Category: Daily Prayer

Our scripture today is Isaiah 9:6 (ESV).

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Here the prophet makes clear reference to the coming of the Messiah and lists the titles that describe Jesus so well. It speaks of His human lineage through King David’s line, but also His heavenly authority and divine connection. Later in Mathew 1:22-23 we read a quote from Isaiah about Jesus: “All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us).” God knew what we needed to be saved from sin and Jesus is the answer.

Heavenly Father, we are ashamed of our willful disobedience. Please forgive us and bless us to tell everyone of Your love and mercy for us through Jesus Christ. Amen.

Our scripture today is Isaiah 9:2 (ESV).

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone.

In Isaiah we find many prophetic references to the coming of Jesus. It’s no surprise that 18th century composer George Handel used several verses of Isaiah as the text for his oratorio “The Messiah”. This particular passage is a bass solo in the early portion of the piece. We have been walking in darkness since we chose our own way instead of God’s way. In the beginning, God subdued the darkness of chaos by saying “Let there be light.” Now He sends Jesus, the light of the world and the light of creation to offer us salvation from our sin. We have seen His light and we follow in faith.

Gracious God, in Your mercy You made a way for us to be saved from our sin. Bless us to go in Your name to share the Good News with everyone. Amen.

Our scripture today is Isaiah 6:1 (ESV).

In the year that King Uzziah died I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up; and the train of his robe filled the temple.

Isaiah is one of a select few who have been allowed to see the Lord. This was intended to inspire his ministry, but as we will see, the people do not respond. The timing of his vision “in the year that King Uzziah died” serves to remind us that God was, is and always will be on the throne. When Israel demanded a king to be like the nations around them, Samuel the priest warned them against it (1 Samuel 8). Later, when Jesus came to be with us, some wanted Him to be an earthly king, like their ancestors had requested. We don’t need Jesus to be king of any earthly region, we need to accept Him as the king of our hearts.

Patient God, we are sorry for our sin and the time it takes for us to realize and ask forgiveness. Bless us to be ruled by Your love and to share that love with the world. Amen.

Our scripture today is Isaiah 1:2 (ESV).

Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth; for the Lord has spoken: Children have I reared and brought up, but they have rebelled against me.

In the opening verses of Isaiah God brings His case against humanity. He accuses us of rebellion, but the Lord never speaks falsely so it is literally the truth. We have certainly not upheld our end of the Covenant. This is the message of Isaiah, that we have failed to be God’s people. God sends the prophet Isaiah with harsh words, but as we shall see, not without hope. God’s plan for us has never changed, it is up to us to return in repentance to rejoin it.

Loving Lord, thank You for sending prophets to warn us of our wayward behavior. Bless us to go in Your name to tell the world the joy we find in You. Amen.

Our scripture today is Song of Songs 1:1 (NRSVUE).

The Song of Songs, which is Solomon’s.

I thought a lot about this book. I thought about skipping it, but I knew one of you would say “uh, what about Song of Songs (or Song of Solomon in some translations). I remember reading this book for myself at eleven or twelve and looking around thinking “do they know this stuff is in the Bible?!” I know we never read it in Sunday School. However, I turn to the Apostle Paul who testifies “All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, (2 Timothy 3:16). This is more than beautiful and vivid poetry, it is a metaphor describing the love of the Creator. There is nothing “wrong” with this scripture, what’s wrong is US! Like Adam and Eve, we know our sin and are ashamed. God made everything and pronounced it good; we must accept this wonderful gift as God has made it for us.

Loving Lord, we are sorry for the way we abuse the beautiful things You have given us. Help us to see Your gifts in context and use them wisely and with love. Amen.

Our scripture today is Ecclesiastes 12:13 (NIV).

Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind.

The Teacher brings his lesson to a close with a simple summary: “Fear God and keep His commandments”. God created us for a purpose – to be in relationship with Him and care for what we have been given. If this was actually written by Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived, it might have seemed that simple to him. Unfortunately, even Solomon had his failings, as do we all. God has made a way for us to be forgiven and cleansed by Christ’s sacrifice for us, that we may share that joy with everyone.

Loving Lord, in Your wisdom You have given us knowledge and the intellect to use it well. Help us to choose wisely and with love in all we do. Amen.

Our scripture today is Ecclesiastes 7:8 (NIV).

The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride.

Much of Ecclesiastes sounds like Proverbs. While this verse may stand on its own, it is essential that we not merely pick verses that agree with our opinion. Verses form chapters and chapters books. What is the author’s whole inspired message? This verse is part of a larger teaching about finishing what we start, and being patient in our tasks rather than boast about what we intend to do. God has given us gifts to care for His children and for us to give Him glory.

Wise and wonderful God, we are so grateful for the resources and skills with which You have blessed us. Make us devoted in our discipleship and send us to share Your love with the world. Amen.

Our scripture today is Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NIV).

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:

The Teacher alternates between dry, almost bleak commentary and wisdom so obvious we should see it ourselves. This is likely the most well known verse from this book. Some of us from the 60s remember the song “Turn, Turn, Turn” (which I didn’t know was a scriptural reference initially, but thought it was cool when I learned!) It speaks to us about responding appropriately during the different seasons of our lives. It teaches us that opposites are not right or wrong in and of themselves, but both may be correct in God’s time. The important part is that regardless of how our lives and circumstances may change, God is constant and always with us.

Everlasting Lord, we are grateful for sound teaching that we can apply in our lives. Bless us to listen and learn, and go to share Your wisdom and love with everyone. Amen.

Our scripture today is Ecclesiastes 1:1-2 (NIV).

The words of the Teacher, son of David, king in Jerusalem: “Meaningless! Meaningless!” says the Teacher. “Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless.”

While this may not seem like a very hopeful opening for a book of spiritual instruction, Ecclesiastes teaches us that without a connection to God, everything is truly meaningless. Tradition credits King Solomon with writing this wisdom book, but the important part is not who wrote it, but who inspired it. God led the Israelites through the desert to teach them to trust Him in all things. The Teacher (or The Preacher, depending on your translation), the narrator of this book, has much to share, even if some of it is grim truth. 

Patient God, You have sent Your love and Your word through inspired people throughout the ages. Help us to hear this wisdom and use it for the good of all Your children. Amen.

Our scripture today is Proverbs 27:17 (NIV).

As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.

“Wisdom comes through interaction with others” according to the Filament Study Bible. When we gather with other believers to study and worship, we encourage one another in faith. This “sharpens” our discipleship as we go back into the world to share that faith. God wants us to share our thoughts and feelings to gain insight, and see that we are more alike than we often admit. Studying alone is beneficial, but meeting together to listen and share in the Spirit is essential.

Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of wisdom, that we might live wisely in a world that seems to worship foolishness. Bless us to be effective in our evangelism, sharing Your love everywhere. Amen.