Category: Daily Prayer

Our scripture this morning is Romans 12:10-13.

Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

Paul’s Letter to the Romans was written to Jewish and Gentile believers with the hope that they would put aside their historical and cultural differences and pursue faith in Christ together. This epistle is often considered a summary of Christian theology due to its wide range of instruction and its constant focus on Jesus as the only source of salvation. In this passage Paul encourages them to “honor one another above yourselves”, an admonition we must follow if we are to obey the commandments Jesus gave us.

Paul writes that our love for those in the family of believers is good and essential, but that we must also show the same love for those outside the faith, that they too may know the love of God. Jesus taught us “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them!” (Luke 6:32). By being “joyful in hope, patient in affliction and faithful in prayer” we can share God’s message with the world.

We read “Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.” Who are the Lord’s people? Everyone! God made us all in His image and He loves us all. Our task is to love as He does, sharing His blessings and spreading the Good News.

Gracious God, in Your mercy You sent Your son to save us. Help us to follow where He leads us, reaching out in love to all Your children. Amen.

Our scripture this morning is Hebrews 12:12-15.

Therefore, strengthen the hands that are weak and the knees that are feeble, and make straight paths for your feet, so that the limb which is lame may not be put out of joint, but rather be healed. Pursue peace with all men, and the sanctification without which no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble, and by it many be defiled.

One of the questions people ask about the Letter to the Hebrews is “Did Paul write this?” Paul usually introduced himself but this letter goes right into the subject: in the past, God spoke through chosen prophets; this time it is His son, Jesus Christ that comes to love and lead us. The arguments are logically structured and supported, a hallmark of Paul’s letters. Does it matter? Not really, we can learn much from this, no matter who wrote it.

It is intended for people familiar with Old Testament scripture. Isaiah 35:3 tells us to “Encourage the exhausted, and strengthen the feeble” the source of this passage’s opening. We are called to minister to the emotionally and spiritually exhausted that they may be saved. God offers us salvation but it demands a human response.

This lesson teaches that we must care for others that all may be saved, so “that no one comes short of the grace of God.” This is what Jesus called us to do through the Great Commission – to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19). He has left us in charge of His ministry, may we be faithful to our task.

Gracious God, we are amazed and humbled to be called as part of Your plan of salvation. Bless us to go in Your strength and love to all the world. Amen.

Our scripture this morning is Colossians 3:12-15.

So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful.

Paul calls us to unity in Christ with each other through “compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” These graces allow us to forgive and receive forgiveness, which is essential for the children of God. Unless we are reconciled to God and each other, we can’t join the kingdom.

Jesus taught us ”For if you forgive others for their transgressions, your heavenly Father will also forgive you” (Matthew 6:14). God is willing to forgive our disobedience, but we are to do the same for our brothers and sisters. The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant recorded in Matthew 18:21-35 warns us of the consequences of not forgiving one another.

Part of accepting God’s forgiveness is forgiving ourselves. Yes, we have all made mistakes but God wants us to know that when we come to Him in repentance, we are freed from our sin and it can no longer hold us. We must let go of the hurt and live in the light of His love.

Gracious God, in Your mercy You made a way for us to reconnect with You through our Lord Jesus. Help us to forgive each other and ourselves, going in Your name to all the world. Amen.

Our scripture this morning is 1 Corinthians 12:24-27.

But God has so composed the body, giving more abundant honor to that member which lacked, so that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it. Now you are Christ’s body, and individually members of it.

Paul writes about our spiritual gifts, that we are each given skills necessary to do the kingdom work. We are most fulfilled when we are employed in His service, using these skills for the benefit of His children. Each of us have a contribution to make.

He teaches in this passage that as the church we are “Christ’s body, and individually members of it.” Our fellowship allows us to share our separate gifts with the world out of mutual concern for the well being of others. This is how we obey what Jesus said is the greatest commandment: to love God and one another (Matthew 22:37-39).

All gifts are needed and we must depend on each other to accomplish the mission of the church. We must remember that love is the fuel that drives every gift, without love our gifts are useless. God has a plan for each of us and role for us to play in bringing the world together.

Loving Lord, we are grateful for the blessing of spiritual gifts to use for the good of all creation. Strengthen us in faith and send us to use our talents wisely. In Your name we pray, Amen.

Our scripture this morning is Micah 7:18-19.

Who is a God like You, who pardons iniquity And passes over the rebellious act of the remnant of His possession? He does not retain His anger forever, Because He delights in unchanging love. He will again have compassion on us; He will tread our iniquities under foot. Yes, You will cast all their sins Into the depths of the sea.

The prophet Micah asks “who is a God like You?” and the answer of course, is no one. While other groups had many “gods”, the children of Israel were unique at that time for their worship of the one true God. Our God cares about us so much He is willing to forgive our sin, something non-believers have trouble understanding.

Our hope is based on God’s everlasting love for us and His unchanging character. God doesn’t act on human whims, wavering with the situation. His word created all that is and we worship Him alone, not anything that was created.

Not only does He forgive us, He will “cast all their sins into the depths of the sea.” Isaiah 43:25 says “I am He who blots out your transgressions for My own sake and I will not remember your sins.” God wants us all back as part of His family to accomplish the kingdom work to which we are called.

Gracious God, we are ashamed of our willful disobedience and we beg Your forgiveness. Wash us clean through the sacrifice of Your son Jesus Christ and send us to share the blessing of salvation with everyone. Amen.

Our scripture this morning is Hebrews 6:10-12.

For God is not unjust so as to forget your work and the love which you have shown toward His name, in having ministered and in still ministering to the saints. And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence so as to realize the full assurance of hope until the end, so that you will not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

Earlier in this letter Paul reprimanded his readers for their lack of action. Here he softens his tone and reminds them of the good work they have done, encouraging them to continue in Christ’s name. Being a follower of Jesus requires faith and persistence.

Paul speaks of “the love which you have shown toward His name, in having ministered and in still ministering to the saints.” This is what Jesus meant when He told us ”By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35). Our love for God can only be shown through our love and care for His children.

This lesson reminds us of how Jesus taught, condemning sinful behavior, but lifting up those who have sinned in love. We are to “show the same diligence”, giving and accepting guidance about our actions toward one another. God’s promises are offered to all of us but we have a duty to fulfill until He comes for us.

Gracious God, in Your mercy You offer us forgiveness and salvation. Help us to live in faith, using Your gifts wisely for the good of all Your children. Amen.

Our scripture this morning is 2 Peter 3:8-9.

But do not let this one fact escape your notice, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day. The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.

Peter uses a quote from Psalms in this passage: ”For a thousand years in Your sight are like yesterday when it passes by, or as a watch in the night” (Psalms 90:4). Sometimes we may think the Lord is being slow to respond. However, we must remember that God doesn’t count time as we do.

God’s patience toward us is an example – we must wait for His coming patiently and be patient with one another. We have been told that we will not know the day of His coming (Acts 1:7, Mark 13:32, Matthew 24:36). This means we must be ready at all times for Christ’s return.

Through this, God is giving all a chance to repent and be saved. Peter states it as “not wishing for any to perish.” God’s love for us is so great He is willing to wait for us to come to our senses and make the decision to choose Him as He has chosen us.

Loving Lord, in Your mercy You made a way for us to be saved through Your son, Jesus Christ. Help us to live in active patience, sharing Your love with the world. Amen.

Our scripture this morning is Psalms 121:1-3. 

I will lift up my eyes to the mountains; From where shall my help come? My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth. He will not allow your foot to slip; He who keeps you will not slumber.

In this passage the psalmist expresses a confident faith, recognizing the source of all our help is in the Lord. The mountains may be a mighty thing, but creation is a testament to God’s power and love, and the Creator is over all things. We don’t worship anything that was created; only God is worthy of our praise.

God has promised to be with us and protect us. In Joshua 1:9 we read “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” There is nowhere in creation that God’s love and care won’t find us.

Jesus teaches us the way to this confident faith. He says “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Matthew 6:33). When we seek God, He is there for us. We must remember that nothing can separate us from His love!

Gracious God, when we are fearful we often try to protect ourselves. Help us to see that You are our sure defense and the source of all good. Amen.

Our scripture this morning is Matthew 5:14-16.

You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.

The very first thing God spoke into being was light. Genesis 1:3-4 tells us ”Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light. God saw that the light was good; and God separated the light from the darkness.“ God separated the light from the dark in the same way Jesus will separate His followers from sinners (Matthew 25:32-33).

Later, the prophet Isaiah wrote ”The people who walk in darkness will see a great light; Those who live in a dark land, the light will shine on them” (Isaiah 9:2). God’s people were promised a savior who would lead them in light and love. In John 8:12 we hear ”Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, “I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.””

In today’s passage we are called to be extensions of Christ’s ministry by reflecting His light in the world. Everyone needs to hear about God’s love for us and the way He intends for us to love one another. Jesus has called us to go in His name to share the light of love and hope with all the world.

Loving Lord, we are amazed and humbled that You have chosen us to do the work of Your kingdom. Bless us to be Your light and Your face to all our brothers and sisters. Amen.

Our scripture this morning is Mark 4:9-11.

And He was saying, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.” As soon as He was alone, His followers, along with the twelve, began asking Him about the parables. And He was saying to them, “To you has been given the mystery of the kingdom of God, but those who are outside get everything in parables.”

Jesus finished telling the parable of the Sower (Mark 4:1-9). Now He encourages us “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.” Many in the inner circle of His disciples and followers have questions however. Then Jesus explains the meaning inside the lesson in Mark 4:13-20.

Those who are open to the coming of God’s kingdom will be able to understand the message contained in the parable. They may need additional explanation but they are willing to ask and listen further. To those who oppose Christ these sound like silly folk tales and they are frustrated by their lack of comprehension.

This is lack of understanding is mentioned before in Isaiah 6:9-10: “When they see what I do, they will learn nothing. When they hear what I say, they will not understand.” Jesus came to show us God’s love and teach us to love one another. Those who accept Jesus and His message of salvation will truly hear and act, using the gifts God has given us to share His love with the world.

Heavenly Father, forgive us for being hard headed and hard hearted. Help us to hear, understand, and go in Your name to proclaim the coming of Your kingdom. Amen.