Scripture: Matthew
5:21-37
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.
Pray for the Holy Spirit to teach you as you read the
Scripture lesson, and ask him to teach you to pray, opening your heart and mind
to pray according to God’s will.
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 faith, strength, and courage to choose God’s life
over the ways of death.
For a deeper love of God’s Word; both Law and Gospel, and a
heart that gladly hears and learns his Word.
For the Spirit to help us to overcome anger and lust.
For all who are married, engaged, or dating that the
marriage bed be kept pure and that God’s people would lead sexually pure and
decent lives.[1]
For the divorced, the lonely, and all who long for intimacy
that God would comfort them and bring people into their lives who will help to
meet their need.
For simplicity of speech and honest responses that lead to
reputations of trustworthiness.
For truth to be spoken by politicians, media personnel, and
all leaders.
For Sunday’s worship service that the pastor’s sermon be
faithful and true, for faithful reception of Holy Communion, and for all to be
comforted by Jesus’ forgiveness, and encouraged by his Holy Spirit.
For maturity in faith and for unity in the cross of Christ
for the whole Church.
For the Word of God to be planted and watered in the lives
of people, and for God to give the growth.
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