The Disciple Learns to Pray Before Speaking
Tuesday’s Verses:
From Psalm 109:1-2 ESV
“Be not silent, O God of my praise! For wicked and deceitful mouths are opened against me, speaking against me with lying tongues.’
In church these past three weeks of Pentecost, I’ve been preaching on the importance of discipleship. But what happens when bad people get in the way of telling the story of Jesus?
Psalm 109 begins with a prayer from a heart under pressure, yet still directed toward God in faith.
As disciples of Jesus, we learn to bring our troubles to the Lord rather than repay evil for evil. The psalm teaches us that the life of faith is not the denial of suffering, but the turning to God with honesty, trust, and praise, even when others speak falsely against us.
For Lutherans, this is a reminder that our confidence rests not in our own defense, but in the God who hears the cry of his people and keeps us in his mercy. The disciple learns to pray before speaking, to trust before reacting, and to stay anchored in Christ when the world’s words become harsh.
✝️ A Prayer for Today:
Lord God, when lies and cruelty surround us, keep us steadfast in faith. Teach us to trust your silence as your care, and to walk as your disciples with truth, patience, and mercy. Amen.
Apostles’ Creed:
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer:
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Luther’s Morning Prayer:
I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.