Category: Daily Prayer

Our scripture this morning is 2 Corinthians 7:8‭-‬12.

For even if I made you grieve with my letter, I do not regret it—though I did regret it, for I see that that letter grieved you, though only for a while. As it is, I rejoice, not because you were grieved, but because you were grieved into repenting. For you felt a godly grief, so that you suffered no loss through us. For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death. For see what earnestness this godly grief has produced in you, but also what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what longing, what zeal, what punishment! At every point you have proved yourselves innocent in the matter. So although I wrote to you, it was not for the sake of the one who did the wrong, nor for the sake of the one who suffered the wrong, but in order that your earnestness for us might be revealed to you in the sight of God.

Paul teaches the Corinthians (and us) about repentance in this passage. He speaks of “godly grief”, the feeling of sadness for disobedience which “produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret” (v. 10). This is different than “worldly grief”, sadness over earthly things that lead us away from faith.

We hear that godly grief brings us closer to the Father in our desire to be forgiven. Paul apologizes for his letter which caused their grief but tells them it wasn’t about human issues of wronging someone or being wronged. Instead it energized them in their repentance.

We need this godly grief in order to be made right with God. If we feel no sadness over sin, we cannot be saved. The old hymn I Want a Principle Within says we need “A sensibility of sin, a pain to feel it near”. May we turn from our failures to joyful obedience.

Loving Lord, we are sorry when we fall away and don’t follow Your word. Help us to see the right, and to go in Your name to all the world. Amen.

Our scripture this morning is Psalm 119:89‭-‬96. 

Forever, O Lord, your word is firmly fixed in the heavens. Your faithfulness endures to all generations; you have established the earth, and it stands fast. By your appointment they stand this day, for all things are your servants. If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction. I will never forget your precepts, for by them you have given me life. I am yours; save me, for I have sought your precepts. The wicked lie in wait to destroy me, but I consider your testimonies. I have seen a limit to all perfection, but your commandment is exceedingly broad.

This passage reminds us that God’s law is eternal and extends to all things. He is the Creator of everything that exists and His commandments apply to all creatures, objects and situations. There is nothing not covered by His word.

The psalmist speaks of delight in God’s law, that we may find joy in obedience and comfort in the wisdom we are given. God wants us to know and live by His commandments. He tells us “You shall therefore lay up these words of mine in your heart and in your soul” (Deuteronomy 11:18), that they are to become part of us.

In order to live God’s law, we must first know God’s law. We hear His words given in scripture, we see the example Jesus showed us and we are called to be in communication with Him through prayer. Then we may understand the call He places on us, to share His love with everyone. 

Loving Lord, we are humbled that You call us to be part of Your kingdom work. Bless us to be faithful servants, sharing the Gospel message and making disciples of all the world. Amen.

Our scripture this morning is 1 Corinthians 12:4‭-‬11.

Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. For to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills.

Paul explains how we are all part of the body of Christ, each with different gifts and different duties in the kingdom of God. He writes “Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone” (v.4). We have been given various abilities and skills to be used for the good of all God’s children. 

How do we know what we are good at and what we are called to do? We learn through prayer and listening to God, by following the example Jesus showed us, and by our connection to the Holy Spirit. We hear other people encourage us, affirming our spiritual gifts at work in God’s world.

While God needs no help to accomplish the work, He delights in our participation in His eternal plan. We all have a part in kingdom work, and filling that role is essential to us and to those who are blessed by the effort. Seek to use your gifts and be thankful for them, God has called us each by name in His service. 

Gracious God, we thank You for the gifts You give. Help us to be good stewards of Your blessings, using our skills and resources wisely for the good of all people. Amen.

Our scripture this morning is Luke 4:14‭-‬19.

And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee, and a report about him went out through all the surrounding country. And he taught in their synagogues, being glorified by all. And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up. And as was his custom, he went to the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and he stood up to read. And the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”

Jesus returns to Nazareth soon after beginning His public ministry. Going back home can be a wonderful thing, but it can also be difficult when people still remember you as you were, not as you are now. Jesus experiences both sides of this when He reads in the synagogue at Nazareth. 

He recites a passage from the prophet Isaiah that pertains to Him directly. It speaks of Him being sent to bless and save us, to set us free from sin’s oppression. In the next section of this passage He tells them “this scripture has been fulfilled today in your hearing” (Luke 4:20).

While Jesus had been well received initially, this statement causes people to wonder “is this really the boy we knew?” Some will come to believe, others will be part of the mob who cry “crucify Him!” It is up to each of us to choose which group to follow.

Loving Lord, sometimes living our faith can be difficult, but Jesus taught and showed us the path would be hard. Strengthen us in adversity and may we share the truth of Christ with the world. Amen.

Our scripture this morning is Romans 8:31‭-‬39. 

What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it is written, “For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.” No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Paul writes of the certainty of God’s love for us. The simple statement “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (v. 31) eloquently expresses His eternal and unchanging love for all of His children. In God we have all we could ever need.

Paul wants us to understand that God’s love is not something we can earn through any effort of our own, nor is it able to be broken by anything people do to us. His love for us is a gift, always available for us to accept. This is his point, that it is up to us to say “yes Lord” and receive the blessing of a relationship with Him.

There is a long list of earthly things that have no effect on God’s love for us. The sad truth is the only thing that can separate us from God’s love is us! God is always ready to wrap us in His loving arms and renew the connection we have been promised since the beginning. 

Gracious God, we are humbled that You are willing to welcome us back, no matter what our circumstances. Renew a right Spirit in us and send us to share Your love everywhere. Amen. 

Our scripture this morning is Romans 8:9‭-‬14.

But you are not in the flesh; you are in the Spirit, since the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. But if Christ is in you, though the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness. If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will give life to your mortal bodies also through his Spirit that dwells in you. So then, brothers and sisters, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh— for if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God.

Paul teaches that if Christ is in us, we have the Spirit to overcome sin (v.10). He explains that we are God’s children because we follow the guidance of His Spirit. Our own human desires can lead us to disobedience, but the Spirit of the Lord will protect us when we choose Him.

This is the most important point – that we choose Him. God waits to welcome us with open arms, but we must go to Him on our own. We are given free will to decide for ourselves. God will never force us to worship Him, it is always up to us.

The necessary gifts to live according to His law are within us, waiting for us to accept and use them as God intended. Jesus came to show us that a life in obedience to God was the only way to salvation. Each of us has the opportunity and the ability to be part of His eternal plan.

Gracious God, we are humbled and grateful for the blessings You send. Help us to grow in faith and share Your love with our brothers and sisters everywhere. Amen.

Our scripture this morning is Psalms 19:7‭-‬11. 

The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the decrees of the Lord are sure, making wise the simple; the precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is clear, enlightening the eyes; the fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever; the ordinances of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey, and drippings of the honeycomb. Moreover by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.

This psalm passage teaches us about the guidance God gives us. It is much different than the often harsh edicts of man, instead it is sent in love that we might live for Him. God wants us to be connected to Him and each other, sharing the joy of creation together. 

The psalmist tells us that following the law of the Lord brings gladness simply because it is the way we are made. God intended us to have certain responsibilities, to Him and to our brothers and sisters, and fulfilling these makes us happy. Obedience is not intended as a burden but a blessing! 

Think about the things we are called to do and rather than an obligation, see them as a welcome duty. God has work for each of us and gives the gifts needed to accomplish each task. We are part of His plan for eternity, called by name in His service. 

Wise and wonderful God, we are humbled to be included in all You are doing. Strengthen us to be Your people, equipped and sent to all the world. Amen. 

Our scripture this morning is Romans 12:9‭-‬21.

Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor. Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly; do not claim to be wiser than you are. Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave room for the wrath of God; for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” No, “if your enemies are hungry, feed them; if they are thirsty, give them something to drink; for by doing this you will heap burning coals on their heads.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Paul gives us much to think about in this passage. While he speaks of many different behaviors, all are demonstrations of God’s love for us. We are expected to share His love with the world in the same way, without judging or justifying. 

The end of this lesson tells us to love even our enemies and to treat them in the same way as our friends. This is not easy to hear and harder to live out. We have the ultimate example of this in Jesus asking God to forgive those who were about to execute Him.

Christ came to bring God’s forgiveness to everyone, regardless of their situation. At some point we have all fallen, needing forgiveness and a renewed connection with Him. Accept the love that makes this possible and the call to share it with everyone. 

Gracious God, we are humbled that You reach out to us in our failings with the promise of forgiveness and salvation. May we carry this blessing to all the world in Your name. Amen. 

Our scripture this morning is Psalms 145:1‭-‬7.

I will extol you, my God and King, and bless your name forever and ever. Every day I will bless you, and praise your name forever and ever. Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; his greatness is unsearchable. One generation shall laud your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts. On the glorious splendor of your majesty, and on your wondrous works, I will meditate. The might of your awesome deeds shall be proclaimed, and I will declare your greatness. They shall celebrate the fame of your abundant goodness, and shall sing aloud of your righteousness.

In this psalm we hear the glory of God proclaimed repeatedly in different ways. We are called to offer Him our thanks and praise continually. That may seem difficult to do in our hectic, distracted world.

While the world at the time of this psalm might seem simpler to us, I’m sure there were things in their lives that were as challenging as those we face today. God was waiting for them just as He does for us now, wanting to be part of our lives in everything we do. His love never leaves us, and we are blessed by his continuous presence.

Taking time to be aware that He is with us is essential and will bless our daily living. Making God part of all we do strengthens our connection with Him and with each other. May we echo the psalm “Every day I will bless you, and praise your name forever and ever!”

Gracious God, we are humbled that You want to be with us and bless us always. May we be Your people in all we say and do. Amen.

Our scripture this morning is John 2:1-12.

On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. When the wine was gone, Jesus’ mother said to him, “They have no more wine.” “Woman, why do you involve me?” Jesus replied. “My hour has not yet come.” His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” Nearby stood six stone water jars, the kind used by the Jews for ceremonial washing, each holding from twenty to thirty gallons. Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water”; so they filled them to the brim. Then he told them, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet.” They did so, and the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine. He did not realize where it had come from, though the servants who had drawn the water knew. Then he called the bridegroom aside and said, “Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now.” What Jesus did here in Cana of Galilee was the first of the signs through which he revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him.

This story tells of the first sign Jesus performed, but there are some interesting things to note in addition to the miracle of water becoming wine. Jesus never did these things to make Himself look good or to gain anyone’s favor – even His mother. His miracles were done in accordance with God’s plan and through His grace.

Mary knows that Jesus is special, and in this passage she seems to ask Him to intervene when the wine runs out. Notice that she doesn’t suggest anything specific but Jesus knows what she wants. He responds a little cryptically, saying “my hour has not yet come” (v. 4).

Mary understands and tells the servants to do whatever Jesus tells them, indicating her trust in Him and respect for His divine responsibility. I imagine Jesus prayed before responding, as He had not performed any miracles before, and all of His actions were approved by the Father. While this scripture tells us of His first miracle, it also helps us understand Mary’s relationship with Him and their connection with God.

Loving Lord, we see Jesus as our savior and model for our lives. May we be obedient as He was and go to do Your will in our world. Amen.