Category: Daily Prayer

Today is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent and forty days of self-examination. Our scripture is Psalm 51:10-12.

Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.
Psalm 51:10-12

“All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God”, Paul writes in Romans 3:23. In these verses from Psalm 51 we hear a plea to God for forgiveness, to be cleansed and made right with Him again. It is this awareness of our sin that can bring us back to God.

We have chosen sin time and again for a variety of reasons, but they all have a common root – selfishness. We chase what we believe will make us happy. Instead of putting God and others first, as we have been commanded, we choose our desires over what is good for us, God’s plan for our lives.

God calls us back into a relationship, willing to forgive the hurt we have caused if we earnestly repent and ask Him to help us do better. When we acknowledge our errors and seek His face, God will always bless and restore us.

Loving Lord, we know we have wronged You and others through our actions. Forgive us and strengthen us, that we may be the people You intend us to be. Amen.

Our scripture this week is Matthew 4:1-11.

Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry.
Matthew 4:1-2

Jesus had to be able to withstand the same earthly circumstances we encounter in order to be our example. He was fully divine but also fully human, something we find difficult to understand, but because of His humanity He was subject to the same wants, desires and frailties as are we.

As the Spirit led Him into the wilderness, He was likely apprehensive about the trials He would face. As He did with every challenge, Jesus shared this with God in prayer. This was His confidence, that no problem was too large or small for Him to bring to our Heavenly Father. Jesus chose to rely on God rather than His own strength.

We have the same gift and can enjoy the same confidence, that God will hear our prayers and be with us in every situation. We sometimes forget that while Jesus was special, we have been blessed in the same way as He was, to approach God and share everything with Him whenever we want. Use your birthright as a child of God to go to Him!

Gracious God, You have called us to be Your representatives here on earth, but also members of Your own family. Thank You for Your presence with us, that we may come to You in prayer. Amen.

Our scripture this week is Matthew 4:1-11.

Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written: “‘He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’ ” Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’” Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.” Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’” Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.
Matthew 4:1-11

Jesus was human, just as we are, and was subject to every emotion and want that we face. This is the reason we can trust Him, knowing He has endured everything we do and more. Jesus doesn’t ask us to do anything He wouldn’t do Himself.

Reading the story of His temptation in the wilderness this week as we begin the observance of Lent (Ash Wednesday, February 26) should make us think about what Jesus was willing to give up for us. He came to earth to be one of us, knowing our joys and our sorrows. Jesus was willing to give up His glory in order that we might be saved.

What are we willing to give up for Him? During Lent people often deny themselves something they enjoy, a food or an activity. When this helps us focus on what Christ gave up for us, it is a good thing, but here is another thought – pick up something for Lent. Begin a new faith practice, such as an hour reading scripture at lunch or helping with dinner once a week at the local shelter, and think about making it a permanent habit. Jesus didn’t call us just to avoid evil, He called us to do good.

Gracious God, we are blessed by the gift of Jesus, taught by His example and called to go out in His name. Help us to resist temptation and work for the good of our neighbors. Amen.

Our scripture this week is Matthew 17:1-9.

After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus. Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” While he was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!” When the disciples heard this, they fell facedown to the ground, terrified. But Jesus came and touched them. “Get up,” he said. “Don’t be afraid.” When they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus. As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus instructed them, “Don’t tell anyone what you have seen, until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.”
Matthew 17:1-9

Jesus took Peter, John and James to the mountaintop for a very special lesson. There His glory is revealed, He speaks with Moses and Elijah, and the disciples hear God declare Jesus His son and that they are to listen to Him. All of this is amazing to them and they are dazzled by its power.

This marvelous occurrence was given to them that they might see what the Kingdom of God will be like. Jesus will be present in all His radiance, those who have gone before us will be there and we will all be part of the eternal celebration of God’s goodness. It will be wonderful.

However, as with the disciple’s experience, that time has not yet come. God will decide, as He does all things, when the kingdom will come on earth. While we may have glimpses of glory on the mountaintop, the task we are called to is back down here, and the gift we have been given is to energize us for the work yet to be done.

Loving Lord, we are amazed by the things You share with us that we may better understand Your kingdom. May we be effective servants to bring all people to You. Amen.

Our scripture this week is Matthew 17:1-9.

As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus instructed them, “Don’t tell anyone what you have seen, until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.”
Matthew 17:9

Why would Jesus ask the disciples not to share what had happened to them? We would expect them to tell people that they had heard the voice of God confirming Jesus as His son and many would believe. Yet Jesus tells them not to talk about it. Why?

Didn’t the angels tell the shepherds at His birth? The scriptures record “When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them” (Luke 2:17-18). Somehow, it is different now that Jesus is in active ministry.

Jesus wants to be in a personal relationship with each of us. He wants us to know Him on our own, not just from other’s accounts. He also knows that many in Israel were looking for an earthly king, that this news might lead people to believe He is, and that is not why He has come. Some gifts we are given to share and some are just for our own personal growth to enable us to go and do as we are called.

Gracious God, we are grateful for the gift of our Savior and the call He makes on our lives. Help us to share with others in spirit and truth, telling how our lives have been changed by our connection to You. Amen.

When the disciples heard this, they fell facedown to the ground, terrified. But Jesus came and touched them. “Get up,” he said. “Don’t be afraid.” When they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus.
Matthew 17:6-8

Jesus had to reassure His disciples that everything was still alright. Their tradition had taught for hundreds of years that sinful humans could not live through a face-to-face meeting with God. Obviously they were frightened.

When they get up as Jesus tells them, they find themselves alone with Him. Was it a vision or a dream? That’s not what Jesus would have us ask. We should be thinking about what was shared with us, what we learned in this encounter, not how it happened.

While we know God is constant and consistent, He is trying to reach us in a different way through the presence of Jesus. He is and always will be God Almighty, but He is also Jesus our brother, the loving teacher who came to show us the way back to a relationship with God. Through this connection we must listen and learn how God wants to be part of all we say and do.

Loving Lord, we are thankful for Your presence in our lives. Help us to hear the lessons You teach and share them with all the world. Amen.

Our scripture this week is Matthew 17:1-9.

While he was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!”
Matthew 17:5

Does it get any clearer than this? I’m sure Peter, John and James were overcome hearing the voice of God, telling them Jesus was indeed His son. Often I think “if only God would speak that directly to me”. How much easier it would be if I could hear exactly what God wants of me!

I realize the selfishness of my request and then must admit “not what I want, Lord, but Your will be done”. God works in His way, not ours. This is asking God for a sign, saying we want proof of His love and His power. God has already done that through the gift of His son and his word shared with us.

We need to pay attention to what God has asked of us – to love Him, love each other and make disciples of all nations. We need to pray when we are unsure of the path before us, and discuss with our brothers and sisters in Christ about how to proceed. God doesn’t need to prove anything to us, it is we who need to prove ourselves to Him.

Gracious God, we have been given the gift of Your love and and a connection to You. Help us to hear Your call and use these gifts, that others may come to know You. Amen.

Our scripture this week is Matthew 17:1-9.

Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus. Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.”
Matthew 17:3-4

Moses was revered by the people of Israel because he was a great leader who taught them God’s law. Elijah was remembered as a great prophet who opposed the worship of idols and called Israel to repent. It was said that they both would return before the kingdom of God would come.

In this passage the three disciples see them talking with Jesus, who is radiant with glory. They were overwhelmed, as we would be, by this occurrence. Peter offers to build three shelters for them, which seems a strange thing to us. What does he hope to accomplish by this?

In the history of Israel it had been customary to build a place for God to meet us. Perhaps that was Peter’s intent. More likely he wanted to keep the wonderful experience going for as long as possible and hoped to keep Jesus, Moses and Elijah there on the mountaintop. We know that God has promised to be with us always, and we can’t contain His presence. We also know He has called us to wonderful moments such as this, but that they are always to prepare us to go back “down the mountain” where our service to Him is needed.

Gracious God, while we are here You give us glimpses of the glory to come when we are in Your presence forever. Help us to continue the work You have for us until the day You call us home. Amen.

Our scripture this week os Matthew 17:1-9.

After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light.
Matthew 17:1-2

On the mountaintop, the full glory of our Lord Jesus was revealed. No one on earth had ever seen anything like this, no one on earth has seen it since. God chose to come to earth to better show us how to live with Him and each other, and He chose this way to show Peter, John and James the reality of Christ.

Why doesn’t God show up like this for all of us? The easy answer is that He doesn’t choose to come to us in that way. In the same manner that He chose to come to earth as a human baby and grow to manhood, He chooses to reach us differently. He wants to have a personal relationship with each of us.

Are we ready for that, seeking a personal connection to the Creator of all things? That may be too much for us to handle. Perhaps a relationship to our quiet God, the one who hears our prayers and gently guides our steps is a better connection for us. Make no mistake, our God is one, constant and consistent, but He graciously allows us to know Him in many different ways.

Loving Lord, You have revealed Yourself to us through Your word, through the prophets who spoke Your truth and through Your son Jesus who came to love and teach us. May we choose You above all else, living in and for You. Amen.

Our scripture this week is Matthew 17:1-9.

After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus. Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” While he was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!” When the disciples heard this, they fell facedown to the ground, terrified. But Jesus came and touched them. “Get up,” he said. “Don’t be afraid.” When they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus. As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus instructed them, “Don’t tell anyone what you have seen, until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.”
Matthew 17:1-9

Even among His disciples, Jesus has some who are His closest friends. Whenever we hear that Jesus went away with Peter, John and James, we know something important is going to happen. They accompany Him to the mountaintop experience in this week’s scripture, later they will accompany Him to pray away from the others at the Garden of Gethsemane.

These mountaintop experiences are important to the people of Israel. Moses received the Law in a mountaintop experience with God (Exodus 20). Elijah heard God’s voice and saw Him pass by as he hid in a crevice on the mountaintop (1 Kings 19:11). They are important to us because the word of God was given directly to people at these times.

On Mount Sinai God gave us the Ten Commandments, the basis for our relationship with Him. In today’s scripture He speaks to Peter, John and James that they may testify to the truth of Christ. While these are certainly awe inspiring occurrences, God speaks to each of us in many different ways every day. Don’t ignore His voice just because you’re not having a mountaintop experience!

Loving Lord, we miss Your call in our lives because we don’t listen properly. Help us to pay attention, to hear what You ask us to do and not let the noise and distraction of our busy world keep us from Your word. Amen.