Category: Daily Prayer

Our scripture this morning is Psalm 72.

Give the king your justice, O God, and your righteousness to the royal son! May he judge your people with righteousness, and your poor with justice! Let the mountains bear prosperity for the people, and the hills, in righteousness! May he defend the cause of the poor of the people, give deliverance to the children of the needy, and crush the oppressor! May they fear you while the sun endures, and as long as the moon, throughout all generations! May he be like rain that falls on the mown grass, like showers that water the earth! In his days may the righteous flourish, and peace abound, till the moon be no more! May he have dominion from sea to sea, and from the River to the ends of the earth! May desert tribes bow down before him, and his enemies lick the dust! May the kings of Tarshish and of the coastlands render him tribute; may the kings of Sheba and Seba bring gifts! May all kings fall down before him, all nations serve him! For he delivers the needy when he calls, the poor and him who has no helper. He has pity on the weak and the needy, and saves the lives of the needy. From oppression and violence he redeems their life, and precious is their blood in his sight. Long may he live; may gold of Sheba be given to him! May prayer be made for him continually, and blessings invoked for him all the day! May there be abundance of grain in the land; on the tops of the mountains may it wave; may its fruit be like Lebanon; and may people blossom in the cities like the grass of the field! May his name endure forever, his fame continue as long as the sun! May people be blessed in him, all nations call him blessed! Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, who alone does wondrous things. Blessed be his glorious name forever; may the whole earth be filled with his glory! Amen and Amen! The prayers of David, the son of Jesse, are ended.

This prayer asks God to give the king wisdom and mercy to rule the people. King Saul and King David were appointed by God to be in charge of all things in Israel and they literally had the power of life and death. God’s intent was that these chosen leaders would rule as God does, in love and justice. It didn’t always work out that way.

Most of the nations on earth have chosen a form of representative government, which we feel is better than imperial rule by one or a few. However, they are still human, capable of failure and in need of our prayers. We still need the Lord’s blessing on our leaders that we may be fair and honest in our political systems.

If you chuckled or shook your head in dismay at the last statement, you’re probably not alone. Many people are not satisfied with the actions of their representatives. It is said that we get the government we deserve. Starting today, let’s pray for our officials, that God would give them the wisdom and guidance they need.

Gracious God, be with those in positions of responsibility. Lead them that they may govern wisely, with justice and mercy. May we be supportive even when we disagree and work together to do Your will. Amen.

Our scripture this morning is John 1:10‭-‬18.

He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God. The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John testified concerning him. He cried out, saying, “This is the one I spoke about when I said, ‘He who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.’ ”) Out of his fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is himself God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made him known.

This passage is a description of the wonderful blessing we have received in Christ. It speaks of the joy of His coming and how He reconnects us to God. It also shares the sorrow that not everyone accepted Him, that “the world did not recognize Him” (v. 10).

Jesus reaches out with God’s love to everyone, but it is up to us individually to make this gift part of our lives and share it with the world. This is where our responsibility in salvation begins. We certainly cannot save ourselves, but we must recognize Jesus and what He comes to do for us.

During this time that we evaluate our lives and make plans for the future, we need to examine our relationship with God and how Jesus has opened the door to a renewed connection for us. We must be intentional in our faith and steadfast in our actions. Through our witness in the world, others may come to know Him and accept God’s love for themselves.

Wise and wonderful God, You love us so much it is hard for us to grasp. Help us to be the disciples of today, sharing the joy of Christ and the blessings of Your kingdom with everyone. Amen.

Our scripture this morning is Galatians 4:4‭-‬7.

But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship. Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father.” So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir.

How inspiring and comforting to hear “Since you are His child, God has made you also an heir”. To put it in more common terms, we are written into the will to receive an inheritance from God. As if He hasn’t already blessed us richly enough through our very existence and all the gifts of creation, God still has more to give us.

While a will is a legally binding document in our society, God’s inheritance for us is eternal. There are requirements and responsibilities we must fulfill under God’s law in order to be part of the inheritance as well. God loves us so much He has made a way for us to be redeemed from our sin and claim the promised gifts.

Are you ready to be an heir of God’s kingdom? It isn’t always easy but it is always worth it! God has instructed us and blessed us to follow the example of Jesus, and to join with Him in life everlasting.

Heavenly Father, we are grateful for Your love given to us to share with the world. May we reach out to others that all may be heirs in Your kingdom. Amen.

Our scripture this morning is John 8:12‭-‬19.

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” The Pharisees challenged him, “Here you are, appearing as your own witness; your testimony is not valid.” Jesus answered, “Even if I testify on my own behalf, my testimony is valid, for I know where I came from and where I am going. But you have no idea where I come from or where I am going. You judge by human standards; I pass judgment on no one. But if I do judge, my decisions are true, because I am not alone. I stand with the Father, who sent me. In your own Law it is written that the testimony of two witnesses is true. I am one who testifies for myself; my other witness is the Father, who sent me.” Then they asked him, “Where is your father?” “You do not know me or my Father,” Jesus replied. “If you knew me, you would know my Father also.”

Jesus gives the Pharisees (and us) a lesson on truth and judgement. The Pharisees were big on judgement but not so much on truth. They were the teachers of the law but they often failed to obey what they taught.

Notice their questions to Jesus. They aren’t interested in understanding what He teaches, only in challenging His right to speak these things. How often are we like this? Even when we disagree it’s important to listen and understand.

As we begin a new year, may we honestly listen to the concerns of our brothers and sisters, and if we disagree, at least make the effort to understand their side of the situation. We may still disagree, but listening and discussing rationally rather than rejecting and dismissing as the Pharisees did will allow us to move forward as Jesus taught. Let us ask for God’s guidance to better understand and care for one another.

Loving Lord, forgive us for ignoring the fears and needs of others. Help us to share Your love in the world, using the gifts You have given us wisely. Amen.

Our scripture this morning is Psalms 147:12‭-‬20.

Extol the Lord, Jerusalem; praise your God, Zion. He strengthens the bars of your gates and blesses your people within you. He grants peace to your borders and satisfies you with the finest of wheat. He sends his command to the earth; his word runs swiftly. He spreads the snow like wool and scatters the frost like ashes. He hurls down his hail like pebbles. Who can withstand his icy blast? He sends his word and melts them; he stirs up his breezes, and the waters flow. He has revealed his word to Jacob, his laws and decrees to Israel. He has done this for no other nation; they do not know his laws. Praise the Lord.

How often do we praise the Lord “just because”? We offer thanks and praise when our loved ones are healed, when we are saved from a bad situation and many others after the fact, but God deserves our praise all the time, simply because He is our loving creator. This psalm reminds us of the blessings Israel enjoyed and that we continue to receive today.

God does this because He loves us and wants good things for us. We are called to be in relationship with Him and the only thing that prevents that is our own pride and selfishness. We are the primary obstacle to our own salvation!

However, God continues to reach out to us, even in our sin. He made a way for us to return to a faith connection to Him through the gift of Jesus. God wants all of us back and that is a reason for thanks and praise.

Heavenly Father, we are ashamed of our failures and sorry for disobeying Your commandments. Forgive our mistakes and lead us to eternal life through Christ our Lord, Amen.

Our scripture this morning is 1 Corinthians 3:10‭-‬17.

By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as a wise builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should build with care. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work. If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward. If it is burned up, the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved—even though only as one escaping through the flames. Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy that person; for God’s temple is sacred, and you together are that temple.

Paul uses the illustration of how a building is constructed to teach us about the foundation of our faith, Jesus Christ. He warns that building our lives on any other foundation is foolish and will fail in the end. He tells us that what we make of our lives – what we build – will be examined and judged by God at the last day.

There are many other reminders of this building process. Jesus Himself teaches us “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock” (Matthew 7:24). There are hymns such as “My Hope is Built On Nothing Less” and “How Firm a Foundation” that share this truth.

Only by carefully following the plan Jesus gave can we hope to build our lives into something pleasing to God. He wants to live in us but He can’t if our building is substandard. We must trust the foundation Christ laid for us and build our lives confidently in Him.

Patient God, we are thankful for the model of our faith, Jesus Christ and the example for building He gave us. Help us to be strong in a difficult world and share Your love with everyone. Amen.

Our scripture this morning is ‭‭Revelation‬ ‭21:1-7‬.

“Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” He said to me: “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life. Those who are victorious will inherit all this, and I will be their God and they will be my children.”

John, the author of Revelation, gives us this testimony of the vision God sent him. It beautifully expresses God’s promise fulfilled, that He is “making everything new” (v. 5) and we will live in His presence eternally. It is the blessing of a new existence in continued relationship with Him.

The things we know – the possessions and status and wealth that many thought important – will all be gone. God replaces these with His gift of life everlasting, that “There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain” (v. 4). All the curses that sin brought to human life will cease.

The images John shares in Revelation can be confusing and frightening, but only for those who oppose the will of God. He is ready to welcome into the new Heaven and earth all who truly love Him and obey His commandments. He tells us plainly “Those who are victorious will inherit all this, and I will be their God and they will be my children.”

Gracious God, through the gift of Christ our Lord You made a way for us to be reconciled and redeemed. May we share the joy of our faith with the world, that all may look forward to eternal life in You. Amen.

Our scripture this morning is Psalm 148.

Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord from the heavens; praise him in the heights! Praise him, all his angels; praise him, all his host! Praise him, sun and moon; praise him, all you shining stars! Praise him, you highest heavens, and you waters above the heavens! Let them praise the name of the Lord, for he commanded and they were created. He established them forever and ever; he fixed their bounds, which cannot be passed. Praise the Lord from the earth, you sea monsters and all deeps, fire and hail, snow and frost, stormy wind fulfilling his command! Mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars! Wild animals and all cattle, creeping things and flying birds! Kings of the earth and all peoples, princes and all rulers of the earth! Young men and women alike, old and young together! Let them praise the name of the Lord, for his name alone is exalted; his glory is above earth and heaven. He has raised up a horn for his people, praise for all his faithful, for the people of Israel who are close to him. Praise the Lord!

The Psalms are the songbook of scripture, bringing our praise and our prayers to the Lord. This psalm from the New Revised Standard Version uses the word “praise” twelve times in fourteen verses. History tells us these were sung as part of worship, especially during temple services.

When we lift our voices together, we are all strengthened and encouraged to share the joy of the Lord with the world. I know some who say “I can’t sing” but it’s not about beautiful music – the song of a lark and the raucous call of a crow are both pleasing to God. It’s about our connection to Him and offering our thanks and praise.

A director once told me “God asks us to make a “joyful noise” (Psalm 100), and that’s all that matters.” Don’t be afraid to lift your voice to God for fear of “what others will say” – it’s not about them, it’s between you and God. Jesus told us “if they are silent, the very stones would cry out” (Luke 19:40). All creation sings to the Lord, and you are a beloved part of that heavenly choir.

Loving Lord, we are grateful for Your many gifts to us and we bring our thanks and praise. Let us go into Your world with joy and tell everyone of Your love. Amen.

Our scripture this morning is Luke 2:41‭-‬50.

Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover. And when he was twelve years old, they went up according to custom. And when the feast was ended, as they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. His parents did not know it, but supposing him to be in the group they went a day’s journey, but then they began to search for him among their relatives and acquaintances, and when they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem, searching for him. After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. And when his parents saw him, they were astonished. And his mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us so? Behold, your father and I have been searching for you in great distress.” And he said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” And they did not understand the saying that he spoke to them.

How did we get here? Yesterday we celebrated Jesus coming to be among us and today’s reading tells of the boy Jesus in conversation with the teachers in the Temple. Can’t we keep Him as Baby Jesus a little longer?

Giving our love and adoration to the holy infant is appropriate, and we are called to do so, but we must understand what He came to do – save us all from our sins. When we remember Jesus as a baby we don’t see Him as the source of change that He brought to our world. He is still small and harmless, not yet a challenge to how we live and treat each other.

We must allow Jesus to grow and develop in our lives as we grow and develop in our faith. When we invite Him into our hearts we are changed forever, called to be a part of the kingdom of God eternally, and charged to share His love with everyone. That’s a mighty task for humans, but with His help we can change the world.

Loving Lord, thank You for sending Jesus to redeem us. We are humbled and grateful for this wonderful gift. May we go in His name to make disciples of all nations. Amen.

Merry Christmas! May the peace and joy of Christ’s coming be with you and yours today and always.

Our scripture this morning is ‭‭Luke‬ ‭2:1-20‬.

“And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city. Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.” And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them.”

The old familiar story that we have heard every Christmas still brings us anticipation and joy. Christ the savior is born! God’s promise has come to love and save and free us. However, it wasn’t how anyone expected Him to come.

It sounds counterintuitive – in order to save us from our human condition, Jesus came as a human? God’s plan for salvation is that we see in Christ what we can be, beloved and sinless. God has the beloved part covered, He loves us so much that He sent His only son to save us while we were still sinners. Turning away from sin and returning in repentance is up to us.

Jesus came to save us, but He also came as one of us. We can relate to Him, He knows exactly how it feels to be human. However, He shows us a better way of living, at peace with God and each other. The Good News of Jesus Christ is given to the world, let us share our joy and the love of God with everyone.

Heavenly Father, we are amazed at how You come to us, a fragile child in need of care. Help us to grow in our faith as Your people, testifying to Your promise of redemption and Your eternal love. Amen.