Category: Daily Prayer

Our scripture today is Malachi 2:10 (MEV).

Have we not all one Father? Has not one God created us? Why do we deal treacherously with one another, by profaning the covenant of our fathers?

Malachi is the last book of the Old Testament and the last prophet to speak to God’s people until the coming of John the Baptist centuries later. Jerusalem had been largely rebuilt and a sadly familiar pattern begins to repeat itself. What had been a fervent “Yes, yes Lord!” has become an insincere “yeah, yeah, whatever!” As their worship cools, so does their treatment of one another and the downward cycle continues. Only God sending Jesus to be one of us and take the burden of our sin can save us.

Loving Lord, we are often stubborn children who choose selfishly, rather than sharing the good gifts You have given. Forgive us and send us to carry the Good News everywhere. Amen.

Our scripture today is Zechariah 1:3 (MEV).

so you will say to them, “Thus says the Lord of Hosts: Return to Me, and I will return to you, says the Lord of Hosts.”

The prophet Zechariah, whose name means “Yahweh remembers”, was a contemporary of Haggai. They both encouraged the people in ruined Jerusalem to begin again as God’s people. By rebuilding their city and the Temple, they can feel the hope God offers them. God has never abandoned us, but because of our disobedience He sometimes allows us to see the consequences of going our own way – a desert experience intended to teach us to rely on Him completely. When we return asking forgiveness He is always ready to welcome us.

Gracious God, in Your mercy You sent Your Son to save us from our sin. Forgive us and bless us to share the joy of salvation with everyone. Amen.

Our scripture today is Haggai 1:13 (MEV).

Then Haggai, the messenger of the Lord, spoke the message of the Lord to the people, saying: I am with you, says the Lord.

Haggai is not likely the first prophet that comes to mind. This very short (only two chapters) book brings God’s inspiration and encouragement to the people, guiding them to rebuild the house of the Lord. Understand that God doesn’t need a place to live. He doesn’t need a special place to meet us. However, by focusing the people’s attention on the rebuilding, He shows that He wants us to be reconnected. This is for us to see His enduring promise, even when things go badly. God is with us, no matter what.

Loving Lord, we are sorry when we let difficult times and events affect our faith and our relationship with You. Forgive us, renew our spirits and send us to share the joy of Your love everywhere. Amen.

Our scripture today is Zephaniah 3:17 (NIV).

The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.

The prophets often speak of God’s might to remind us of the power we are opposing when we stray from His will. In Psalms 24:8 we read “Who is this King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle.” Perhaps the most well known verse comes from Isaiah 9:6: “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” While nothing can stand against the Mighty God, He is also a tender and forgiving Everlasting Father who waits for our repentant return.

Loving Lord, we are amazed at Your power that wrought all of creation. Forgive us and strengthen us to go in Your name to share the Gospel with the world. Amen.

Our scripture today is Zephaniah 2:3 (NIV).

Seek the Lord, all you humble of the land, you who do what he commands. Seek righteousness, seek humility; perhaps you will be sheltered on the day of the Lord’s anger.

Pride and doing their own thing have brought God’s people to the brink of destruction. The prophet Zephaniah warns them (and us) with these words. When we get too comfortable, too successful we may feel we don’t need God’s help. We must remember wisdom which tells us “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6). If we look for God’s wisdom instead of our own we can share the forgiveness and love He sends for all people. Proverbs 15:33 teaches “Wisdom’s instruction is to fear the Lord, and humility comes before honor.” Humble repentance is the only way to restore our connection to God.

Loving Lord, we are sorry for our pride which leads us to our own ways instead of the path You intend for us. Forgive us and bless us to carry the Good News to the world. Amen.

Our scripture today is Habakkuk 1:5 (MEV).

Look among the nations, and watch— wonder and be amazed! For I am doing a work in your days that you would not believe, though it were told you.

The prophet Habakkuk records a conversation with God that points to faith in Him even when we don’t understand. This is the basis of much of Paul’s teaching about faith in his letters. In Romans 1:17 he writes “For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith. As it is written, “The just shall live by faith.”” Galatians 3:11 tells us “Now it is evident that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, for “The just shall live by faith.”” God is trying to teach us that while human promises often fail, His never do. He has made a New Covenant with us through Jesus our Savior. Those who put their trust in Him regardless of what they see in the world will be blessed.

Gracious God, we don’t always see the plan You have for us, but we know You want only good for Your children. Help us to walk by faith, not sight, believing Your promise to us and sharing Your love everywhere. Amen.

Our scripture today is Nahum 1:15 (MEV).

Behold, on the mountains, the feet of him who brings good news, who proclaims peace! Make your feasts, O Judah, and complete your vows. For the wicked one will never again pass through your midst; he is completely cut down.

The Book of Nahum tells of the fall of Nineveh and the eventual restoration of God’s people. In Jonah we heard that Nineveh’s people had repented, but sadly, they did not continue in their faith. This verse reminds us of Isaiah 52:7 “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who proclaims peace, who brings good news of happiness, who proclaims salvation, who says to Zion, “Your God reigns!”” Later, God will send the Savior who will bring the everlasting Good News.

Heavenly Father, forgive us when we forget Your way and wander away on our own. Restore us and may we go in Your name to share Your love. Amen.

Our scripture today is ‭‭Micah‬ ‭7‬:‭7‬ (‭MEV‬‬).

But as for me, I watch for the Lord; I await the God of my salvation; my God will hear me.

As with most other prophets, Micah ends with a note of hope, that those who put their trust in God know He will hear them. He speaks for himself personally, as we must all choose God’s way for ourselves. He also speaks looking to the future of his people, echoing Joshua 24:15 “Yet as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Our hope must be contagious, telling everyone about God’s saving power.

Gracious God, we are sorry for our disobedient waste of Your good gifts. Forgive us we pray, and send us to share Your love everywhere. Amen.

Our scripture today is Micah 6:8 (MEV).

He has told you, O man, what is good— and what does the Lord require of you, but to do justice and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?

If you know one verse from the prophet Micah, this is likely it. This takes us back to the very beginning when God walked with us in the garden and He asked us to be part of what He was doing in creation. It sums up our relationship with Him. The job description is brief but all encompassing. Later, Jesus will explain it in the Greatest Commandment (Luke 10:27) and the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20). I use the phrase “Love God, love neighbor, make disciples” as my way of remembering. Sometimes we make things way too complicated. We need to focus on what God requires of us.

Loving Lord, You have called us to be partners in caring for the gifts You have given us. Forgive us for wasting them and help us to use them wisely for the good of all Your children. Amen.

Our scripture today is Micah 4:2 (MEV).

And many nations will come and say, “Come, that we might go up to the mountain of the Lord, and to the house of the God of Jacob, that He might teach us His ways, and that we might walk in His paths.” For from Zion will go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.

Micah reminds the people of the promise God made to Abraham in Genesis 22:18 – “Through your offspring all the nations of the earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed My voice.” God has called them to be His representatives in the world but they are avoiding this responsibility. In this vision Micah shows that even the pagan nations will see the truth and come to know the Lord. This should make us all stop and ask God to forgive us, and to use us as He has planned to share His love everywhere.

Gracious God, we are sorry for the times we wander off, failing to honor our covenant to love one another and obey Your word. We ask Your forgiveness through Jesus our Savior. Bless us to be the voice of the Good News to all. Amen.