Category: Daily Prayer

Our scripture this morning is John 4:46‭-‬54.

Once more he visited Cana in Galilee, where he had turned the water into wine. And there was a certain royal official whose son lay sick at Capernaum. When this man heard that Jesus had arrived in Galilee from Judea, he went to him and begged him to come and heal his son, who was close to death. “Unless you people see signs and wonders,” Jesus told him, “you will never believe.” The royal official said, “Sir, come down before my child dies.” “Go,” Jesus replied, “your son will live.” The man took Jesus at his word and departed. While he was still on the way, his servants met him with the news that his boy was living. When he inquired as to the time when his son got better, they said to him, “Yesterday, at one in the afternoon, the fever left him.” Then the father realized that this was the exact time at which Jesus had said to him, “Your son will live.” So he and his whole household believed. This was the second sign Jesus performed after coming from Judea to Galilee.

I tend to see Jesus as being kind and warm all the time, but scripture tells us there were times that He responded in ways that make us stop and think. In this passage a royal official asks Jesus to heal his son and Jesus replies “Unless you people see signs and wonders you will never believe” (v. 48). While each and every life is important to Jesus, he has a deeper message we must understand.

In another passage a Cannanite woman asks Jesus to heal her daughter and He tells her “it is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs.” “Lord,” she replied, “even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs” (Mark 7:27‭-‬28). In each case when Jesus sounds as if He is refusing the request, He is really leading us all to the truth.

God is not merely about granting wishes, our relationship with our Creator is much more than simply getting what we want. In each of these examples Jesus leads us to faith in God, not based on miracles we can see but love for Him and each other. It is this eternal connection that will heal us all.

Gracious God, we bring our needs to You in faith, knowing that You love us. Help us to see Your plan for us and follow the path Jesus showed, believing even when we have not seen. Amen.

Our scripture this morning is Luke 5:17-26.

One day, while he was teaching, Pharisees and teachers of the law were sitting near by (they had come from every village of Galilee and Judea and from Jerusalem); and the power of the Lord was with him to heal. Just then some men came, carrying a paralyzed man on a bed. They were trying to bring him in and lay him before Jesus; but finding no way to bring him in because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and let him down with his bed through the tiles into the middle of the crowd in front of Jesus. When he saw their faith, he said, “Friend, your sins are forgiven you.” Then the scribes and the Pharisees began to question, “Who is this who is speaking blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God alone?” When Jesus perceived their questionings, he answered them, “Why do you raise such questions in your hearts? Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Stand up and walk’? But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he said to the one who was paralyzed—“I say to you, stand up and take your bed and go to your home.” Immediately he stood up before them, took what he had been lying on, and went to his home, glorifying God. Amazement seized all of them, and they glorified God and were filled with awe, saying, “We have seen strange things today.”

Jesus shows us the power of our faith in action through this encounter with a paralyzed man. Of course, the healing is very important, but the lesson and the demonstration of God’s love and mercy is of eternal value. Jesus takes this opportunity to show all those gathered there how God works in our lives.

Friends brought this man to Jesus in faith, believing that he would be healed. When they were unable to get through the crowd, they didn’t give up, and found another way to bring the man to Jesus. They were steadfast in their faith and did not let the obstacle prevent them from reaching Jesus.

Are we as strong in our faith as those in this passage? Do we let worldly things interfere in our relationship with God? It is essential that we live in connection with Him but just as essential that we act in faith and love in all we do.

Loving Lord, please send Your healing mercy to all in need. Help us to be the voice of faith in a dark and troubled world, sharing the love we first received from You. In Your name we pray, amen.

Our scripture this morning is Luke 5:4-11.

When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.” Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.” When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. So they signaled their partners in the other boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink. When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!” For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon’s partners. Then Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will fish for people.” So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.

I can imagine Peter’s reaction to Jesus asking them to drop their nets again. “Who is this guy? We’ve been fishing all night, we’ve caught nothing, and we’re the professionals here!” However, Peter and his friends do listen and are amazed at the enormous catch they achieve, just as Jesus said. The scripture tells us “So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him” (v. 11).

As they journey with Jesus, they learn to trust Him more in everything He teaches them. After His resurrection, He tells them to go and make disciples of all the world, continuing His ministry through the gift of the Holy Spirit. Each of His followers had a mission and nearly all were martyred for their faith.

We are called to trust Jesus the same way they did. While we may not be asked to leave our home and family or suffer death for Him, we must be ready for whatever comes. Christ has opened the door to eternal life for all who confess Him as Lord and savior, and we must follow.

Loving Lord, we thank you for the blessing of forgiveness and the call You place on our lives. Help us to be strong against the ways of the world, loving all our brothers and sisters as You first loved us. Amen.

Our scripture this morning is Romans 11:17‭-‬24.

If some of the branches have been broken off, and you, though a wild olive shoot, have been grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing sap from the olive root, do not consider yourself to be superior to those other branches. If you do, consider this: You do not support the root, but the root supports you. You will say then, “Branches were broken off so that I could be grafted in.” Granted. But they were broken off because of unbelief, and you stand by faith. Do not be arrogant, but tremble. For if God did not spare the natural branches, he will not spare you either. Consider therefore the kindness and sternness of God: sternness to those who fell, but kindness to you, provided that you continue in his kindness. Otherwise, you also will be cut off. And if they do not persist in unbelief, they will be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again. After all, if you were cut out of an olive tree that is wild by nature, and contrary to nature were grafted into a cultivated olive tree, how much more readily will these, the natural branches, be grafted into their own olive tree!

I don’t know a lot about branch grafting, but it was already practiced in Paul’s time. Like Jesus, Paul uses examples from nature that people can understand. Here he speaks of how the Gentiles – all who are not Jews – can become part of God’s chosen.

Paul tells us that the divisions between us are artificial, of our own invention and not God’s. This passage speaks of God’s fairness, that those unproductive branches are cut off and replaced by fruitful branches grafted in. However, it also speaks of God’s mercy, that those who call on Him in faith will be saved.

Paul warns against arrogance in being chosen, which does not demonstrate faith and can incur God’s wrath. We are all God’s children, made in His image and called to share His love with everyone. May we go into the world joyfully to spread the Gospel.

Heavenly Father, we are grateful for our relationship with You and all the gifts we have received. Bless us to be Your representatives, telling all that Your kingdom has come near. Amen.

Our scripture this morning is 2 Timothy 1:6-10.

For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God. He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.

Paul continues to encourage his friend Timothy (and us) to “fan into flame the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands” (v. 6). He doesn’t mean that he (Paul) gave Timothy the gift, merely that the laying on of hands is a symbolic act that reminds the recipient of God’s gift. Paul goes on to explain that this gift and our call are “not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace” (v. 9).

Do you remember a time that the body of Christ reached out to lay hands on you? We do this as a sign of love and acceptance. Perhaps it was a baptism or confirmation. Many churches use a laying on of hands for commissioning, healing and a variety of other purposes to remind us all that the Holy Spirit has been given to us to share with the world.

Paul continues with the fact that Jesus gave us this gift “before the beginning of time”, that we have always been chosen and called to live in Christ and for Him. Whether we have had hands laid on or any other human sign is significant as an act of faith and solidarity in the body of Christ, but not what provides the real meaning. God gave us this wonderful gift; we can only share it and testify to the joy it brings.

Loving Lord, You call us into connection with You and our brothers and sisters. Help us to use the wonderful things You have made in a way that honors You and serves Your children. Amen.

Our scripture this morning is 1 Timothy‬ ‭6:6-10.

But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.

Paul shares wise counsel with Timothy in this passage. Contentment is something most of us long for, but we are caught in the human-fueled error that “more is better”. Paul speaks of the temptation we face in our desire to increase our wealth or power or position, and in that pursuit, we often fall into sin.

We may have heard Paul misquoted as saying “money is the root of all evil”. What this passage actually says is the love of money is the root of all evil (v. 10). Money is merely a tool, neither good nor evil. What we are willing to do for money and what we do with it after we obtain it is where the decision to sin occurs.

It is easy to look at those who have wealth and say, “why don’t they do something good with their money?” when we are only responsible for our own earning and giving. Greed blinds some to the needs of others. Our perceived financial situations can make it easy to think the responsibility to help belongs to others of greater means. God calls us all to make a conscious choice to be generous with what we have, no matter the amount. This will bring us to the contentment Paul spoke of, knowing we have done what is right with what God has given us.

Gracious God, we have been blessed beyond measure by Your love and forgiveness. Help us to bless others who need what we can offer, that all may know Your love and care. Amen.

Our scripture this morning is 1 Corinthians‬ ‭1:3-9‬.

Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I always thank my God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus. For in him you have been enriched in every way—with all kinds of speech and with all knowledge— God thus confirming our testimony about Christ among you. Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed. He will also keep you firm to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

Paul wrote to many churches he had helped plant to continue to guide and strengthen them. He taught that while accepting Jesus as Lord was essential, it is just as essential to continue in the path He set for us. We must allow the Holy Spirit to work in our lives every day.

Paul knew that hearing the Good News was just the beginning of a life in Christ. Coming to faith is not a one-time event but a lifelong process of loving God and each other as Jesus showed us. Sharing the Gospel with the world is our daily task, performed out of that love, wanting all to hear of the gift of salvation He offers us.

Jesus warned it would not be easy, and Paul suffered hardship, pain and ridicule for his ministry. We may not be called to go through what the founders of our faith endured, but our task is the same. The kingdom of God has come near, and it is up to us to share that joy with everyone.

Loving Lord, we are grateful for those who have brought us to the knowledge of Jesus Christ and Your love for us. Help us to be the disciples of today, going to share that love everywhere. Amen.
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Our scripture this morning is Romans 14:10-13.

You, then, why do you judge your brother or sister? Or why do you treat them with contempt? For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat. It is written: ‘As surely as I live,’ says the Lord, ‘every knee will bow before me; every tongue will acknowledge God.’  So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God. Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister.

We are warned about judging each other several times in scripture. Jesus teaches us this in Matthew 7:1-2 and Luke 6:37. It is all part of loving one another and treating them as we wish to be treated. Paul reiterates this lesson in today’s passage and adds guidance that we must not put obstacles in each other’s way.

This lesson is repeated in the three rules taught by 18th century theologian John Wesley – do no harm, do good, and stay in love with God. Perhaps we can’t solve all the problems we encounter, but we can certainly keep from making them worse. When we judge someone, we make it more difficult for them to resolve that issue.

Today when faced with a situation in which you might respond judgmentally, stop and think how that might negatively affect the issue, as well as your relationship with others and with God. A prayer pause might be in order before reacting, something as simple as a breath prayer – breathe in and accept God’s love, breathe out and share God’s love. It can make all the difference in your day and those around you as well.

Gracious God, we are sorry for the times we judge others and damage our connection with them and You. Help us to love one another without judgement, as You first loved and forgave us. Amen.

Our scripture this morning is Romans 13:8‭-‬11.

Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law. The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not covet,” and whatever other command there may be, are summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law. And do this, understanding the present time: The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.

Paul uses the example of the commandments that deal with personal relationships to show how “love your neighbor as yourself” covers them all. When we apply this to every interaction with people, we are sharing the love of Jesus as well as our own. This is how we are called to be connected to God and each other.

I have heard an explanation that the vertical bar of the cross represents our relationship with God and the horizontal bar depicts our relationship with each other. This is a great lesson for us, that Jesus died out of love for His Father and us, and we are meant for the same connection with God and each other. God created us out of love and it must be the primary motivation for everything we do.

Paul reminds us that the kingdom of God has come near to us. The time to accept Christ is now! He calls us all into the sacrificing love of the cross, ready to share God’s blessing with the world.

Loving Lord, thank You for Your creating and sustaining love, shown fully in the life, death and Resurrection of Jesus. Help us to share that love always. Amen.

Our scripture this morning is Romans‬ ‭10:11-15‬.

As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.” For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”

Paul continues his lesson with a discussion of our call to share the Gospel with the world. He explains the Great Commission that charges us to continue Christ’s ministry with the simple thought “how will people know Jesus unless we tell them about Him?” This is the way the Good News has spread, from that time up to the present moment.

This passage begins with the truth that we are all the same and the same Lord cares for us all (v. 12). When we see each other as brothers and sisters, it should encourage us to make sure everyone has heard the wonderful story of salvation and the joy we know in Jesus. Sharing our faith is the most important thing we will ever do.

Someone once described Christianity as the most beautiful pyramid scheme ever devised. As Paul demonstrated, his sharing of the teachings of Jesus led those who heard to reshare with others. Take time this week to talk to someone about the love of Jesus!

Gracious God, we are grateful for all Your many blessings, none more important than sending us Your Son. Help us to tell the world about the wonderful love and forgiveness You offer us all. Amen.