Saturday’s Verses:
From 1 Timothy 2:1-2 ESV
“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.”
If you read my devotional yesterday, it is safe to say that I am not the best pastor. Almost getting into a fight with a billionaire with a nasty mouth is not what “men of God” do. Yes, I was going for tests at the cancer center and was nervous. I should have ignored Billionaire Big Mouth and walked away.
That is why, during my prayer time before going to bed on Friday, I prayed for the guy who ridiculed me for wearing clerical attire. I prayed for those who won elections on Tuesday, but in their victory speeches weren’t humble. I prayed for the guy who was told to move away from the front door of a ShopRite for smoking pot. Prayers also went up for those on my church’s prayer list who are sick or injured; for the leaders of the countries of the world who would strive for peace or lead others to hold onto peace instead of war; for those in college who are worried about life after the classroom; and I prayed for healing for me.
Saint Paul, in his letter to Timothy, urges him never to stop praying for all people. When we reflect and then pray for people, it reminds us that all of us are sinners in need of a Savior. Paul urges him and us to walk in the faith we are blessed with so we can show those, even billionaires with a “chatty” mouth, that God loves them. May our collective weekends be one of prayer, peace, and hope.
Today’s Prayers
Gracious Father, guide my heart and mind to be loving towards others, praying always for peace and Your never-ending grace. In Jesus’ name, I pray. 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.
The photo above was licensed through Unsplash+