Category: Daily Prayer

Our scripture this morning is ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭63:1-11.

You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you; I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you, in a dry and parched land where there is no water. I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory. Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands. I will be fully satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you. On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night. Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings. I cling to you; your right hand upholds me. Those who want to kill me will be destroyed; they will go down to the depths of the earth. They will be given over to the sword and become food for jackals. But the king will rejoice in God; all who swear by God will glory in him, while the mouths of liars will be silenced.

The Book of Psalms contains all the human emotions we know – joy, pain, anger, fear – all the feelings we have can be found within the Psalms. We often hear very raw reactions to situations the authors face. This helps us to know that God wants to hear it all, the plain unvarnished truth of how we feel.

Do you have a family member or friend to whom you can “let it all out”? We need to be able to share our feelings so that they don’t consume us. Emotions unchecked can cause us to make poor decisions. God is there for all of us as well, waiting to hear and help with our lives. 

Praise and worship are essential to our faith, but so is confession. God wants us to give it all up to Him, the good and the bad. He created us and knows us better than we know ourselves. The line from the old hymn “take it to the Lord in prayer” means to give Him everything that burdens us, as well as thanks for all His gifts. Share all your feelings with God, He already knows but by releasing them you will be blessed!

Loving Lord, we are emotional creatures, often prone to act out our feelings. Help us to use our emotions more carefully with each other, and let us share Your love with all the world. Amen.

Our scripture this morning is ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭76:1-12.

“God is renowned in Judah; in Israel his name is great. His tent is in Salem, his dwelling place in Zion. There he broke the flashing arrows, the shields and the swords, the weapons of war. You are radiant with light, more majestic than mountains rich with game. The valiant lie plundered, they sleep their last sleep; not one of the warriors can lift his hands. At your rebuke, God of Jacob, both horse and chariot lie still. It is you alone who are to be feared. Who can stand before you when you are angry? From heaven you pronounced judgment, and the land feared and was quiet— when you, God, rose up to judge, to save all the afflicted of the land. Surely your wrath against mankind brings you praise, and the survivors of your wrath are restrained. Make vows to the Lord your God and fulfill them; let all the neighboring lands bring gifts to the One to be feared. He breaks the spirit of rulers; he is feared by the kings of the earth.”

A Psalm is always a good start to worship and for the week ahead. The psalmist offers praise to God for all His power and glory. He recounts God’s works among the people, both inspiring and terrifying. He reminds us that only through God’s strength are we successful.

A devotion I read recently said “our success is a gift, not a merit badge”, a very true statement. Jesus told us “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing” (‭‭John‬ ‭15:5‬). Without a relationship with God, our lives have no meaning.

How are you connecting to God on a regular basis? Morning and evening prayer, starting and ending each day with Him, is a good way to stay in touch. Jesus gave us the model of sharing our lives with God in prayer, may we be faithful in following His example.

Heavenly Father, we are sorry for the times we rely on our own strength and wisdom, not realizing without You we can do nothing. Bless us to stay connected with You in all things, at all times. Amen.

Our scripture this morning is ‭‭John‬ ‭3:31-36‬.

The one who comes from above is above all; the one who is from the earth belongs to the earth, and speaks as one from the earth. The one who comes from heaven is above all. He testifies to what he has seen and heard, but no one accepts his testimony. Whoever has accepted it has certified that God is truthful. For the one whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God gives the Spirit without limit. The Father loves the Son and has placed everything in his hands. Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them.

With these words John the Baptist teaches about the divine nature of Jesus and the wonder of His coming to be with us. He tells us of the eternal connection between God the Father, Jesus the Son and the Holy Spirit, and how our acceptance of Jesus as Lord is the key to salvation. This is God’s promise that “whoever believes in the Son has eternal life” (v. 36).

John was born to be the herald of Christ, and he told all who would listen “I am the voice of one calling in the wilderness, Make straight the way for the Lord” (‭‭John 1:23). He called people to a baptism of repentance that they might be ready for the teaching Jesus would bring. John’s message and his action show his faith that Jesus is indeed the Messiah.

John shares the same truth that Jesus teaches later, that no one comes to the Father except through Him (John 14:6). This is our invitation to be part of God’s plan, that through our repentance we can be forgiven and by faith we can be God’s messengers in the world. There is work for us in His kingdom!

Loving Lord, we are grateful for the gift of Your Son. Help us to turn from evil and follow our Savior that we may be part of Your eternal plan. Amen.

Our scripture this morning is Revelation 1:4-8.

John, To the seven churches in the province of Asia: Grace and peace to you from him who is, and who was, and who is to come, and from the seven spirits before his throne, and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father—to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen. “Look, he is coming with the clouds,” and “every eye will see him, even those who pierced him”; and all peoples on earth “will mourn because of him.” So shall it be! Amen. “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.”

John was given a marvelous vision of what Christ’s return will be like. While many of the images he presents are confusing and terrifying, they are given to us so that we might know the truth. The vision of the end times is intended to let us know there will be judgement of humanity according to our faith and actions.

While the things God has shown John are frightening, they also show God’s justice and His mercy to those who draw near to Him. He has shared His eternal plan with us so that we may know what is to come. I don’t believe God intends us to be “scared straight”, that’s not how He connects with us. However, He has given us this account to help us live through troubled times in faith.

Are we at the end times? Many have believed so before and many think this may be when Christ comes again for us. Remember that Jesus told His followers “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (‭‭Acts‬ ‭1:7-8‬). When He will return is up to God, how we wait faithfully is up to us.

Gracious God, thank You for trusting us with Your holy word. Help us to share this truth with Your children that all may come to You in repentance. Amen.

Our scripture this morning is 1 Corinthians 15:20‭-‬28.

But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. But each in turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him. Then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power. For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death. For he “has put everything under his feet.” Now when it says that “everything” has been put under him, it is clear that this does not include God himself, who put everything under Christ. When he has done this, then the Son himself will be made subject to him who put everything under him, so that God may be all in all.

Paul teaches about the Resurrection and Christ’s return that we might better understand God’s plan for us. He reminds us that sin came into the world by human choice. It is also by choice that we can be redeemed – God has already chosen us, we must then also choose to be part of His kingdom.

Jesus came to us as a man that in Him we could see what God intended for all humanity. When He returns for us, we will see His divine nature, the connection He has with God and the connection all believers will have through Him. This is the promise of faith offered to us.

We don’t know when He will return but we know it will happen. We must be prepared for His coming in the way we live every day. By making our hearts and minds ready here, we will be ready to be with Him in eternity.

Gracious God, we are grateful for the gift of our Savior. Help us to hear Your word and share Your love with all the world. Amen.

Our scripture this morning is ‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭1:13-19.

Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” And if you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one’s deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile, knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.

Peter writes that our faith requires a response, that we must be ready to act on the things Christ has taught us. Through our obedience we can be holy just as He was (v. 16). This is an amazing promise, that we can be like Jesus.

In order to follow in faith, we must be willing to do what is asked of us. It is our choice, Jesus forces no one. It is more than just knowing the scripture, it requires us to put that knowledge to work in our daily lives and share that love with those around us.

Peter knew better than anyone the joy of forgiveness. He had utterly failed when Jesus was arrested, going so far as denying he even knew Him. We sometimes deny Christ by our thoughts and behavior, but like Peter we can ask forgiveness and be restored to the family of God.

Loving Lord, we are sorry for the times we fail You. Forgive us we pray, and make us strong in faith to go into the world in Your name. Amen.

Our scripture this morning is Romans 3:21‭-‬26.

But now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished— he did it to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.

Paul reminds us that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (v. 23). We can’t be righteous by our own strength or actions, only by God’s grace and forgiveness. Christ’s sacrifice has redeemed us to God.

Now that we have this precious gift of redemption, it is up to us to share the joy of our reconnection with all the world. Paul travelled widely to proclaim the Good News and we are called to do the same. There are people near and far who need to hear the message of God’s love.

Our faith enables us and compels us to reach out to the world, telling everyone of the blessing of forgiveness Jesus gives. All can be saved through belief in Him. Share the love and peace you have received with everyone.

Gracious God, we are sorry for our selfish acts and ask Your forgiveness. Make us strong in our faith and may we spread Your light and love everywhere. Amen.

Our scripture this morning is ‭‭Acts‬ ‭17:24-27‬.

The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by human hands. And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything. Rather, he himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else. From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands. God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us.

In this passage Paul speaks to the people of Athens of God’s omnipotent power and how all things flow from Him. He warns them against the worship of idols, that only the one true God is worthy of our praise and that He wants to be connected to us. God waits for each of us to return to Him in repentance that we might be forgiven and renewed.

We know this teaching, but do we live it? Down through history God has sent faithful messengers to remind us of His love, but we have not always listened. Yet God continues to be present, “not far from any one of us” (v. 27).

God has made a way for all to be saved through the sacrifice of Christ. All we need to do is give up our sad human striving for things and live as Jesus taught, loving God and one another. He has offered us eternal life, it is up to us to accept His gift and be willing to share that joy with the world.

Loving Lord, we are sorry for our selfish ways, wanting worthless temporary things. Help us to know the way You intend for us and to help others walk in the light with us. Amen. 

Our scripture this morning is ‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭12:1-6.

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. In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. And have you completely forgotten this word of encouragement that addresses you as a father addresses his son? It says, “My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.”

Discipline is a difficult thing for humans. We need correction to be able to follow the right path but we don’t readily accept it. Paul reminds us that God gives discipline because He loves us and wants to keep us from evil.

Too often we don’t understand the difference between punishment and discipline. God wants us to do better and guides us away from the things that will harm us. God wants our attention so we might hear Him and do what He intends.

God wouldn’t bother to offer correction if He didn’t love us. He calls us to be part of His plan for creation, using His gifts to care for all His children. Accept the loving guidance He gives to keep us safe and lead us to salvation.

Wise and wonderful God, in Your mercy You sent Jesus to help us hear and understand Your call on our lives. May we be the face of Your love to everyone. Amen. 

Our scripture today is ‭‭Mark‬ ‭13:1-8‬.

As Jesus was leaving the temple, one of his disciples said to him, “Look, Teacher! What massive stones! What magnificent buildings!” “Do you see all these great buildings?” replied Jesus. “Not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down.” As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter, James, John and Andrew asked him privately, “Tell us, when will these things happen? And what will be the sign that they are all about to be fulfilled?” Jesus said to them: “Watch out that no one deceives you. Many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am he,’ and will deceive many. When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places, and famines. These are the beginning of birth pains.”

With characteristic human pride, a disciple points out the “massive stones and magnificent buildings”. Jesus replies that like all human efforts, it will eventually disappear due to time or as is the case for the temple, be destroyed by other humans. He wants us to remember that everything here is temporary.

When we become too wrapped up in the things of earth, we can be distracted from the eternal plan God has for us. Jesus says to take care not to be deceived by false teachers and to be ready for the trials that will precede the end time. If we focus on His teachings, we will not be caught unaware.

Jesus tells us that all can be saved, but we must share the Good News for everyone to hear. People must make their own choice but we have a responsibility to ensure that God’s love is spread everywhere. Nothing else we do will last eternally.

Gracious God, we are grateful that You call us to be part of Your plan, connected to You and each other. Help us to be the people You intend, caring for all Your creation. Amen.