in the midst of the congregation I will praise you.” And again, “I will put my trust in him.” And again, “Here am I and the children whom God has given me.” Since, therefore, the children share flesh and blood, he himself likewise shared the same things, so that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by the fear of death. For it is clear that he did not come to help angels, but the descendants of Abraham. Therefore he had to become like his brothers and sisters in every respect, so that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make a sacrifice of atonement for the sins of the people. Because he himself was tested by what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested.

Are you being tested by what goes on in our world? If we answer honestly, we are all concerned about the state of things. In order to show us how we can live in peace with what we experience, Jesus came to be one of us.

Paul writes in this passage that Jesus came to earth as a human so that we might see in Him a full relationship with God. This is the most important thing for us to learn because it is the basis for all other relationships. How Jesus revered God and how He treated others is the example for our lives.

We sometimes say that “things were simpler” and “we have much more to worry about than people back then” but the truth is that every era and society has had its own human issues. Ours are merely different, and if we think they are harder than in the past, it is only that much more important that we concentrate on our connection to our Creator.

Heavenly Father, we are thankful for Christ’s example and His sacrifice for us. Help us to follow the path He has shown us, loving You and one another always. Amen.

Our scripture this morning is ‭‭John‬ ‭1‬:‭1‬-‭14.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth.

Merry Christmas! The light and love of God the Father is with us! Jesus has come into our world to show us how much God loves us and how we are to love one another. He is the very Word of God, and “all things came into being through Him” (v. 3).

As we celebrate His arrival, may we be thankful for the opportunity to be part of His ministry, sharing the joy of our reconnection to God through Him. Jesus calls us all into service, carrying the Good News everywhere. We are each blessed and uniquely gifted to reach out to a world in need.

Jesus teaches us that there is work to be done here and we go in His name to reach the least, the last and the lost. Everyone is worthy of God’s love and we must be the means He uses to embrace them. May we live as Christ has shown us, loving our brothers and sisters as He first loved us.

Loving Lord, we are grateful for Your presence in our lives. May Your light shine upon us and may we share it with all people. Amen.

Our scripture this morning is ‭‭Luke‬ ‭24‬:‭44‬-‭53.

Then he said, “When I was with you before, I told you that everything written about me in the law of Moses and the prophets and in the Psalms must be fulfilled.” Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures. And he said, “Yes, it was written long ago that the Messiah would suffer and die and rise from the dead on the third day. It was also written that this message would be proclaimed in the authority of his name to all the nations, beginning in Jerusalem: ‘There is forgiveness of sins for all who repent.’ You are witnesses of all these things. “And now I will send the Holy Spirit, just as my Father promised. But stay here in the city until the Holy Spirit comes and fills you with power from heaven.” Then Jesus led them to Bethany, and lifting his hands to heaven, he blessed them. While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up to heaven. So they worshiped him and then returned to Jerusalem filled with great joy. And they spent all of their time in the Temple, praising God.

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It may seem strange to read the story of the Resurrection on Christmas Eve, but the manger leads to the cross and the empty tomb, and all are an intricate part of God’s plan for us. Jesus came as an infant, lived and died as a man, and rose again to save us from our sin. Through it all He was and is and will always be the holy Son of God. This is the gift we give thanks for as we celebrate His birth.

Like those in this passage, we need to allow Him to open our minds to understand the Scriptures and live in us. He calls us as witnesses to God’s love, to go in His name sharing the mercy and forgiveness God offers. This is our task and our blessing.

May you find the peace Jesus came to bring to all the earth, today and always. May you know the joy of a renewed relationship with our Heavenly Father and all our brothers and sisters. Joy to the world, the Lord is come!

Gracious God, You sent Jesus to be one of us that we might be one with You. Help us to share the wonderful news that Christ is born. Amen.

Our scripture this morning is ‭‭Luke‬ ‭23‬:‭44‬-‭49.

By this time it was about noon, and darkness fell across the whole land until three o’clock. The light from the sun was gone. And suddenly, the curtain in the sanctuary of the Temple was torn down the middle. Then Jesus shouted, “Father, I entrust my spirit into your hands!” And with those words he breathed his last. When the Roman officer overseeing the execution saw what had happened, he worshiped God and said, “Surely this man was innocent.” And when all the crowd that came to see the crucifixion saw what had happened, they went home in deep sorrow. But Jesus’ friends, including the women who had followed him from Galilee, stood at a distance watching.

Jesus knew what God’s plan was from the very beginning, yet He accepted it willingly. He spoke to His disciples about it often, but they didn’t understand why God chose to redeem us this way. When Judas brought the authorities to arrest Him, most of His followers scattered.

Even in the moments before His human death, Jesus was ministering to a thief crucified next to Him (Luke 23:40-43). He came to love and save us all, showing God’s mercy in ways we could continue after He returned to heaven. This is His blessing and His task for us, that we spread the Good News to everyone.

Jesus has saved us from our sin and through His sacrifice for us, we can be reconciled to God. He was obedient to God’s will in everything He did and by His example we can all lead new lives. May we see His light in everyone and share the love He has given us.

Gracious God, we are sorry for our willful disobedience and how we have treated each other. As Your forgiven children may we go into the world to proclaim the coming of Your kingdom to all. Amen.

Our scripture this morning is ‭‭Luke‬ ‭22‬:‭39‬-‭46.

Then, accompanied by the disciples, Jesus left the upstairs room and went as usual to the Mount of Olives. There he told them, “Pray that you will not give in to temptation.” He walked away, about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed, “Father, if you are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.” Then an angel from heaven appeared and strengthened him. He prayed more fervently, and he was in such agony of spirit that his sweat fell to the ground like great drops of blood. At last he stood up again and returned to the disciples, only to find them asleep, exhausted from grief. “Why are you sleeping?” he asked them. “Get up and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation.”

Jesus is about to face the most difficult task of His time here – knowing He will be mocked, beaten and hung on the cross to die. How does He deal with such a challenge? He goes with His friends to pray to our Heavenly Father. Prayer has always been an important part of His life and His example to us.

We see the power of prayer in action here. Jesus brings a group to pray together and also prays alone. While Jesus asks that God might spare Him, He also surrenders Himself with the prayer “I want your will to be done, not mine” (v. 42). I have often thought this was the best example of His humanity, asking that He might avoid pain and death, but submitting to God’s plan.

Prayer is always the best answer when we face terrible issues, but it is also the best answer to everyday living. We need to pray in order to share our concerns with God, not that He doesn’t already know but to relieve ourselves of burdensome thoughts, and to praise and thank Him for our blessings. This season as we celebrate the coming of our Lord, let us pray for all the world to know His love and light.

Gracious God, we are thankful for the gift of our Savior and what He came to teach us about living together in Your love. Send us into Your world that we may share Your love everywhere. Amen.

Our scripture this morning is ‭‭Luke‬ ‭21‬:‭5‬-‭15.

Some of his disciples began talking about the majestic stonework of the Temple and the memorial decorations on the walls. But Jesus said, “The time is coming when all these things will be completely demolished. Not one stone will be left on top of another!” “Teacher,” they asked, “when will all this happen? What sign will show us that these things are about to take place?” He replied, “Don’t let anyone mislead you, for many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah,’ and saying, ‘The time has come!’ But don’t believe them. And when you hear of wars and insurrections, don’t panic. Yes, these things must take place first, but the end won’t follow immediately.” Then he added, “Nation will go to war against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be great earthquakes, and there will be famines and plagues in many lands, and there will be terrifying things and great miraculous signs from heaven. “But before all this occurs, there will be a time of great persecution. You will be dragged into synagogues and prisons, and you will stand trial before kings and governors because you are my followers. But this will be your opportunity to tell them about me. So don’t worry in advance about how to answer the charges against you, for I will give you the right words and such wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to reply or refute you!”

While the disciples talk of how beautiful the temple is, Jesus uses the opportunity to speak about the future. He reminds them that no human thing will endure forever and there will be cataclysm and disaster on the Day of the Lord. They ask about what signs will occur that they may know the time has come.

Jesus says that there will be news of awful things and people who will attempt to mislead them before that time. He warns of the persecution His followers will face. However, He says we are to continue in the work He has left to us, proclaiming His name to the world.

He adds that through all this He will be with us, saying “I will give you the right words and such wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to reply or refute you” (v. 15). Our faith and trust in Jesus will see us through the difficulties we will face. The one true Messiah will come to take us to the home He has prepared for us.

Gracious God, in Your mercy You sent Your son to save us. Help us to see His face in all our brothers and sisters, and help us to be His face to those in need. Amen.

Our scripture this morning is ‭‭Luke‬ ‭20‬:‭20‬-‭26‬.

So they watched Him, and sent spies who pretended to be righteous, that they might seize on His words, in order to deliver Him to the power and the authority of the governor. Then they asked Him, saying, “Teacher, we know that You say and teach rightly, and You do not show personal favoritism, but teach the way of God in truth: Is it lawful for us to pay taxes to Caesar or not?” But He perceived their craftiness, and said to them, “Why do you test Me? Show Me a denarius. Whose image and inscription does it have?” They answered and said, “Caesar’s.” And He said to them, “Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” But they could not catch Him in His words in the presence of the people. And they marveled at His answer and kept silent.

Those who opposed Jesus never stopped trying to find something He said to use against Him. In this passage they try flattery before springing the trick question, but Jesus speaks only the truth, and their efforts fail. Jesus never ignores the things they ask, but He is not fooled by their intent.

They ask whether it is lawful to pay taxes to the Roman government and wait to trap Him in His response. However, Jesus doesn’t answer in a way they expect. He uses the opportunity to teach about respect for authority and the difference between earthly and eternal things.

His answer catches them off guard: “Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s” (v. 25). If we listen carefully, we remember that all things belong to God, and nothing is really ours. Jesus is saying if we pay attention to our relationship with God, all our earthly issues become secondary. Look to King Jesus and not any ruler here!

Loving Lord, we await Your coming in joy and anticipation. Help us to be faithful followers as You have taught and may we share the joy of our connection with You to all the world. Amen.

Our scripture this morning is ‭‭Luke‬ ‭19‬:‭1‬-‭10.

Jesus entered Jericho and made his way through the town. There was a man there named Zacchaeus. He was the chief tax collector in the region, and he had become very rich. He tried to get a look at Jesus, but he was too short to see over the crowd. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree beside the road, for Jesus was going to pass that way. When Jesus came by, he looked up at Zacchaeus and called him by name. “Zacchaeus!” he said. “Quick, come down! I must be a guest in your home today.” Zacchaeus quickly climbed down and took Jesus to his house in great excitement and joy. But the people were displeased. “He has gone to be the guest of a notorious sinner,” they grumbled. Meanwhile, Zacchaeus stood before the Lord and said, “I will give half my wealth to the poor, Lord, and if I have cheated people on their taxes, I will give them back four times as much!” Jesus responded, “Salvation has come to this home today, for this man has shown himself to be a true son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.”

This lesson is a reversal of the story of the rich young man told in Luke 18 as well as Matthew 19 and Mark 10. It combines lessons Jesus has shared before about how hard it is for those who love money to enter the kingdom and how we need a childlike faith. Zacchaeus is the epitome of the hated tax collector, but he chooses Jesus over his earthly wealth.

Zacchaeus runs ahead of the crowd and climbs a sycamore tree in order to see Jesus, not exactly the behavior of an unscrupulous government official, more like an excited child. Jesus calls to him and says He will be a guest at the tax man’s home, which causes consternation among the people. Zacchaeus confesses his sin and vows to make reparations to those he has harmed.

Another important lesson we must see in this passage is that when “a notorious sinner” (v. 7) returns to God, we must be prepared to welcome them back as He does. This may be difficult for us, based on our human relationship, but God calls us to forgive based on our eternal relationship with Him and each other. People can change when they accept Jesus as Lord and we must be ready to see them as our brothers and sisters in Christ.

Gracious God, we are humbled to be called Your sons and daughters, saved by the blood of Jesus. Help us to share the joy we find in You with all the world. Amen.