Scripture: Matthew
4:12-25
Having had this reading earlier in the week, please resist
the temptation to skim it over (although if you have time for nothing more,
please skim!) and take your devotion time to re-read the Gospel Lesson slowly.
What is the message of this reading?
Which lines convict you?
Which lines comfort you?
Does this passage prompt us to act in a certain way?
What should we pray for in light of what we read here?
What should we give thanks for?
Prayer
On Fridays you will be encouraged to pray for a variety of
prayer requests. The hope is that through these prayer requests we will,
obviously, intercede for those need prayer, and that we will learn to think
more broadly in our prayers. If time is short, you could simply pray the Lord’s
Prayer.
For the Holy Spirit to teach you
to pray and to guide your heart and mind as you pray.
For God’s Word to be proclaimed
around the world and for all to trust in Jesus.
For pastors, Directors of
Christian Education, teachers, deacons and deaconesses, vicars, and all who are
charged to teach and proclaim God’s Word that they do it in truth and purity,
love and compassion, and faithful courage.
For the United States at the
inauguration of a new president, for the administration to lead with wisdom,
for safety and for people to obey the law, for those who are fearful, for the
preservation of God-given rights, and for justice and righteousness to prevail.
For the sick, that their faith
would be strengthened, that medical professionals would treat them with wisdom
and compassion, that they might be healed, and that they be encouraged.
For the dying, that they might
remain strong in faith, give the good confession in Christ, and have a blessed
end.
For the unborn and the neglected
elderly, that life would be cherished at all stages, care given to the most
fragile and vulnerable, and for recognition of the gift God has given all
people in giving us life.
For the joy of the Lord to be
our strength.
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