Category: Daily Prayer

Today many churches celebrate Maundy Thursday, commemorating the Last Supper Jesus shared with His disciples. “Maundy” is a modern adaptation of the Latin “mandatum” meaning “command”. Jesus initiated our practice of Holy Communion during the Passover meal with those closest to Him, teaching them to “do this in remembrance of me” (Luke 22:19-20).

Our scripture today is John 13:1-17.

It was just before the Passover Festival. Jesus knew that the hour had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. The evening meal was in progress, and the devil had already prompted Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus. Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him. He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?” Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” “No,” said Peter, “you shall never wash my feet.” Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.” “Then, Lord,” Simon Peter replied, “not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!” Jesus answered, “Those who have had a bath need only to wash their feet; their whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you.” For he knew who was going to betray him, and that was why he said not every one was clean. When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.”

One of my seminary professors once remarked that if the cross were not the sign of our faith, it should be the towel and basin, representing Christ’s servant love for us and that we are to share that servant spirit in the same way. I also heard that we all want to be servants – right up to the point that someone treats us like a servant! How do you feel about being a servant?

Footwashing was usually performed by the lowest servant in the household. However, Jesus showed in this passage the love and care He felt toward His disciples, and all of God’s children, taking on this task without shame, in the same way He went to the cross for us. Jesus showed that no task is beneath us when it is done out of love for God and each other.

Are we willing to go in Christian love and service to do whatever is needed to care for God’s children? Jesus told us the way would be difficult and we might be ridiculed as He was for our faith. He taught that no one is above serving others and that sharing God’s love everywhere is a blessing, no matter what the setting or circumstance.

Loving Lord, sometimes our pride gets in the way of our faith and duty. Help us to go as humble servants to share the joy of our relationship with You to all the world. Amen.

Our scripture this morning is Hebrews 12:1-3.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Paul exhorts us to give up our sinful ways and focus on what Jesus has taught and shown us. This is the difference between Jesus and most earthly teachers – He never waivers from what God has called Him to do and demonstrates a life of obedience to God for us. Paul mentions those who have gone before not so much that they are watching what we do to catch us but that they rejoice when we choose to follow Jesus and encourage us on our walk with Him.

However, it is essential that we choose to follow Jesus. We are all called but no one is forced. No one will be dragged kicking and screaming into eternal life, we must make a conscious decision and a continuing effort. In Matthew 19 we read about a young man who has it all – faith, knowledge and unfortunately, wealth. He is unable to obey Jesus when He instructs him to give it to the poor and we hear that “When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth” (Matthew 19:22).

Jesus has asked us to give up the things that separate us from a sincere relationship with God, no matter what that object or behavior may be. He knows our weakness but through His strength and forgiveness, we can be saved if we choose to follow Him. May we all feel His love and continue on the path to which He has called us.

Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of Jesus who came to love and save and free us. Help us to be strong in our faith and to share Your love with all the world. Amen.

Our scripture this morning is John 12:23-26.

Jesus answered them, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Very truly, I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. Those who love their life lose it, and those who hate their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there will my servant be also. Whoever serves me, the Father will honor.

Jesus spoke many times about His death, hoping to prepare His disciples for what was to come. (They weren’t prepared.) Sometimes He revealed this openly as in Matthew 16:21, Matthew 17:9, Matthew 17:22-23 and Matthew 20:17-19. In today’s scripture He speaks somewhat more cryptically, using the example of a grain of wheat.

The disciples did not accept this prophecy of His death well. Witness Peter’s reaction in Matthew 16:22 where he exclaims “This shall never happen to you!” Jesus has to explain to Peter (and us) that this is part of God’s plan, and while we may not always understand, we must always obey.

In John’s account, Jesus says that if the grain of wheat “dies” it bears much fruit, a reference to His death and resurrection bringing people to faith in God. He reminds us that earth is not our forever home in verse 25, and that those who accept Him as savior and Lord will be with Him at the end and honored by God. We must always remember that easy was not promised but eternal life is assured for those who take up their cross and follow.

Loving Lord, we are amazed at Your sacrifice for us. Help us to be the servants we are called to be, using our gifts to share Your love with all the world. Amen.

Hello again! Holy Week has come and I have been away from my daily post far too long. I have been fighting back issues, now doing physical therapy and meds for relief. We’ve had family things, travelling, the same issues we all deal with on a regular basis. As things got more complex, it became easier and easier to put off writing every morning. It just goes to show how quickly any of us can fall out of a faith routine if we don’t practice it regularly. My apologies for my weakness, I’ll do my best to not succumb to laziness again, at least regarding daily posts. Bless you all for the inquiries and messages of encouragement! May we walk through Holy Week (and always!) with the remembrance of what Jesus has done for us and what He calls us to do for one another.

Our scripture this morning is Hebrews 9:11-15.

‘But when Christ came as high priest of the good things that are now already here, he went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not made with human hands, that is to say, is not a part of this creation. He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption. The blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that they are outwardly clean. How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God! For this reason Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance—now that he has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant. ‘

God has made covenants with us from the very beginning. He promised Abraham who was old and childless that he would be the father of nations (Genesis 15:5). He promised the children of Israel that He would be their God and they His people (Exodus 19:5). Through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus, God offers us a new covenant, that we are washed clean of our sins and called to go to all the world in His name.

Holy Week is a time when we remember the final days of Christ’s earthly ministry – the lessons He taught right up to His death, the courage He displayed in the face of evil, and the love He showed even to those who crucified Him (Luke 23:34). He had told us before “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (John 15:13). We are all called to sacrifice for the good of others, as Jesus did for us.

That’s a pretty heavy instruction, but Christ expects us to take up our own cross and follow Him. While we may be called to give our lives for others as He did, I believe we are also called to give our lives to others, to share the joy we know in Jesus and live in love for God’s children as He did. This is the New Covenant we are called to, God’s promise of eternal life with Him.

Gracious God, we are amazed at Your love for us and blessed by Your sacrifice. Help us to live in Your love and share it with everyone everywhere. We kneel at the foot of the cross and commit ourselves to the coming of Your kingdom. Amen.

Our scripture this morning is Luke 10:1-12.

After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go. He told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves. Do not take a purse or bag or sandals; and do not greet anyone on the road. “When you enter a house, first say, ‘Peace to this house.’ If someone who promotes peace is there, your peace will rest on them; if not, it will return to you. Stay there, eating and drinking whatever they give you, for the worker deserves his wages. Do not move around from house to house. “When you enter a town and are welcomed, eat what is offered to you. Heal the sick who are there and tell them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’ But when you enter a town and are not welcomed, go into its streets and say, ‘Even the dust of your town we wipe from our feet as a warning to you. Yet be sure of this: The kingdom of God has come near.’ I tell you; it will be more bearable on that day for Sodom than for that town.

Jesus sends pairs of His followers out into the world to spread the Good News. This passage explains the instructions He gives them to enable their work. He tells them not to prepare as they would for a normal journey, but to trust in God for the things they need.

It may be hard for those who are planners and preparers to hear this. Some people are meticulous in their arrangements, with checklists and itineraries. Jesus tells them not to worry. Those of us who “fly by the seat of our pants” (yes, I’m one of them!) are similarly cautioned that we are to trust in the Lord and not in ourselves for this life-long mission.

Jesus calls us all and sends us into our world to share God’s love and mercy. He equips us with the gifts we need to be effective in our mission. As the disciples of today we are the messengers of the Gospel, bringing the joy of our savior to everyone.

Gracious God, we are humbled and thankful to be a part of Your kingdom coming on earth. Strengthen us by Your spirit and let us share the lessons You teach us with our brothers and sisters. Amen.

Our scripture this morning is Acts 3:17-22.

Now, fellow Israelites, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did your leaders. But this is how God fulfilled what he had foretold through all the prophets, saying that his Messiah would suffer. Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, and that he may send the Messiah, who has been appointed for you—even Jesus. Heaven must receive him until the time comes for God to restore everything, as he promised long ago through his holy prophets. For Moses said, ‘The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own people; you must listen to everything he tells you. ‘

In this passage Peter speaks to a group assembled outside the temple, recounting what had happened just a few months before, as the leaders and many of the people called for the crucifixion of Jesus. Peter says that despite their actions, Jesus was and is there for them, ready to forgive them when they come to Him in repentance. He teaches them that even this awful occurrence is being used by God to save His people.

Jesus foretold His death many times in scripture and in one instance rebuked Peter for saying it wouldn’t happen (Matthew 16:21-28). Peter certainly remembered that incident as he taught here, and that Jesus also said “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me” (Luke 9:23). Jesus never promised it would be easy, but He did promise it would be worth it.

We must remember these facts in our world today, as we face distrust and violence across our world. Jesus calls each of us to repent and be refreshed by His love and His sacrifice for us. As Peter told those gathered then, so it is now – only through our acceptance of God’s Messiah can we be saved.

Loving Lord, thank You for the gift of Your son, who was obedient even unto death and taught us all how much You love us. May we go in Your name to share that love with all the world. Amen.

Our scripture this morning is Luke 17:1-6.

Jesus said to his disciples: “Things that cause people to stumble are bound to come, but woe to anyone through whom they come. It would be better for them to be thrown into the sea with a millstone tied around their neck than to cause one of these little ones to stumble. So watch yourselves. “If your brother or sister sins against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them. Even if they sin against you seven times in a day and seven times come back to you saying ‘I repent,’ you must forgive them.” The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!” He replied, “If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it will obey you.

Most people are familiar with the example of the mustard seed Jesus uses to explain how even a small amount of true faith can work wonders. However, in the passage just before this, Jesus teaches about avoiding sin and giving forgiveness, an essential part of our faith. He tells the disciples they must not only avoid sin themselves, but they must also avoid causing another to sin.

This is part of our Christian example, not only to keep sin from our lives, but to live in such a way as to help others prevent sin from entering their lives. He also teaches about forgiveness for sin and that even if someone sins against us repeatedly, if they come to us in repentance, we must forgive them. This is essential and Jesus spoke about forgiving each other often. In Matthew 18:22 He teaches us “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times” when Peter asks how often we must forgive.

God knows all the times we have failed, but He has offered His forgiveness to all through Christ’s sacrifice for us. Jesus asked God to forgive those who crucified Him. We must be ready to forgive each other when asked, as we have been forgiven.

Heavenly Father, we are sorry for our sins and ask Your forgiveness. Restore us in Your love and send us to share it with all the world. Amen.

Our scripture today is Luke 19:1-10.

He entered Jericho and was passing through. And behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus. He was a chief tax collector and was rich. And he was seeking to see who Jesus was, but on account of the crowd he could not, because he was small in stature. So he ran on ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him, for he was about to pass that way. And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, hurry and come down, for I must stay at your house today.” So he hurried and came down and received him joyfully. And when they saw it, they all grumbled, “He has gone in to be the guest of a man who is a sinner.” And Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, “Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor. And if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I restore it fourfold.” And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”

This seems to be a story about a sinner who repents, and while that is true, there is a deeper meaning here. Jesus does forgive Zacchaeus and the tax collector makes reparations and promises to live differently. My question is do the people around him intend to live differently as well?

We need to look at the reaction of the villagers in this story to get the full picture. Many are upset that Jesus goes to eat with Zacchaeus and proclaim their neighbor a sinner. The scripture doesn’t tell us if they change their opinion of Zacchaeus and accept him after he repents. However, Jesus tells them “the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost”, and that should show us all that we must accept them as brothers and sisters.

If Jesus forgives someone, we must as well. We can’t withhold our forgiveness when Jesus has already given them His. It may be difficult to treat someone differently when we know they have done wrong previously, but when Jesus offers someone mercy and a new life, we should rejoice with them.

Loving Lord, help us to see repentant brothers and sisters in a new way, forgiving them as You have. We have all sinned and have been the undeserving recipients of Your love and forgiveness. Bless us all to come to You and give us hearts of mercy. Amen.

Our scripture this morning is 1 Corinthians 15:3-10.

For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, and then to the Twelve. After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers and sisters at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born. For I am the least of the apostles and do not even deserve to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God, I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me.

Paul recounts to the Corinthians the death and resurrection of Christ, not that they have not heard it, but as many of us know, repetition is one of the best teaching methods. He prefaces this with the statement that it is of “first importance” (v. 3). I believe Paul means of first importance in our faith, but also in our daily lives.

There are many people who put Jesus first…every Sunday…and then pay no attention to what He taught us the rest of the week. Gathering as the body of Christ is an important part of our faith, but it is only a part. What we take out of that gathering to share with the world is just as important as our being there.

I invite you to consider daily what you heard at services to begin the week. If you were unable to attend, perhaps find out what the sermon topic was and what scripture readings were shared. It is essential to stay connected to the body, but equally essential to take those lessons out into our society, to put the teaching Jesus gave us into practice on a daily basis. Hearing the word is important, living the word in a full relationship with God is the way we are saved.

Gracious God, we are grateful for the gift of Jesus and the way He taught us to live. Bless us to be Your messengers, sharing Christ with all the world. Amen.

Our scripture this morning is Luke 6:27-37.

‘ “But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn to them the other also. If someone takes your coat, do not withhold your shirt from them. Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. Do to others as you would have them do to you. “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do that. And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, expecting to be repaid in full. But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. ‘

Jesus teaches us that in order to receive God’s love and forgiveness, we must be willing to give the same love and forgiveness to those around us. Jesus adds that we are required to practice this with not only friends and family but also with strangers. Last and perhaps most difficult for us, it is required even when that love and forgiveness is not returned.

Jesus showed us this example in His daily living, sharing God’s love and forgiveness with everyone. He may have debated the scribes and Pharisees, but He loved and forgave them, even when they were instrumental in His death. Jesus wants us all to repent and accept God’s love, and He was willing to die to show that love was real.

While our world seems filled with fear and mistrust, dissent and anger, it is up to us to break the cycle of returning evil for evil. I’ve heard it said that “you don’t have to attend every argument you’re invited to”, and I believe Jesus would support that kind of thinking. Instead of reflecting anger directed at us, we must respond as Jesus would, seeing the other as a beloved child of God.

Loving Lord, You teach us a hard lesson, but one we must learn to help bring Your love to the world. Bless us to be calm in the face of worldly issues and share Your peace with everyone. Amen.