Category: Daily Prayer

Our scripture this morning is Acts 2:1-21.

When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven. And at this sound the multitude came together, and they were bewildered, because each one was hearing them speak in his own language. And they were amazed and astonished, saying, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each of us in his own native language? Parthians and Medes and Elamites and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabians—we hear them telling in our own tongues the mighty works of God.” And all were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “What does this mean?” But others mocking said, “They are filled with new wine.” But Peter, standing with the eleven, lifted up his voice and addressed them: “Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and give ear to my words. For these people are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day. But this is what was uttered through the prophet Joel: ‘And in the last days it shall be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams; even on my male servants and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit, and they shall prophesy. And I will show wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below, blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke; the sun shall be turned to darkness and the moon to blood, before the day of the Lord comes, the great and magnificent day. And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved’.

At Pentecost, Peter and the disciples receive the gift of the Holy Spirit as Jesus promised. They are blessed with the ability to share the glory of God in a way that all those assembled in Jerusalem for the holiday may understand. We are told the crowds were amazed that “we hear them telling in our own tongues the mighty works of God” (v. 11).

While I was a pastor, it was always difficult to get someone to read the scripture on Pentecost Sunday because of all the strange place names in this passage. Can you imagine how hard it was for people to believe the disciples were speaking in the languages of all those places? God gave them the gift of being able to communicate with a variety of different people to spread the message of His love as Jesus had taught them. This is the beginning of their ministry, blessed with new confidence and joy.

We may not be able to speak in foreign languages, but God has given us many ways of reaching out to our brothers and sisters around the world. On this Day of Pentecost 2022, we are called to join with all that have gone before us and continue the mission Jesus has given us – to make disciples of all nations and share the love of God with everyone. May we be brave and joyful as Peter and the rest of the apostles were on that first celebration.

Gracious God, You have blessed us to be kingdom messengers, carrying the Good News far and wide. Strengthen us in our faith to be energetic servants, glad to go wherever we are sent in Your name. Amen.

Our scripture this morning is James 3:3-10.

We can make a large horse go wherever we want by means of a small bit in its mouth. And a small rudder makes a huge ship turn wherever the pilot chooses to go, even though the winds are strong. In the same way, the tongue is a small thing that makes grand speeches. But a tiny spark can set a great forest on fire. And among all the parts of the body, the tongue is a flame of fire. It is a whole world of wickedness, corrupting your entire body. It can set your whole life on fire, for it is set on fire by hell itself. People can tame all kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and fish, but no one can tame the tongue. It is restless and evil, full of deadly poison. Sometimes it praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it curses those who have been made in the image of God. And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right!

Do you remember as a child hearing the rhyme “sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me?” The sad truth is that our words can hurt others. The apostle James warns us that “the tongue is a flame of fire. It is a whole world of wickedness, corrupting your entire body” (v. 6). When we say things that hurt others, we disobey God.

We who claim the name of Jesus have a responsibility to uphold God’s word, and to speak to each other in love and peace. Proverbs 8:7 tells us “for my mouth will utter truth; wickedness is an abomination to my lips”. Saying hurtful things against another child of God is not part of His plan.

As a society, we seem to have forgotten this and harsh words fly across many paths of communication. This is not what Jesus taught us! We must consider all our words and insure they reflect the love of God, even when we are required to correct behavior or stand against evil. We are taught “Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing” (1 Peter 3:9).

Loving Lord, help us to curb our tongues and speak only according to Your word. May we be a channel of Your love in all we say and do. Amen.

Our scripture this morning is James 1:2-8.

Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do.

James tells us that when we are divided in our loyalty between God and the world, we are “as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind” (v. 6). Sadly, it happens to many of us. When we let the world dictate our thoughts and actions rather than what God has taught us, we feel turmoil.

Jesus came to show us that the world has no eternal power over us and that by putting our trust in God, we can overcome the ways of the world. His way is the path to truth and love and everlasting life. Nothing is worth more than being connected to the Lord forever.

Giving our lives to Him is easy, following Him every day of our lives is more difficult. When we find the world intruding on our faith, we must recognize it and ask God for strength to continue as Jesus told us. Prayer and repentance are the way back to a full relationship with Him.

Loving Lord, we are sorry for the times we ignore Your love and fall into sin. Help us to lead new lives every day, to be part of Your kingdom work in the world. Amen.

Our scripture this morning is Hebrews‬ ‭13:14-21.

For this world is not our permanent home; we are looking forward to a home yet to come. Therefore, let us offer through Jesus a continual sacrifice of praise to God, proclaiming our allegiance to his name. And don’t forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God. Obey your spiritual leaders and do what they say. Their work is to watch over your souls, and they are accountable to God. Give them reason to do this with joy and not with sorrow. That would certainly not be for your benefit. Pray for us, for our conscience is clear and we want to live honorably in everything we do. And especially pray that I will be able to come back to you soon. Now may the God of peace— who brought up from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great Shepherd of the sheep, and ratified an eternal covenant with his blood— may he equip you with all you need for doing his will. May he produce in you, through the power of Jesus Christ, every good thing that is pleasing to him. All glory to him forever and ever! Amen.

Paul closes this letter with words of comfort and instruction. He reminds us that “this world is not our permanent home; we are looking forward to a home yet to come” (v.14). While we are called to do our best here, following the teachings of Jesus, we know that there is a better world and eternal life waiting for the faithful.

He encourages us to “share with those in need” (v.16), as necessary today as it was then. How do we know who is in need? By getting out in the world and engaging with our brothers and sisters. Jesus didn’t say sit around and wait for someone to ask you about the kingdom of God, He told us in no uncertain terms to go and make disciples of all the world.‭‭

Jesus calls us individually and collectively. As individuals we must use the gifts we have been given to reach out to everyone. As His church, we are called to act together for the good of the world. Let us be aware of our calling and the difference we can make, sharing the Good News at every opportunity.

Gracious God, thank You for sending Your son to save and teach us. Thank You for spiritual leaders who shepherd Your people. Bless us to go in Your name, offering Your love and redemption to all. Amen.

Our scripture this morning is Hebrews‬ ‭13:1-8.

Keep on loving each other as brothers and sisters. Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it! Remember those in prison, as if you were there yourself. Remember also those being mistreated, as if you felt their pain in your own bodies. Give honor to marriage and remain faithful to one another in marriage. God will surely judge people who are immoral and those who commit adultery. Don’t love money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.” So we can say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me?” Remember your leaders who taught you the word of God. Think of all the good that has come from their lives, and follow the example of their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. So do not be attracted by strange, new ideas.

Paul closes his letter to the Hebrews with specific guidance for healthy spiritual lives. He writes (not surprisingly) about loving one another. None of this should be new or difficult for those who follow Jesus, but it is still true today: we need reminding and encouragement about our faith.

He tells us “The Lord is my helper, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me?” (v. 6). In our world we often worry too much about what others think of us. Paul reminds us that they are just as frail as we are and without God’s help they will not succeed. Yes, there is pain and evil here, but God wants us to live in His love and share it with those who hurt.

We are called to be His children and servants of His kingdom, bringing the Good News of a better world to come. We have stained His creation through sin, but His love is everlasting, and He will not let us go. Through the saving work of Jesus, we may all be free from death to live with Him eternally.

Gracious God, we are amazed that You call us to be part of Your redemption of all the earth. Bless us to be good stewards of our gifts and share them with those in need. Amen.

Our scripture this morning is Hebrews 12:12-15.

So take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees. Mark out a straight path for your feet so that those who are weak and lame will not fall but become strong. Work at living in peace with everyone, and work at living a holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord. Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many.

Paul tells us that God wants us back in fellowship with Him and each other. We must make the effort ourselves, accepting the forgiveness God has for us, and working together to strengthen our faith. God will work with us, giving us the Holy Spirit as our guide.

There are two warnings for us here as well in verse 15: “Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many.” This teaching should resonate with us today, in how we think and speak to each other and about one another. God wants His love to live in us and be shared with all people.

We are called to care about all of God’s children, even when we disagree. He wants us to find ways to live in peace with each other and help everyone see His truth. It may not be easy, but that is not what Jesus promised us. He told us that “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow me” (Luke 9:23) and that is our holy calling.

Gracious God, help us to turn from the strife we inflict on each other and live in Your love with all Your children. Make us strong in faith that we may carry the Gospel everywhere. Amen.

Our scripture this morning is ‭‭John‬ ‭15:9-17‬.

I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love. When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow! This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn’t confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me. You didn’t choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name. This is my command: Love each other.

More than anything, Jesus wanted us to love God and each other. In this passage He gives His disciples a final lesson on this, saying “There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (v. 13). He was about to do this for all of God’s children.

Today as we remember those who gave their lives in defense of their friends and even people they didn’t know, we see Christ’s love at work. They knew the danger but were willing to say “Here I am Lord, send me”. Good people over the centuries have stood with faith and courage to protect others.

Jesus doesn’t condone violence as a way to achieve selfish goals but defending those who are oppressed is part of His love. His sacrifice for us was the ultimate gift, going to the cross in order to save us from sin and death. We are called to go in His name to stand against evil and bring others back to a full relationship with God.

We may not face earthly combat, but we are in the battle against Satan every day. Paul calls us to “Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God” (Ephesians 6:10-11). Through His strength and love we can be part of the Lord’s army of the faithful, ready to serve Him always.

Gracious God, we are saddened by the violence that plagues our world. Help us to be peacemakers when we can, but to stand strong against the forces of evil we encounter, that all may be saved by Christ’s sacrifice for us. Amen.

Our scripture this morning is Hebrews‬ ‭12:1-11‬.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up. After all, you have not yet given your lives in your struggle against sin. And have you forgotten the encouraging words God spoke to you as his children? He said, “My child, don’t make light of the Lord’s discipline, and don’t give up when he corrects you. For the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes each one he accepts as his child.” As you endure this divine discipline, remember that God is treating you as his own children. Who ever heard of a child who is never disciplined by its father? If God doesn’t discipline you as he does all of his children, it means that you are illegitimate and are not really his children at all. Since we respected our earthly fathers who disciplined us, shouldn’t we submit even more to the discipline of the Father of our spirits, and live forever? For our earthly fathers disciplined us for a few years, doing the best they knew how. But God’s discipline is always good for us, so that we might share in his holiness. No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.

Do you remember being disciplined as a child? I certainly do. While the memory of the event is still not happy, as an adult and a parent who has been on the other side, I have a different opinion of discipline now. As many of you probably know, giving discipline is no more pleasant than receiving it.

I don’t ever remember being disciplined unfairly. Oh, I sure thought so at the time, but if I’m honest with myself, I can see that every discipline I received was reasonably deserved. My responses usually went from “I didn’t do it!” to “I did it but there was a reason” to “Yeah, that was wrong”. I believe our response to sin and God’s loving discipline is much the same.

I’m sure that God takes no joy from the act of disciplining His wayward children, but it is necessary in order to point us away from sin and back onto the path He intends for us. God looks past our sin and the act of discipline to forgiving us and the reconnection with Him we experience afterwards.

Loving Lord, we are sorry for the times You must discipline us in order to save us from sin. Thank You for Your forgiveness and everlasting love, wanting us to be part of Your family and Your plan for all Your children. Amen.

Our scripture this morning is Hebrews‬ ‭10:19-25.

And so, dear brothers and sisters, we can boldly enter heaven’s Most Holy Place because of the blood of Jesus. By his death, Jesus opened a new and life-giving way through the curtain into the Most Holy Place. And since we have a great High Priest who rules over God’s house, let us go right into the presence of God with sincere hearts fully trusting him. For our guilty consciences have been sprinkled with Christ’s blood to make us clean, and our bodies have been washed with pure water. Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.

Paul writes about the assurance of our salvation, reminding us that we have been washed clean by Christ’s sacrifice. Jesus knew exactly what His mission was when He came to be one of us. He also knew that part of God’s plan was that we were to be His representatives after He returned to heaven, continuing to share God’s love.

Now it is up to us. With the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we go into the world to tell the story of Jesus, to help others find their way to an eternal connection to God. We don’t need to worry about our qualifications or how well we communicate, the important part is that we honestly share our faith with everyone.

This means we are called to go “out there” – a scary place sometimes, but it is where we live now. God wants all His children to be in relationship with Him, and He has chosen us to bring the message. Let His strength make you strong and His love give you compassion for the work we must all accomplish.

Loving Lord, we are amazed that You forgive our sins and send us to carry the Good News to our brothers and sisters. May we be faithful workers for Your kingdom. Amen.

Our scripture this morning is John 17:9-20.

My prayer is not for the world, but for those you have given me, because they belong to you. All who are mine belong to you, and you have given them to me, so they bring me glory. Now I am departing from the world; they are staying in this world, but I am coming to you. Holy Father, you have given me your name; now protect them by the power of your name so that they will be united just as we are. During my time here, I protected them by the power of the name you gave me. I guarded them so that not one was lost, except the one headed for destruction, as the Scriptures foretold. Now I am coming to you. I told them many things while I was with them in this world so they would be filled with my joy. I have given them your word. And the world hates them because they do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. I’m not asking you to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one. They do not belong to this world any more than I do. Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth. Just as you sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world. And I give myself as a holy sacrifice for them so they can be made holy by your truth. I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message.

While nearly all of us know The Lord’s Prayer, this passage is titled The Prayer of Jesus in many translations. Here Jesus prays for all of His followers, that God would protect them as they go to share the Good News without His being physically present with them. This is the beginning of the Great Commission, in which we are called to go in His name and make disciples of all the world.

Read carefully the important last verse of this scripture: “I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message” (v. 20). “All who will ever believe” means everyone over the centuries who has heard the Gospel and all those yet to come until Christ returns for us. Jesus is praying for each one of us individually!

God has called us by name, Jesus came to save us and prays for us all. Now it is up to us to continue the ministry He left to us. We must be one in Him and go to share the love of God He has shown. May we take our mission seriously and show the world we are the body of Christ.

Heavenly Father, bless us to be the people You created us to be. Strengthen us in faith and let Your holy spirit guide us as we go to the world in love. Amen.