Category: Daily Prayer

Our scripture this morning is Philemon 1:6 (NET).

I pray that the faith you share with us may deepen your understanding of every blessing that belongs to you in Christ.

Paul’s letter to his friend Philemon is only one chapter long, but it packs a lot of guidance in a small space. Onesimus, a runaway slave from Philemon’s household has encountered Paul and become a Christian. Paul sends him back home and encourages Philemon to forgive Onesimus, seeing him in a new way – as a brother in Christ. Paul’s teaching reminds us that we are all one in Jesus and all the same. There are no “levels” in Christian faith. We may have different callings, but God sees us only as His beloved children. Paul wants Philemon (and us) to see everyone in the same way God does.

Loving Lord, You have made us all in Your image and given us responsibility for creation. Bless us to be good stewards of all Your gifts, and send us to share Your love everywhere. Amen.

Our scripture this morning is Proverbs 18:10 (NRSV).

The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run into it and are safe.

Proverbs often use comparisons to help us understand the meaning of the guidance they give. Here the name of the Lord is likened to a strong tower. In those days fortifications were the protection against physical attack. This verse tells us God is our spiritual tower, our defense against evil. Just as people run to a place of safety when there is physical danger, we must run to the Lord when there is spiritual danger – and unfortunately, that is all the time! Jesus tells us “I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). There’s the solution: if we abide in Him, we are always in the strong tower! 

Gracious God, we are grateful for Your love and protection. Help us to be the voice of the Gospel to all Your children. Amen.

Our scripture this morning is 1 Thessalonians 5:15 (NET).

See that no one pays back evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good for one another and for all.

This scripture and other guidance like it has always been difficult for me. I worked security in a number of different places and was a County Corrections Officer. I spent 20 years in the Air Force because I wanted to protect our country and people all over. I wasn’t interested in hurting anyone but rather defending those who needed it. My last working years as a pastor taught me there is more to protecting and defending than just being ready to fight. In another letter Paul writes “Do not repay anyone evil for evil; consider what is good before all people” (Romans 12:17). 1 Peter 3:9 tells us “Do not return evil for evil or insult for insult, but instead bless others because you were called to inherit a blessing.” Jesus teaches “But I say to you, do not resist the evildoer. But whoever strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other to him as well” (Matthew 5:39). Friends, I don’t have the answer. I’m still asking for guidance. However, I can guarantee that violence will not bring us into Christ’s kingdom.

Loving Lord, we are emotional beings and we allow these feelings of anger and revenge to overrule what Jesus taught us. Forgive us and bless us to forgive as You do, seeing Your image in all people. Amen.

Our scripture this morning is Psalms 133:1 (NLT).

How wonderful and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony!

I’ve shared the story of taking youth confirmation classes to other churches to learn about their worship and traditions. In almost every case I found that the youth noticed and discussed how things were the same, while the adults who came with us focused on our differences. It’s sad that we lose this view of unity. This is an issue we face every day and we need to be aware how our various gifts strengthen the body of Christ. I read a quote that said unity doesn’t mean we are all the same, but we acknowledge and accept how all our variety allows us to reach people for Jesus. Look at the example of the apostle Paul: a Roman citizen, a faithful Pharisee until he met the risen Savior, and then a bold voice for the Gospel. We all have differences but it is essential that we see them not as walls to separate us but tools to share the Good News everywhere.

Heavenly Father, You have made us each unique individuals, but You call us all to be part of what You are doing in creation. Help us to see each other as partners rather than competitors as we work together for Your kingdom. Amen.

Our scripture this morning is 1 Corinthians 1:10 (NET).

I urge you, brothers and sisters, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to agree together, to end your divisions, and to be united by the same mind and purpose.

Paul’s message for the Corinthians still echoes in our world today. He calls us to remember that Jesus came for all people and we are to put Him first in all things. Unfortunately, evil has interfered from the very beginning, enticing us to believe and say things that are not true and do things that are not in line with God’s plan. He still loves us and when we come in repentance we can be forgiven. It can be a scary world if we let it. The political, religious and social unrest during the time Jesus was with us was intense. Jesus said the world was not our home and there would be opposition to His message. Later on Paul writes “For the message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God” (1 Corinthians 1:18). The world can harm our bodies but our souls have been saved through the sacrifice Jesus made for us and the forgiveness He offers.

Loving Lord, thank You for the gift of Your Son and the blessing of salvation. May we be calm voices of hope in our world. Amen.

Our scripture this morning is Hebrews 4:9-10 (NET).

Consequently a Sabbath rest remains for the people of God. For the one who enters God’s rest has also rested from his works, just as God did from his own works.

In Genesis 2:3 we read “God blessed the seventh day and made it holy because on it he ceased all the work that he had been doing in creation.” God rested not because He was tired but as a celebration of His completion of creation. God has called us to “remember the Sabbath day to set it apart as holy” (Exodus 20:8), not only to rest from our human labor, but to honor His gift of all things to us. The writer of Hebrews tells us that thanks to Christ’s saving work for us, we can enter His eternal rest, the promise Jesus gave that He has prepared a place for us all.

Gracious God, You have given us everything as a gift to use for Your glory and the good of Your children. Bless us to be productive disciples who rest on the Sabbath to celebrate the joy of Your creation and our connection to You. Amen.

Our scripture this morning is Zephaniah 3:17 (NET).

The Lord your God is in your midst; he is a warrior who can deliver. He takes great delight in you; he renews you by his love; he shouts for joy over you.

Like most prophets, Zephaniah called Israel to recognize and repent of their sin. His message is short and to the point. However, he also reminds them of the Lord’s immense love for all His children. If He didn’t, why would He bother sending prophets? Psalms 24:8 echoes this: “Who is this majestic king? The Lord who is strong and mighty! The Lord who is mighty in battle!” Here Zephaniah poetically describes God’s protecting love. Author Palmer Robertson calls this verse “the John 3:16 of the Old Testament.” God has promised us redemption through Jesus, forgiving our sins and saving our souls.

Heavenly Father, we are thankful for Your undeserved mercy through Christ our Lord. Bless us to go to share Your love everywhere. Amen.

Our scripture this morning is Matthew 6:20-21 (NET).

But accumulate for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

18th century pastor John Wesley advised Christians to “earn all you can, save all you can, give all you can” as the pattern for us to deal with money. He teaches that all of this is predicated on God’s will for us not to harm others or ourselves in how we obtain, store or share our wealth. Paul teaches that “Each one of you should give just as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, because God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7). Jesus tells us “where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” If we value earthly things too greatly they can become idols that keep us from the relationship we need with God and each other.

Heavenly Father, You give us gifts that we can use in the world for the good of all Your children. Help us to be wise with what we are given, using our talent and resources in ways that honor You. Amen.

Our scripture this morning is Proverbs 22:4 (NET).

The reward for humility and fearing the Lord is riches and honor and life.

Proverbs offers us practical spiritual guidance for life in a decidedly non-spiritual world. Its wisdom teaches ways to treat each other according to God’s plan for us, as well as our responsibility to care for His creation. This verse shows that our relationship with God is essential, that fearing Him – living according to His word – is the path to eternal life. Our problem is we often see this guidance as “Sunday School stuff”, not applicable to the “real” world. If we are honest with ourselves, we know this world is not our home, and there is a better place waiting for us when we walk in God’s love.

Heavenly Father, we are sorry for the times we put our ways above Your law and Your love for us. Forgive us and send us to share the Good News with all our brothers and sisters. Amen.

Our scripture this morning is Luke 12:40 (NET).

You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.

During my time in the military one of the worst peacetime fears was the surprise inspection. It wasn’t that things were normally done “wrong” but maybe a little sloppy, a little lack of attention. The thought that an inspection team could suddenly materialize in the commander’s office was an incentive to not get complacent in our mission. We had to be ready at all times. This is the guidance Jesus gives us – we must be ready for His return at any moment. We won’t be able to figure it out ahead of time. Our only option is to live as He taught us always.

Gracious God, You sent Your Son to save us and call us to be part of what You are doing in creation. May we be ready for Christ’s return in every moment. Amen.