Members phkrause Posted March 14, 2011 Author Members Posted March 14, 2011 March 13, 2011 Matthew 4:1-11 (Good News Translation) God’s Word Goes Forth: Come to the Lord in Prayer Introduction Matthew 4:1-11: As we begin the Lenten season, we read about Jesus’ temptation. The Spirit leads Jesus into the desert to be tempted by the Devil. After forty days and nights without food, the Devil challenges Jesus to prove that he is the Son of God and tempts him to betray God. Jesus rebukes the Devil and is cared for by the angels. Today’s Scripture: Matthew 4:4 “…Human beings cannot live on bread alone, but need every word that God speaks.” Today’s Reading 1 Then the Spirit led Jesus into the desert to be tempted by the Devil. 2 After spending forty days and nights without food, Jesus was hungry. 3 Then the Devil came to him and said, “If you are God's Son, order these stones to turn into bread.” 4 But Jesus answered, “The scripture says, “Human beings cannot live on bread alone, but need every word that God speaks.” ” 5 Then the Devil took Jesus to Jerusalem, the Holy City, set him on the highest point of the Temple, 6 and said to him, “If you are God's Son, throw yourself down, for the scripture says, ‘God will give orders to his angels about you; they will hold you up with their hands, so that not even your feet will be hurt on the stones.’” 7 Jesus answered, “But the scripture also says, “Do not put the Lord your God to the test.” ” 8 Then the Devil took Jesus to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in all their greatness. 9 “All this I will give you,” the Devil said, “if you kneel down and worship me.” 10 Then Jesus answered, “Go away, Satan! The scripture says, “Worship the Lord your God and serve only him!” ” 11 Then the Devil left Jesus; and angels came and helped him. Reflect The Christian season of Lent recalls Jesus’ forty days in the wilderness with practices of abstinence and penance, including prayer and fasting. What connections do you see between your understanding of Lent and Jesus’ time in the wilderness? How can the Holy Spirit guide your Lenten journey? Pray Holy Spirit, guide me as I enter into the season of Lent. Open my heart to your presence and help me to stand strong against the temptation of the devil. Cleanse me and purify me. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. Prayer Concern Those who are fasting Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted March 14, 2011 Author Members Posted March 14, 2011 March 14, 2011 Isaiah 38:1-20 (Good News Translation) God’s Word Goes Forth: Come to the Lord in Prayer Introduction Isaiah 38:1-20: As the Assyrian army encroaches upon Jerusalem, King Hezekiah becomes sick and almost dies. He cries out to God for help, and God promises to let him live longer and to protect Jerusalem. After he gets well, he sings a heartfelt song of praise describing God’s mercy and saving help. Today’s Scripture: Isaiah 38:16 LORD, I will live for you, for you alone; Heal me and let me live. Today’s Reading 1 About this time King Hezekiah became sick and almost died. The prophet Isaiah son of Amoz went to see him and said to him, “The LORD tells you that you are to put everything in order because you will not recover. Get ready to die. ” 2 Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed: 3 “Remember, LORD, that I have served you faithfully and loyally, and that I have always tried to do what you wanted me to. ” And he began to cry bitterly. 4 Then the LORD commanded Isaiah 5 to go back to Hezekiah and say to him, “I, the LORD, the God of your ancestor David, have heard your prayer and seen your tears; I will let you live fifteen years longer. 6 I will rescue you and this city of Jerusalem from the emperor of Assyria, and I will continue to protect the city. ” 7 Isaiah replied, “The LORD will give you a sign to prove that he will keep his promise. 8 On the stairway built by King Ahaz, the LORD will make the shadow go back ten steps. ” And the shadow moved back ten steps. 9 After Hezekiah recovered from his illness, he wrote this song of praise: 10 I thought that in the prime of life I was going to the world of the dead, Never to live out my life. 11 I thought that in this world of the living I would never again see the LORD Or any living person. 12 My life was cut off and ended, Like a tent that is taken down, Like cloth that is cut from a loom. I thought that God was ending my life. 13 All night I cried out with pain, As if a lion were breaking my bones. I thought that God was ending my life. 14 My voice was thin and weak, And I moaned like a dove. My eyes grew tired from looking to heaven. 15 What can I say? The LORD has done this. My heart is bitter, and I cannot sleep. 16 Lord, I will live for you, for you alone; Heal me and let me live. 17 My bitterness will turn into peace. You save my life from all danger; You forgive all my sins. 18 No one in the world of the dead can praise you; The dead cannot trust in your faithfulness. 19 It is the living who praise you, As I praise you now. Parents tell their children how faithful you are. 20 LORD, you have healed me. We will play harps and sing your praise, Sing praise in your Temple as long as we live. Reflect Reread verse 12. Hezekiah uses vivid images to describe the ways in which he felt cut off by God—like a tent that is taken down and like a cloth cut from a loom. These images would have been significant to hearers of this text in the ancient days. What images could be used to describe a time when you felt apart from God? What images could be used to describe a time when you felt close to God? Pray Faithful God, thank you for sustaining me through the challenges of life. Draw near to me today, and nourish me that I may sing your praises and worship you. Amen. Prayer Concern Those who are sick Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted March 16, 2011 Author Members Posted March 16, 2011 March 15, 2011 Isaiah 55:1-13 (Good News Translation) God’s Word Goes Forth: Come to the Lord in Prayer Introduction Isaiah 55:1-13: This chapter of Isaiah invites readers to an abundant life full of sustenance, mercy, joy, and peace—a life marked by the richness of the presence of God. God’s lasting covenant is compared to a magnificent banquet. God’s words and ways are different from our own, and are worthy of celebration. Today’s Scripture: Isaiah 55:6 Turn to the LORD and pray to him, now that he is near. Today’s Reading 1 The LORD says, “Come, everyone who is thirsty— here is water! Come, you that have no money— buy grain and eat! Come! Buy wine and milk— it will cost you nothing! 2 Why spend money on what does not satisfy? Why spend your wages and still be hungry? Listen to me and do what I say, and you will enjoy the best food of all. 3 Listen now, my people, and come to me; come to me, and you will have life! I will make a lasting covenant with you and give you the blessings I promised to David. 4 I made him a leader and commander of nations, and through him I showed them my power. 5 Now you will summon foreign nations; at one time they did not know you, but now they will come running to join you! I, the LORD your God, the holy God of Israel, will make all this happen; I will give you honor and glory.” 6 Turn to the LORD and pray to him, now that he is near. 7 Let the wicked leave their way of life and change their way of thinking. Let them turn to the LORD, our God; he is merciful and quick to forgive. 8 “My thoughts,” says the LORD, “are not like yours, and my ways are different from yours. 9 As high as the heavens are above the earth, so high are my ways and thoughts above yours. 10 My word is like the snow and the rain that come down from the sky to water the earth. They make the crops grow and provide seed for planting and food to eat. 11 So also will be the word that I speak— it will not fail to do what I plan for it; it will do everything I send it to do. 12 You will leave Babylon with joy; you will be led out of the city in peace. The mountains and hills will burst into singing, and the trees will shout for joy. 13 Cypress trees will grow where now there are briers; myrtle trees will come up in place of thorns. This will be a sign that will last forever, a reminder of what I, the LORD, have done.” Reflect The offer in verse 1 is an invitation to come to the Lord and enjoy his provision. In verse 2, that which “does not satisfy” refers to anything that does not really satisfy the hunger for God. What things in your life consume your resources without satisfying you? How do you feel when you read God’s invitation to you? Pray God, giver of life, you sustain me with your Word, which never fails. Your ways are better than my ways. Forgive me for relying on my own strength and turning away from your ways. Set me free from the bondage of sin and fill me with your peace today. Amen. Prayer Concern All who seek God’s grace Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted March 16, 2011 Author Members Posted March 16, 2011 March 16, 2011 Isaiah 58:1-14 (Good News Translation) God’s Word Goes Forth: Come to the Lord in Prayer Introduction Isaiah 58:1-14: Today’s passage discusses the meaning of true worship and sacrifice. The people of Israel practiced the rituals of worship and fasted according to the Law. However, even during their fast, the Israelites were selfish and oppressed their workers. Isaiah says that their fasting is meaningless if they do not treat each other with respect and live in ways that lead to justice. Today’s Scripture: Isaiah 58:6, 7 “The kind of fasting I want is this: Remove the chains of oppression and the yoke of injustice, and let the oppressed go free. Share your food with the hungry and open your homes to the homeless poor. Give clothes to those who have nothing to wear, and do not refuse to help your own relatives.” Today’s Reading 1 The LORD says, “Shout as loud as you can! Tell my people Israel about their sins! 2 They worship me every day, claiming that they are eager to know my ways and obey my laws. They say they want me to give them just laws and that they take pleasure in worshiping me. ” 3 The people ask, “Why should we fast if the LORD never notices? Why should we go without food if he pays no attention? ” The LORD says to them, “The truth is that at the same time you fast, you pursue your own interests and oppress your workers. 4 Your fasting makes you violent, and you quarrel and fight. Do you think this kind of fasting will make me listen to your prayers? 5 When you fast, you make yourselves suffer; you bow your heads low like a blade of grass and spread out sackcloth and ashes to lie on. Is that what you call fasting? Do you think I will be pleased with that? 6 The kind of fasting I want is this: Remove the chains of oppression and the yoke of injustice, and let the oppressed go free. 7 Share your food with the hungry and open your homes to the homeless poor. Give clothes to those who have nothing to wear, and do not refuse to help your own relatives. 8 Then my favor will shine on you like the morning sun, and your wounds will be quickly healed. I will always be with you to save you; my presence will protect you on every side. 9 When you pray, I will answer you. When you call to me, I will respond. If you put an end to oppression, to every gesture of contempt, and to every evil word; 10 if you give food to the hungry and satisfy those who are in need, then the darkness around you will turn to the brightness of noon. 11 And I will always guide you and satisfy you with good things. I will keep you strong and well. You will be like a garden that has plenty of water, like a spring of water that never goes dry. 12 Your people will rebuild what has long been in ruins, building again on the old foundations. You will be known as the people who rebuilt the walls, who restored the ruined houses. ” 13 The LORD says, “If you treat the Sabbath as sacred and do not pursue your own interests on that day; if you value my holy day and honor it by not traveling, working, or talking idly on that day, 14 then you will find the joy that comes from serving me. I will make you honored all over the world, and you will enjoy the land I gave to your ancestor, Jacob. I, the LORD, have spoken. ” Reflect This passage suggests that true worship is not only about praising God; it is also about treating fellow human beings with dignity. What actions must one take in order to participate in true worship, according to Isaiah? What does God promise to those who put an end to oppression, hunger and suffering? What does this passage mean to you? Pray God of justice and truth, make me like a spring that never runs dry, that I may quench the thirst of those in need as I seek to worship you. Enable me to stand for truth and justice all the days of my life. Amen. Prayer Concern The hungry Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted March 17, 2011 Author Members Posted March 17, 2011 March 17, 2011 Jeremiah 32:1-15 (Good News Translation) God’s Word Goes Forth: Come to the Lord in Prayer Introduction Jeremiah 32:1-15: In today’s reading, the Babylonian army has surrounded Jerusalem. Jeremiah is in prison for his prophecy and God tell him to purchase a piece of ground. This was to signify, that though Jerusalem was besieged, and the whole country likely to be laid waste, yet the time would come, when the Jews would return from the Babylonian captivity, and again possess houses, fields, and vineyards, in their own land, and by their own right, according to their tribes and families. Today’s Scripture: Jeremiah 32:14, 15 “The LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, has ordered you to take these deeds, both the sealed deed of purchase and the open copy, and to place them in a clay jar, so that they may be preserved for years to come. The LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, has said that houses, fields, and vineyards will again be bought in this land.” Today’s Reading 1 The LORD spoke to me in the tenth year that Zedekiah was king of Judah, which was also the eighteenth year of King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylonia. 2 At that time the army of the king of Babylonia was attacking Jerusalem, and I was locked up in the courtyard of the royal palace. 3 King Zedekiah had imprisoned me there and had accused me of announcing that the LORD had said, “I am going to let the king of Babylonia capture this city, 4 and King Zedekiah will not escape. He will be handed over to the king of Babylonia; he will see him face-to-face and will speak to him in person. 5 Zedekiah will be taken to Babylonia, and he will remain there until I deal with him. Even if he fights the Babylonians, he will not be successful. I, the LORD, have spoken. ” 6 The LORD told me 7 that Hanamel, my uncle Shallum's son, would come to me with the request to buy his field at Anathoth in the territory of Benjamin, because I was his nearest relative and had the right to buy it for myself. 8 Then, just as the LORD had said, Hanamel came to me there in the courtyard and asked me to buy the field. So I knew that the LORD had really spoken to me. 9 I bought the field from Hanamel and weighed out the money to him; the price came to seventeen pieces of silver. 10 I signed and sealed the deed, had it witnessed, and weighed out the money on scales. 11 Then I took both copies of the deed of purchase—the sealed copy containing the contract and its conditions, and the open copy— 12 and gave them to Baruch, the son of Neriah and grandson of Mahseiah. I gave them to him in the presence of Hanamel and of the witnesses who had signed the deed of purchase and of the people who were sitting in the courtyard. 13 Before them all I said to Baruch, 14 “The LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, has ordered you to take these deeds, both the sealed deed of purchase and the open copy, and to place them in a clay jar, so that they may be preserved for years to come. 15 The LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, has said that houses, fields, and vineyards will again be bought in this land. ” Reflect When a person was forced to sell land to pay a debt, the law required family members to have the first right to purchase or refuse the land (see Leviticus 25:25-32; Ruth 4:1-6). Jeremiah’s cousin is selling at a terrible time. Why would anyone invest in real estate near Jerusalem in 587 BC when the Babylonians might steal the land at any moment? If you were Jeremiah, how might you respond to God? Pray God who is present everywhere, your vision for the future extends far beyond my greatest imagination. Too often I am focused on the needs of the present. Enable me to find strength in you that I may work for your Kingdom here on earth. Amen. Prayer Concern Those whose homes are in foreclosure Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted March 19, 2011 Author Members Posted March 19, 2011 March 18, 2011 Jeremiah 32:16-44 (Good News Translation) God’s Word Goes Forth: Come to the Lord in Prayer Introduction Jeremiah 32:16-44: Today’s reading contains Jeremiah's prayer, in which he recounts God's marvelous acts towards the children of Israel, and deeply deplores the lamentable state of the country, and the numerous provocations which have led to it. After which God is introduced declaring his purpose of giving up his people into the hands of their enemies, promising, however, to restore them in due time to their ancient possessions, and to make with them an everlasting covenant. Today’s Scripture: Jeremiah 32:27 “…I am the Lord, the God of all people. Nothing is too difficult for me.” Today’s Reading 16 After I had given the deed of purchase to Baruch, I prayed, 17 “Sovereign LORD, you made the earth and the sky by your great power and might; nothing is too difficult for you. 18 You have shown constant love to thousands, but you also punish people for the sins of their parents. You are a great and powerful God; you are the LORD Almighty. 19 You make wise plans and do mighty things; you see everything that people do, and you reward them according to their actions. 20 Long ago you performed miracles and wonders in Egypt, and you have continued to perform them to this day, both in Israel and among all the other nations, so that you are now known everywhere. 21 By means of miracles and wonders that terrified our enemies, you used your power and might to bring your people Israel out of Egypt. 22 You gave them this rich and fertile land, as you had promised their ancestors. 23 But when they came into this land and took possession of it, they did not obey your commands or live according to your teaching; they did nothing that you had ordered them to do. And so you brought all this destruction on them. 24 The Babylonians have built siege mounds around the city to capture it, and they are attacking. War, starvation, and disease will make the city fall into their hands. You can see that all you have said has come true. 25 Yet, Sovereign LORD, you are the one who ordered me to buy the field in the presence of witnesses, even though the city is about to be captured by the Babylonians. ” 26 Then the LORD said to me, 27 “I am the LORD, the God of all people. Nothing is too difficult for me. 28 I am going to give this city over to King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylonia and his army; they will capture it 29 and set it on fire. They will burn it down, together with the houses where people have made me angry by burning incense to Baal on the rooftops and by pouring out wine offerings to other gods. 30 From the very beginning of their history the people of Israel and the people of Judah have displeased me and made me angry by what they have done. 31 The people of this city have made me angry and furious from the day it was built. I have decided to destroy it 32 because of all the evil that has been done by the people of Judah and Jerusalem, together with their kings and leaders, their priests and prophets. 33 They turned their backs on me; and though I kept on teaching them, they would not listen and learn. 34 They even placed their disgusting idols in the Temple built for my worship, and they have defiled it. 35 They have built altars to Baal in Hinnom Valley, to sacrifice their sons and daughters to the god Molech. I did not command them to do this, and it did not even enter my mind that they would do such a thing and make the people of Judah sin. ” 36 The LORD, the God of Israel, said to me, “Jeremiah, the people are saying that war, starvation, and disease will make this city fall into the hands of the king of Babylonia. Now listen to what else I have to say. 37 I am going to gather the people from all the countries where I have scattered them in my anger and fury, and I am going to bring them back to this place and let them live here in safety. 38 Then they will be my people, and I will be their God. 39 I will give them a single purpose in life: to honor me for all time, for their own good and the good of their descendants. 40 I will make an eternal covenant with them. I will never stop doing good things for them, and I will make them fear me with all their heart, so that they will never turn away from me. 41 I will take pleasure in doing good things for them, and I will establish them permanently in this land. 42 Just as I have brought this disaster on these people, so I am going to give them all the good things that I have promised. 43 The people are saying that this land will be like a desert where neither people nor animals live, and that it will be given over to the Babylonians. But fields will once again be bought in this land. 44 People will buy them, and the deeds will be signed, sealed, and witnessed. This will take place in the territory of Benjamin, in the villages around Jerusalem, in the towns of Judah, and in the towns in the hill country, in the foothills, and in southern Judah. I will restore the people to their land. I, the LORD, have spoken. ” Reflect Jeremiah’s purchase of the land does not seem to make sense—what value would it have once the Babylonians had captured it? But the land becomes a symbol of hope for the future of Jerusalem and for God’s promise to restore the people. When you think of the struggles of our world today—such as war, famine, and environmental degradation—what serves as a symbol of hope for you? Pray God, your promise to your people extends beyond our human limits of time and space. Help me to find hope in your vision of restoring all of creation that I may share that hope with others. Amen. Prayer Concern Those suffering from depression Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted March 19, 2011 Author Members Posted March 19, 2011 March 19, 2011 Lamentations 3:1-24 (Good News Translation) God’s Word Goes Forth: Come to the Lord in Prayer Introduction Lamentations 3:1-24: Lamentations is a collection of poems or “laments” that are presented as eyewitness accounts to the Babylonian invasion of Jerusalem. A writer called “the prophet” presents the poem in this passage. The prophet’s lament is both personal and universal. His own experience speaks to everyone who suffers. The prophet, by enumerating his own severe trials, and showing his trust in God, encourages his people to trust in the God and his never-failing mercy. Today’s Scripture: Lamentations 3:22-24 The LORD’s unfailing love and mercy still continue, Fresh as the morning, as sure as the sunrise. The LORD is all I have, and so in him I put my hope. Today’s Reading 1 I am one who knows what it is to be punished by God. 2 He drove me deeper and deeper into darkness 3 And beat me again and again with merciless blows. 4 He has left my flesh open and raw, and has broken my bones. 5 He has shut me in a prison of misery and anguish. 6 He has forced me to live in the stagnant darkness of death. 7 He has bound me in chains; I am a prisoner with no hope of escape. 8 I cry aloud for help, but God refuses to listen; 9 I stagger as I walk; stone walls block me wherever I turn. 10 He waited for me like a bear; he pounced on me like a lion. 11 He chased me off the road, tore me to pieces, and left me. 12 He drew his bow and made me the target for his arrows. 13 He shot his arrows deep into my body. 14 People laugh at me all day long; I am a joke to them all. 15 Bitter suffering is all he has given me for food and drink. 16 He rubbed my face in the ground and broke my teeth on rocks. 17 I have forgotten what health and peace and happiness are. 18 I do not have much longer to live; my hope in the LORD is gone. 19 The thought of my pain, my homelessness, is bitter poison. 20 I think of it constantly, and my spirit is depressed. 21 Yet hope returns when I remember this one thing: 22 The LORD's unfailing love and mercy still continue, 23 Fresh as the morning, as sure as the sunrise. 24 The LORD is all I have, and so in him I put my hope. Reflect The poems in Lamentations were written not simply to lament the destruction of Jerusalem, but to interpret its meaning for God’s people. What did the people of Judah learn about themselves and God from this tragic event? Reread verses 21-24. Which statements in this passage offer hope? What is the relationship between hope and reliance on God? Pray Lord God, you are good to those who wait for you. Enable me to examine my ways and return to you, lifting my heart and my hands to you in heaven. Amen. Prayer Concern Crime victims Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted March 21, 2011 Author Members Posted March 21, 2011 March 20, 2011 2 Chronicles 1:1-17 (Good News Translation) God’s Word Goes Forth: Come to the Lord in Prayer Introduction 2 Chronicles 1:1-17: 2 Chronicles tells the story of Solomon building the temple. It was written to give encouragement to the people who had returned from exile in Babylon. In today’s reading, Solomon and the chiefs go to Gibeon where the tabernacle of the Lord and the brazen altar were; there he offers a thousand sacrifices. The Lord appears to him in a dream, and gives him permission to ask for any gift. He asks for wisdom, which is granted; and because he asked only for wisdom, God blesses him with riches, wealth, and honor. Today’s Scripture: 2 Chronicles 1:11 “You have made the right choice. Instead of asking for wealth or treasure or fame or the death of your enemies or even for long life for yourself, you have asked for wisdom and knowledge so that you can rule my people, over whom I have made you king.” Today’s Reading 1 Solomon, the son of King David, took firm control of the kingdom of Israel, and the LORD his God blessed him and made him very powerful. 2 King Solomon gave an order to all the officers in charge of units of a thousand men and of a hundred men, all the government officials, all the heads of families, and all the rest of the people, 3 commanding them to go with him to the place of worship at Gibeon. They went there because that was where the Tent of the LORD's presence was located, which Moses, the LORD's servant, had made in the wilderness. ( 4 The Covenant Box, however, was in Jerusalem, kept in a tent which King David had set up when he brought the Box from Kiriath Jearim.) 5 The bronze altar which had been made by Bezalel, the son of Uri and grandson of Hur, was also in Gibeon in front of the Tent of the LORD's presence. King Solomon and all the people worshiped the LORD there. 6 In front of the Tent the king worshiped the LORD by offering sacrifices on the bronze altar; he had a thousand animals killed and burned whole on it. 7 That night God appeared to Solomon and asked, “What would you like me to give you?” 8 Solomon answered, “You always showed great love for my father David, and now you have let me succeed him as king. 9 O LORD God, fulfill the promise you made to my father. You have made me king over a people who are so many that they cannot be counted, 10 so give me the wisdom and knowledge I need to rule over them. Otherwise, how would I ever be able to rule this great people of yours? ” 11 God replied to Solomon, “You have made the right choice. Instead of asking for wealth or treasure or fame or the death of your enemies or even for long life for yourself, you have asked for wisdom and knowledge so that you can rule my people, over whom I have made you king. 12 I will give you wisdom and knowledge. And in addition, I will give you more wealth, treasure, and fame than any king has ever had before or will ever have again. ” 13 So Solomon left the place of worship at Gibeon, where the Tent of the LORD's presence was, and returned to Jerusalem. There he ruled over Israel. 14 He built up a force of fourteen hundred chariots and twelve thousand cavalry horses. Some of them he kept in Jerusalem, and the rest he stationed in various other cities. 15 During his reign silver and gold became as common in Jerusalem as stone, and cedar was as plentiful as ordinary sycamore in the foothills of Judah. 16 The king's agents controlled the export of horses from Musri and Cilicia, 17 and the export of chariots from Egypt. They supplied the Hittite and Syrian kings with horses and chariots, selling chariots for 600 pieces of silver each and horses for 150 each. Reflect Reread verses 8-12. God chose Solomon to be king so that he would carry out God’s will on earth. How does Solomon respond to this responsibility? How does God respond to Solomon’s request for wisdom? What do you most need from God in order to fulfill God’s call for your life? Pray Holy God, make me mindful of the work to which you are calling me today. Empower me with wisdom, humility and patience as I seek to do your will. In your precious name I pray. Amen. Prayer Concern The unemployed Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted March 26, 2011 Author Members Posted March 26, 2011 March 21, 2011 2 Chronicles 5:2-14 (Good News Translation) God’s Word Goes Forth: Come to the Lord in Prayer Introduction 2 Chronicles 5:2-14: Solomon, having finished the Temple, brings in the things which his father had consecrated as part of the celebration of the Festival of Shelters. He assembles the elders and chiefs of Israel and the Levites, in order to bring up the ark from the City of David. They bring it and its vessels; and having offered innumerable sacrifices, place it in the temple, under the wings of the cherubim. The Levites, singers, and trumpeters praise God; and the Temple is suddenly filled with a cloud shining with the dazzling light of the God’s presence. Today’s Scripture: 2 Chronicles 5:13b “Praise the LORD, because he is good, And his love is eternal.” Today’s Reading 1 When King Solomon finished all the work on the Temple, he placed in the Temple storerooms all the things that his father David had dedicated to the LORD —the silver, gold, and other articles. The Covenant Box Is Brought to the Temple ( 1 Kings 8.1-9) 2 Then King Solomon summoned all the leaders of the tribes and clans of Israel to assemble in Jerusalem, in order to take the LORD's Covenant Box from Zion, David's City, to the Temple. 3 They all assembled at the time of the Festival of Shelters. 4 When all the leaders had gathered, then the Levites lifted the Covenant Box 5 and carried it to the Temple. The priests and the Levites also moved the Tent of the LORD's presence and all its equipment to the Temple. 6 King Solomon and all the people of Israel assembled in front of the Covenant Box and sacrificed a large number of sheep and cattle—too many to count. 7 Then the priests carried the Covenant Box of the LORD into the Temple and put it in the Most Holy Place, beneath the winged creatures. 8 Their outstretched wings covered the Box and the poles it was carried by. 9 The ends of the poles could be seen by anyone standing directly in front of the Most Holy Place, but from nowhere else. (The poles are still there today.) 10 There was nothing inside the Covenant Box except the two stone tablets which Moses had placed there at Mount Sinai, when the LORD made a covenant with the people of Israel as they were coming from Egypt. The Glory of the Lord 11-14 All the priests present, regardless of the group to which they belonged, had consecrated themselves. And all the Levite musicians—Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun, and the members of their clans—were wearing linen clothing. The Levites stood near the east side of the altar with cymbals and harps, and with them were 120 priests playing trumpets. The singers were accompanied in perfect harmony by trumpets, cymbals, and other instruments, as they praised the LORD singing: “Praise the LORD, because he is good, And his love is eternal.” As the priests were leaving the Temple, it was suddenly filled with a cloud shining with the dazzling light of the LORD's presence, and they could not continue the service of worship. Reflect The Festival of Shelters took place at the end of the fall harvest and lasted for seven days. In addition to giving thanks to God for the harvest, the people were to build and live in shelters made from tree branches to remember the temporary shelters their ancestors lived in during their exile in the wilderness. Where do you tend to feel God’s presence? In church? Outdoors? In your house? Pray God of glory, you make your presence known in many places and many ways. Make me aware of your presence today and every day, and inspire me to share the experiences of your presence with others. Amen. Prayer Concern Church buildings that need repair Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted March 26, 2011 Author Members Posted March 26, 2011 March 22, 2011 2 Chronicles 6:1-17 (Good News Translation) God’s Word Goes Forth: Come to the Lord in Prayer Introduction 2 Chronicles 6:1-17: Solomon tells the story of God delivering the people from Egypt, equipping David to plan for the temple, and empowering Solomon to build it. He celebrates the fulfillment of God’s promises and offers a prayer of praise and thanksgiving for God’s faithfulness. Today’s Scripture: 2 Chronicles 6:14 “LORD God of Israel, in all heaven and earth there is no god like you. You keep your covenant with your people and show them your love when they live in wholehearted obedience to you.” Today’s Reading 1 Then King Solomon prayed, “ LORD, you have chosen to live in clouds and darkness. 2 Now I have built a majestic temple for you, a place for you to live in forever. ” 3 All the people of Israel were standing there. The king turned to face them and asked God's blessing on them. 4 He said, “Praise the LORD God of Israel! He has kept the promise he made to my father David when he said to him, 5 ‘From the time I brought my people out of Egypt until now, I did not choose any city in the land of Israel as the place to build a temple where I would be worshiped, and I did not choose anyone to lead my people Israel. 6 But now I have chosen Jerusalem as the place where I will be worshiped, and you, David, to rule my people. ’ ” 7 And Solomon continued, “My father David planned to build a temple for the worship of the LORD God of Israel, 8 but the LORD said to him, ‘You were right in wanting to build a temple for me, 9 but you will never build it. It is your son, your own son, who will build my temple. ’ 10 Now the LORD has kept his promise: I have succeeded my father as king of Israel, and I have built a temple for the worship of the LORD God of Israel. 11 I have placed in the Temple the Covenant Box, which contains the stone tablets of the covenant which the LORD made with the people of Israel. ” 12 Then in the presence of the people Solomon went and stood in front of the altar and raised his arms in prayer. ( 13 Solomon had made a bronze platform and put it in the middle of the courtyard. It was eight feet square and five feet high. He mounted this platform, knelt down where everyone could see him, and raised his hands toward heaven.) 14 He prayed, “ LORD God of Israel, in all heaven and earth there is no god like you. You keep your covenant with your people and show them your love when they live in wholehearted obedience to you. 15 You have kept the promise you made to my father David; today every word has been fulfilled. 16 Now, LORD God of Israel, keep the other promise you made to my father when you told him that there would always be one of his descendants ruling as king of Israel, provided that they carefully obeyed your Law just as he did. 17 So now, LORD God of Israel, let everything come true that you promised to your servant David. Reflect When Solomon built the temple and placed the Covenant Box in it, he made the Temple and the city of Jerusalem, the central place of the political and religious lives of the people. What places hold special religious significance for you? Why? Pray Eternal God, thank you for those special places where I feel most connected to you. Fill me with your Holy Spirit and enable me to share your blessings with others. Amen. Prayer Concern People who are seeking a faith community Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted March 26, 2011 Author Members Posted March 26, 2011 March 23, 2011 2 Chronicles 6:18-42 (Good News Translation) God’s Word Goes Forth: Come to the Lord in Prayer Introduction 2 Chronicles 6:18-42: Solomon’s prayer to God continues in today’s reading. He asks God to watch over the Temple and be present when people worship there. He asks God to mediate conflict and grant forgiveness. He calls God to strengthen Israel and fill it with his goodness. Today’s Scripture: 2 Chronicles 6:40, 41 “Now, O my God, look on us and listen to the prayers offered in this place. Rise up now, LORD God, and with the Covenant Box, the symbol of your power, enter the Temple and stay here forever. Bless your priests in all they do, and may all your people be happy because of your goodness to them.” Today’s Reading 18 But can you, O God, really live on earth among men and women? Not even all of heaven is large enough to hold you, so how can this Temple that I have built be large enough? 19 LORD my God, I am your servant. Listen to my prayer and grant the requests I make to you. 20 Watch over this Temple day and night. You have promised that this is where you will be worshiped, so hear me when I face this Temple and pray. 21 Hear my prayers and the prayers of your people Israel when they face this place and pray. In your home in heaven hear us and forgive us. 22 When people are accused of wronging others and are brought to your altar in this Temple to take an oath that they are innocent, 23 O LORD, listen in heaven and judge your servants. Punish the guilty ones as they deserve and acquit the innocent. 24 When your people Israel are defeated by their enemies because they have sinned against you and then when they turn to you and come to this Temple, humbly praying to you for forgiveness, 25 listen to them in heaven. Forgive the sins of your people and bring them back to the land which you gave to them and to their ancestors. 26 When you hold back the rain because your people have sinned against you and then when they repent and face this Temple, humbly praying to you, 27 O LORD, listen to them in heaven and forgive the sins of your servants, the people of Israel, and teach them to do what is right. Then, O LORD, send rain on this land of yours, which you gave to your people as a permanent possession. 28 When there is famine in the land or an epidemic or the crops are destroyed by scorching winds or swarms of locusts, or when your people are attacked by their enemies, or when there is disease or sickness among them, 29 listen to their prayers. If any of your people Israel, out of heartfelt sorrow, stretch out their hands in prayer toward this Temple, 30 hear their prayer. Listen to them in your home in heaven and forgive them. You alone know the thoughts of the human heart. Deal with each of us as we deserve, 31 so that your people may honor you and obey you all the time they live in the land which you gave to our ancestors. 32 When foreigners who live in a distant land hear how great and powerful you are and how you are always ready to act, and then they come to pray at this Temple, 33 listen to their prayers. In heaven, where you live, hear them and do what they ask you to do, so that all the peoples of the world may know you and obey you, as your people Israel do. Then they will know that this Temple I have built is where you are to be worshiped. 34 When you command your people to go into battle against their enemies and they pray to you, wherever they are, facing this city which you have chosen and this Temple which I have built for you, 35 listen to their prayers. Hear them in heaven and give them victory. 36 When your people sin against you—and there is no one who does not sin—and in your anger you let their enemies defeat them and take them as prisoners to some other land, even if that land is far away, 37 listen to your people's prayers. If there in that land they repent and pray to you, confessing how sinful and wicked they have been, hear their prayers, O LORD. 38 If in that land they truly and sincerely repent and pray to you as they face toward this land which you gave to our ancestors, this city which you have chosen, and this Temple which I have built for you, 39 then listen to their prayers. In your home in heaven hear them and be merciful to them and forgive all the sins of your people. 40 Now, O my God, look on us and listen to the prayers offered in this place. 41 Rise up now, LORD God, and with the Covenant Box, the symbol of your power, enter the Temple and stay here forever. Bless your priests in all they do, and may all your people be happy because of your goodness to them. 42 LORD God, do not reject the king you have chosen. Remember the love you had for your servant David. ” Reflect Solomon’s prayer includes prophetic words about Israel’s future. The people sinned by turning their backs on God, disobeying God’s law, and worshiping idols. Can you think of a time when God was generous with you, but you still chose to disobey God? What was it like to turn away from God? What brought you back to God again? Pray Gracious God, your love and goodness never fail. Even when I turned away from you, you have always come searching for me in your loving kindness. Forgive my failings and shortcomings. Thank you for abundant love. Amen. Prayer Concern Children in foster care Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted March 26, 2011 Author Members Posted March 26, 2011 March 24, 2011 2 Chronicles 7:1-22 (Good News Translation) God’s Word Goes Forth: Come to the Lord in Prayer Introduction 2 Chronicles 7:1-22: God’s glory fills the Temple as the people complete the dedication ceremony and continue celebrating the Festival of Shelters. The Lord appears to Solomon in a dream by night, and assures him that he has heard his prayer. The Lord promises him and his posterity a perpetual government, if they be obedient, but utter destruction should they disobey and become idolaters. Today’s Scripture: 2 Chronicles 7:15 “I will watch over this Temple and be ready to hear all the prayers that are offered here, because I have chosen it and consecrated it as the place where I will be worshiped forever.” Today’s Reading 1 When King Solomon finished his prayer, fire came down from heaven and burned up the sacrifices that had been offered, and the dazzling light of the LORD's presence filled the Temple. 2 Because the Temple was full of the dazzling light, the priests could not enter it. 3 When the people of Israel saw the fire fall from heaven and the light fill the Temple, they fell face downward on the pavement, worshiping God and praising him for his goodness and his eternal love. 4 Then Solomon and all the people offered sacrifices to the LORD. 5 He sacrificed 22,000 head of cattle and 120,000 sheep as fellowship offerings. And so he and all the people dedicated the Temple. 6 The priests stood in the places that were assigned to them, and facing them stood the Levites, praising the LORD with the musical instruments that King David had provided and singing the hymn, “His Love Is Eternal!” as they had been commissioned by David. The priests blew trumpets while all the people stood. 7 Solomon consecrated the central part of the courtyard, the area in front of the Temple, and then offered there the sacrifices burned whole, the grain offerings, and the fat from the fellowship offerings. He did this because the bronze altar which he had made was too small for all these offerings. 8 Solomon and all the people of Israel celebrated the Festival of Shelters for seven days. There was a huge crowd of people from as far away as Hamath Pass in the north and the Egyptian border in the south. 9 They had spent seven days for the dedication of the altar and then seven more days for the festival. On the last day they had a closing celebration, 10 and on the following day, the twenty-third day of the seventh month, Solomon sent the people home. They were happy about all the blessings that the LORD had given to his people Israel, to David, and to Solomon. 11 After King Solomon had finished the Temple and the palace, successfully completing all his plans for them, 12 the LORD appeared to him at night. He said to him, “I have heard your prayer, and I accept this Temple as the place where sacrifices are to be offered to me. 13 Whenever I hold back the rain or send locusts to eat up the crops or send an epidemic on my people, 14 if they pray to me and repent and turn away from the evil they have been doing, then I will hear them in heaven, forgive their sins, and make their land prosperous again. 15 I will watch over this Temple and be ready to hear all the prayers that are offered here, 16 because I have chosen it and consecrated it as the place where I will be worshiped forever. I will watch over it and protect it for all time. 17 If you serve me faithfully as your father David did, obeying my laws and doing everything I have commanded you, 18 I will keep the promise I made to your father David when I told him that Israel would always be ruled by his descendants. 19 But if you and your people ever disobey the laws and commands I have given you and worship other gods, 20 then I will remove you from the land that I gave you, and I will abandon this Temple that I have consecrated as the place where I am to be worshiped. People everywhere will ridicule it and treat it with contempt. 21 The Temple is now greatly honored, but then everyone who passes by it will be amazed and will ask, ‘Why did the LORD do this to this land and this Temple? ’ 22 People will answer, ‘It is because they abandoned the LORD their God, who brought their ancestors out of Egypt. They gave their allegiance to other gods and worshiped them. That is why the LORD has brought this disaster on them. ’ ” Reflect How did the people celebrate the dedication of the Temple? Why was the completion of the temple such an important event in their lives? Name a big event that you have helped celebrate. Why do we mark important life events with celebrations? Pray Glorious God, every time I celebrate an important life event, I am celebrating your generosity, joy, and love. I praise you and thank you for the many ways in which you bless my life with your amazing grace. Amen. Prayer Concern Families celebrating baptisms Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted March 26, 2011 Author Members Posted March 26, 2011 March 25, 2011 Nehemiah 9:1-38 (Good News Translation) God’s Word Goes Forth: Come to the Lord in Prayer Introduction Nehemiah 9:1-38: This reading is set in post-exile Jerusalem as the people return to the city and observe the great day of forgiveness through worship, prayer and confession. They pray a beautiful prayer that summarizes God’s work with Israel, including creation, the promise to Abraham, the exodus from Egypt, their experiences in the wilderness and Mount Sinai, the conquest of Canaan, the time of the judges, the time of the prophets, and their present situation. Today’s Scripture: Nehemiah 9:6 “…You, LORD, you alone are LORD; you made the heavens and the stars of the sky. You made land and sea and everything in them; you gave life to all. The heavenly powers bow down and worship you.” Today’s Reading 1-2 On the twenty-fourth day of the same month the people of Israel gathered to fast in order to show sorrow for their sins. They had already separated themselves from all foreigners. They wore sackcloth and put dust on their heads as signs of grief. Then they stood and began to confess the sins that they and their ancestors had committed. 3 For about three hours the Law of the LORD their God was read to them, and for the next three hours they confessed their sins and worshiped the LORD their God. 4 There was a platform for the Levites, and on it stood Jeshua, Bani, Kadmiel, Shebaniah, Bunni, Sherebiah, Bani, and Chenani. They prayed aloud to the LORD their God. 5 The following Levites gave a call to worship: Jeshua, Kadmiel, Bani, Hashabneiah, Sherebiah, Hodiah, Shebaniah, and Pethahiah. They said: “Stand up and praise the LORD your God; praise him forever and ever! Let everyone praise his glorious name, although no human praise is great enough.” 6 And then the people of Israel prayed this prayer: “You, LORD, you alone are LORD; you made the heavens and the stars of the sky. You made land and sea and everything in them; you gave life to all. The heavenly powers bow down and worship you. 7 You, LORD God, chose Abram and led him out of Ur in Babylonia; you changed his name to Abraham. 8 You found that he was faithful to you, and you made a covenant with him. You promised to give him the land of the Canaanites, the land of the Hittites and the Amorites, the land of the Perizzites, the Jebusites, the Girgashites, to be a land where his descendants would live. You kept your promise, because you are faithful. 9 You saw how our ancestors suffered in Egypt; you heard their call for help at the Red Sea. 10 You worked amazing miracles against the king, against his officials and the people of his land, because you knew how they oppressed your people. You won then the fame you still have today. 11 Through the sea you made a path for your people and led them through on dry ground. Those who pursued them drowned in deep water, as a stone sinks in the raging sea. 12 With a cloud you led them in daytime, and at night you lighted their way with fire. 13 At Mount Sinai you came down from heaven; you spoke to your people and gave them good laws and sound teachings. 14 You taught them to keep your Sabbaths holy, and through your servant Moses you gave them your laws. 15 When they were hungry, you gave them bread from heaven, and water from a rock when they were thirsty. You told them to take control of the land which you had promised to give them. 16 But our ancestors grew proud and stubborn and refused to obey your commands. 17 They refused to obey; they forgot all you did; they forgot the miracles you had performed. In their pride they chose a leader to take them back to slavery in Egypt. But you are a God who forgives; you are gracious and loving, slow to be angry. Your mercy is great; you did not forsake them. 18 They made an idol in the shape of a bull-calf and said it was the god who led them from Egypt! How much they insulted you, LORD! 19 But you did not abandon them there in the desert, for your mercy is great. You did not take away the cloud or the fire that showed them the path by day and night. 20 In your goodness you told them what they should do; you fed them manna and gave them water to drink. 21 Through forty years in the desert you provided all that they needed; their clothing never wore out, and their feet were not swollen with pain. 22 You let them conquer nations and kingdoms, lands that bordered their own. They conquered the land of Heshbon, where Sihon ruled, and the land of Bashan, where Og was king. 23 You gave them as many children as there are stars in the sky, and let them conquer and live in the land that you had promised their ancestors to give them. 24 They conquered the land of Canaan; you overcame the people living there. You gave your people the power to do as they pleased with the people and kings of Canaan. 25 Your people captured fortified cities, fertile land, houses full of wealth, cisterns already dug, olive trees, fruit trees, and vineyards. They ate all they wanted and grew fat; they enjoyed all the good things you gave them. 26 But your people rebelled and disobeyed you; they turned their backs on your Law. They killed the prophets who warned them, who told them to turn back to you. They insulted you time after time, 27 so you let their enemies conquer and rule them. In their trouble they called to you for help, and you answered them from heaven. In your great mercy you sent them leaders who rescued them from their foes. 28 When peace returned, they sinned again, and again you let their enemies conquer them. Yet when they repented and asked you to save them, in heaven you heard, and time after time you rescued them in your great mercy. 29 You warned them to obey your teachings, but in pride they rejected your laws, although keeping your Law is the way to life. Hard-headed and stubborn, they refused to obey. 30 Year after year you patiently warned them. You inspired your prophets to speak, but your people were deaf, so you let them be conquered by other nations. 31 And yet, because your mercy is great, you did not forsake or destroy them. You are a gracious and merciful God! 32 O God, our God, how great you are! How terrifying, how powerful! You faithfully keep your covenant promises. From the time when Assyrian kings oppressed us, even till now, how much we have suffered! Our kings, our leaders, our priests and prophets, our ancestors, and all our people have suffered. Remember how much we have suffered! 33 You have done right to punish us; you have been faithful, even though we have sinned. 34 Our ancestors, our kings, leaders, and priests have not kept your Law. They did not listen to your commands and warnings. 35 With your blessing, kings ruled your people when they lived in the broad, fertile land you gave them; but they failed to turn from sin and serve you. 36 And now we are slaves in the land that you gave us, this fertile land which gives us food. 37 What the land produces goes to the kings that you put over us because we sinned. They do as they please with us and our livestock, and we are in deep distress!” 38 Because of all that has happened, we, the people of Israel, hereby make a solemn written agreement, and our leaders, our Levites, and our priests put their seals to it. Reflect When the people offered this prayer of confession, they wore sackcloth. Sackcloth was a rough, coarse fabric that was often worn in times of trouble or sorrow. They also threw dirt or ashes on their heads to express sorrow and grief. What are outward signs of sorrow and grief for us today? How might physical expressions shape your prayer life? Pray Lord God, you alone are the creator of the heavens. Because of your great mercy, you never abandoned your people, and you never abandoned me. I am grateful for your many blessings. Amen. Prayer Concern All who grieve for lost loved ones Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted March 26, 2011 Author Members Posted March 26, 2011 March 26, 2011 Daniel 9:1-19 (Good News Translation) God’s Word Goes Forth: Come to the Lord in Prayer Introduction Daniel 9:1-19: This prayer follows two of Daniel’s visions, which show God’s control of historical events and provide hope for those who remain faithful in times of persecution. Daniel, understanding from the prophecies of Jeremiah that the seventy years' captivity was now ending, pours out his soul in fervent prayer to God, and earnestly supplicates pardon and restoration for his captive people. Daniel fasts and wears sackcloth. In this passage, he confesses his sin and prays to God. Today’s Scripture: Daniel 9:4b “LORD God, you are great, and we honor you. You are faithful to your covenant and show constant love to those who love you and do what you command.” Today’s Reading 1 Darius the Mede, who was the son of Xerxes, ruled over the kingdom of Babylonia. 2 In the first year of his reign I was studying the sacred books and thinking about the seventy years that Jerusalem would be in ruins, according to what the LORD had told the prophet Jeremiah. 3 And I prayed earnestly to the Lord God, pleading with him, fasting, wearing sackcloth, and sitting in ashes. 4 I prayed to the LORD my God and confessed the sins of my people. I said, “Lord God, you are great, and we honor you. You are faithful to your covenant and show constant love to those who love you and do what you command. 5 We have sinned, we have been evil, we have done wrong. We have rejected what you commanded us to do and have turned away from what you showed us was right. 6 We have not listened to your servants the prophets, who spoke in your name to our kings, our rulers, our ancestors, and our whole nation. 7 You, Lord, always do what is right, but we have always brought disgrace on ourselves. This is true of all of us who live in Judea and in Jerusalem and of all the Israelites whom you scattered in countries near and far because they were unfaithful to you. 8 Our kings, our rulers, and our ancestors have acted shamefully and sinned against you, Lord. 9 You are merciful and forgiving, although we have rebelled against you. 10 We did not listen to you, O LORD our God, when you told us to live according to the laws which you gave us through your servants the prophets. 11 All Israel broke your laws and refused to listen to what you said. We sinned against you, and so you brought on us the curses that are written in the Law of Moses, your servant. 12 You did what you said you would do to us and our rulers. You punished Jerusalem more severely than any other city on earth, 13 giving us all the punishment described in the Law of Moses. But even now, O LORD our God, we have not tried to please you by turning from our sins or by following your truth. 14 You, O LORD our God, were prepared to punish us, and you did, because you always do what is right, and we did not listen to you. 15 O Lord our God, you showed your power by bringing your people out of Egypt, and your power is still remembered. We have sinned; we have done wrong. 16 You have defended us in the past, so do not be angry with Jerusalem any longer. It is your city, your sacred hill. All the people in the neighboring countries look down on Jerusalem and on your people because of our sins and the evil our ancestors did. 17 O God, hear my prayer and pleading. Restore your Temple, which has been destroyed; restore it so that everyone will know that you are God. 18 Listen to us, O God; look at us and see the trouble we are in and the suffering of the city that bears your name. We are praying to you because you are merciful, not because we have done right. 19 Lord, hear us. Lord, forgive us. Lord, listen to us, and act! In order that everyone will know that you are God, do not delay! This city and these people are yours. ” Reflect What was the main purpose for Daniel’s prayer for his people? What are some of the reasons God allowed the people to endure suffering, such as exile or later persecutions? How do you understand God’s relationship with human suffering today? How can God be present with us in our suffering? How does God’s grace play a role in suffering? Pray Great and awesome God, forgive our society for the ways in which we have turned away from your love and justice. Let your face shine upon your people, that we may know your forgiveness and mercy, and submit to your will. Amen. Prayer Concern Those in need of justice Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted March 27, 2011 Author Members Posted March 27, 2011 March 27, 2011 Habakkuk 1:1-17 (Good News Translation) God’s Word Goes Forth: Come to the Lord in Prayer Introduction Habakkuk 1:1-17: The Book of Habakkuk records a prayer-filled conversation between the prophet Habakkuk and the Lord. In today’s passage, Habakkuk complains to the Lord about the violence and injustice within his own nation of Judah. He does not understand why God is so slow to deal with this evil. Yet God surprises Habakkuk by saying that the armies of Babylon will bring an end to the evil in Judah. Today’s Scripture: Habakkuk 1:12 LORD, from the very beginning you are God. You are my God, holy and eternal. LORD, my God and protector, you have chosen the Babylonians and made them strong so that they can punish us. Today’s Reading 1 This is the message that the LORD revealed to the prophet Habakkuk. 2 O LORD, how long must I call for help before you listen, before you save us from violence? 3 Why do you make me see such trouble? How can you stand to look on such wrongdoing? Destruction and violence are all around me, and there is fighting and quarreling everywhere. 4 The law is weak and useless, and justice is never done. Evil people get the better of the righteous, and so justice is perverted. 5 Then the LORD said to his people, “Keep watching the nations around you, and you will be astonished at what you see. I am going to do something that you will not believe when you hear about it. 6 I am bringing the Babylonians to power, those fierce, restless people. They are marching out across the world to conquer other lands. 7 They spread fear and terror, and in their pride they are a law to themselves. 8 Their horses are faster than leopards, fiercer than hungry wolves. Their cavalry troops come riding from distant lands; their horses paw the ground. They come swooping down like eagles attacking their prey. 9 Their armies advance in violent conquest, and everyone is terrified as they approach. Their captives are as numerous as grains of sand. 10 They treat kings with contempt and laugh at high officials. No fortress can stop them—they pile up earth against it and capture it. 11 Then they sweep on like the wind and are gone, these men whose power is their god. ” 12 LORD, from the very beginning you are God. You are my God, holy and eternal. LORD, my God and protector, you have chosen the Babylonians and made them strong so that they can punish us. 13 But how can you stand these treacherous, evil men? Your eyes are too holy to look at evil, and you cannot stand the sight of people doing wrong. So why are you silent while they destroy people who are more righteous than they are? 14 How can you treat people like fish or like a swarm of insects that have no ruler to direct them? 15 The Babylonians catch people with hooks, as though they were fish. They drag them off in nets and shout for joy over their catch! 16 They even worship their nets and offer sacrifices to them, because their nets provide them with the best of everything. 17 Are they going to use their swords forever and keep on destroying nations without mercy? Reflect According to the Law of Moses, the people of Israel were to treat each other with fairness. Yet many of the Lord’s prophets accused the people and their leaders of being unjust. In verse 2, Habakkuk asks, “O LORD, how long must I call for help before you listen, before you save us from violence?” Do you ever talk to God about the violence and injustice you see in the world? How can prayer support the ways in which churches work for justice? Pray O Lord, how long must we call for your help in ending the injustice and violence in our world? Make me brave, that I may stand against injustice in this world and work to liberate those enslaved by violence. Amen. Prayer Concern People living amid war Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted March 28, 2011 Author Members Posted March 28, 2011 March 28, 2011 Habakkuk 2:1-20 (Good News Translation) God’s Word Goes Forth: Come to the Lord in Prayer Introduction Habakkuk 2:1-20: The Lord offers Habakkuk a vision of justice, saying that the Babylonians will be punished according to how they have treated others. For idolatry, Babylon will receive the Lord's fury by the insurrection of mighty enemies. In the midst of this distress, the prophet very opportunely asks whether the Babylonians had profited by their idols, exposes the absurdity of trusting in them, and calls upon the whole world to stand in awe of the everlasting Lord. Today’s Scripture: Habakkuk 2:4 “…Those who are evil will not survive, but those who are righteous will live because they are faithful to God.” Today’s Reading 1 I will climb my watchtower and wait to see what the LORD will tell me to say and what answer he will give to my complaint. 2 The LORD gave me this answer: “Write down clearly on tablets what I reveal to you, so that it can be read at a glance. 3 Put it in writing, because it is not yet time for it to come true. But the time is coming quickly, and what I show you will come true. It may seem slow in coming, but wait for it; it will certainly take place, and it will not be delayed. 4 And this is the message: ‘Those who are evil will not survive, but those who are righteous will live because they are faithful to God. ’ ” 5 Wealth is deceitful. Greedy people are proud and restless—like death itself they are never satisfied. That is why they conquer nation after nation for themselves. 6 The conquered people will taunt their conquerors and show their scorn for them. They will say, “You take what isn't yours, but you are doomed! How long will you go on getting rich by forcing your debtors to pay up?” 7 But before you know it, you that have conquered others will be in debt yourselves and be forced to pay interest. Enemies will come and make you tremble. They will plunder you! 8 You have plundered the people of many nations, but now those who have survived will plunder you because of the murders you have committed and because of your violence against the people of the world and its cities. 9 You are doomed! You have made your family rich with what you took by violence, and have tried to make your own home safe from harm and danger! 10 But your schemes have brought shame on your family; by destroying many nations you have only brought ruin on yourself. 11 Even the stones of the walls cry out against you, and the rafters echo the cry. 12 You are doomed! You founded a city on crime and built it up by murder. 13 The nations you conquered wore themselves out in useless labor, and all they have built goes up in flames. The LORD Almighty has done this. 14 But the earth will be as full of the knowledge of the LORD's glory as the seas are full of water. 15 You are doomed! In your fury you humiliated and disgraced your neighbors; you made them stagger as though they were drunk. 16 You in turn will be covered with shame instead of honor. You yourself will drink and stagger. The LORD will make you drink your own cup of punishment, and your honor will be turned to disgrace. 17 You have cut down the forests of Lebanon; now you will be cut down. You killed its animals; now animals will terrify you. This will happen because of the murders you have committed and because of your violence against the people of the world and its cities. 18 What's the use of an idol? It is only something that a human being has made, and it tells you nothing but lies. What good does it do for its maker to trust it—a god that can't even talk! 19 You are doomed! You say to a piece of wood, “Wake up!” or to a block of stone, “Get up!” Can an idol reveal anything to you? It may be covered with silver and gold, but there is no life in it. 20 The LORD is in his holy Temple; let everyone on earth be silent in his presence. Reflect God says that those who are proud, relying on their own abilities, power and wealth, will be rejected. People must live by faith instead. What are some ways in which arrogance and pride create injustice in the world? What do you do to cultivate humility? Pray Lord Jesus Christ, you are the ultimate model of humility. Remind me to let go of my pride each day, remembering that God is the source of all resources, power and indeed, life. Make me your humble servant. Amen. Prayer Concern Lawyers Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted March 30, 2011 Author Members Posted March 30, 2011 March 29, 2011 Habakkuk 3:1-19 (Good News Translation) God’s Word Goes Forth: Come to the Lord in Prayer Introduction Habakkuk 3:1-19: Habakkuk’s prayer begins with a request for the Lord to be merciful to the people of Judah and then continues with a description of the Lord’s presence and power in the world. Habakkuk is overwhelmed by God’s awesome power, which makes him confident that the Lord will save the people of Judah, despite their present struggles. Today’s Scripture: Habakkuk 3:2 O LORD, I have heard of what you have done, and I am filled with awe. Now do again in our times the great deeds you used to do. Be merciful, even when you are angry. Today’s Reading 1 This is a prayer of the prophet Habakkuk: 2 O LORD, I have heard of what you have done, and I am filled with awe. Now do again in our times the great deeds you used to do. Be merciful, even when you are angry. 3 God is coming again from Edom; the holy God is coming from the hills of Paran. His splendor covers the heavens, and the earth is full of his praise. 4 He comes with the brightness of lightning; light flashes from his hand, there where his power is hidden. 5 He sends disease before him and commands death to follow him. 6 When he stops, the earth shakes; at his glance the nations tremble. The eternal mountains are shattered; the everlasting hills sink down, the hills where he walked in ancient times. 7 I saw the people of Cushan afraid and the people of Midian tremble. 8 Was it the rivers that made you angry, LORD? Was it the sea that made you furious? You rode upon the clouds; the storm cloud was your chariot, as you brought victory to your people. 9 You got ready to use your bow, ready to shoot your arrows. Your lightning split open the earth. 10 When the mountains saw you, they trembled; water poured down from the skies. The waters under the earth roared, and their waves rose high. 11 At the flash of your speeding arrows and the gleam of your shining spear, the sun and the moon stood still. 12 You marched across the earth in anger; in fury you trampled the nations. 13 You went out to save your people, to save your chosen king. You struck down the leader of the wicked and completely destroyed his followers. 14 Your arrows pierced the commander of his army when it came like a storm to scatter us, gloating like those who secretly oppress the poor. 15 You trampled the sea with your horses, and the mighty waters foamed. 16 I hear all this, and I tremble; my lips quiver with fear. My body goes limp, and my feet stumble beneath me. I will quietly wait for the time to come when God will punish those who attack us. 17 Even though the fig trees have no fruit and no grapes grow on the vines, even though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no grain, even though the sheep all die and the cattle stalls are empty, 18 I will still be joyful and glad, because the LORD God is my savior. 19 The Sovereign LORD gives me strength. He makes me sure-footed as a deer and keeps me safe on the mountains. Reflect As Habakkuk prays, he recounts many of God’s great acts. In doing so, he reminds himself of God’s mercy and power, and this gives him strength. How can remembering God’s works in the world strengthen your faith? How has God been made known to you today? Pray Great and almighty God, it strengthens my spirit as I recollect the ways in which you have manifested yourself in my life. Be present with me today, so that I may find comfort and hope in the sure knowledge of your reign. Amen. Prayer Concern Those who are worried Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted March 31, 2011 Author Members Posted March 31, 2011 March 30, 2011 Psalm 115 (Good News Translation) God’s Word Goes Forth: Come to the Lord in Prayer Introduction Psalm 115: The psalmist says that the God of Israel alone is worthy of glory, not the idols of other nations. God’s people can trust him because he always remembers those who honor him. The psalmist concludes with a prayer for God’s blessings and the singing of God’s praises. Today’s Scripture: Psalm 115:1 To you alone, O LORD, to you alone, and not to us, must glory be given because of your constant love and faithfulness. Today’s Reading 1 To you alone, O LORD, to you alone, and not to us, must glory be given because of your constant love and faithfulness. 2 Why should the nations ask us, “Where is your God?” 3 Our God is in heaven; he does whatever he wishes. 4 Their gods are made of silver and gold, formed by human hands. 5 They have mouths, but cannot speak, and eyes, but cannot see. 6 They have ears, but cannot hear, and noses, but cannot smell. 7 They have hands, but cannot feel, and feet, but cannot walk; they cannot make a sound. 8 May all who made them and who trust in them become like the idols they have made. 9 Trust in the LORD, you people of Israel. He helps you and protects you. 10 Trust in the LORD, you priests of God. He helps you and protects you. 11 Trust in the LORD, all you that worship him. He helps you and protects you. 12 The LORD remembers us and will bless us; he will bless the people of Israel and all the priests of God. 13 He will bless everyone who honors him, the great and the small alike. 14 May the LORD give you children— you and your descendants! 15 May you be blessed by the LORD, who made heaven and earth! 16 Heaven belongs to the LORD alone, but he gave the earth to us humans. 17 The LORD is not praised by the dead, by any who go down to the land of silence. 18 But we, the living, will give thanks to him now and forever. Praise the LORD! Reflect Where is God in your life? Do you praise and thank God for the good in your life? Do you seek God’s guidance and direction when you are uncertain? How can you find ways to honor and trust God even more? Pray Holy God, thank you for the reminder that you are always present in our lives. May I not take you for granted, but rather acknowledge and praise you for your generous and abundant gifts. Amen. Prayer Concern Doctors Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted March 31, 2011 Author Members Posted March 31, 2011 March 31, 2011 Psalm 116 (Good News Translation) God’s Word Goes Forth: Come to the Lord in Prayer Introduction Psalm 116: This psalm is a prayer of thanksgiving for salvation from death. The psalmist says that he was in the clutches of death when he prayed to the Lord for help. God saved him from death, and the psalmist’s expresses his abundant gratitude and joy. Today’s Scripture: Psalm 116:5, 6 The LORD is merciful and good; our God is compassionate. The LORD protects the helpless; when I was in danger, he saved me. Today’s Reading 1 I love the LORD, because he hears me; he listens to my prayers. 2 He listens to me every time I call to him. 3 The danger of death was all around me; the horrors of the grave closed in on me; I was filled with fear and anxiety. 4 Then I called to the LORD, “I beg you, LORD, save me!” 5 The LORD is merciful and good; our God is compassionate. 6 The LORD protects the helpless; when I was in danger, he saved me. 7 Be confident, my heart, because the LORD has been good to me. 8 The LORD saved me from death; he stopped my tears and kept me from defeat. 9 And so I walk in the presence of the LORD in the world of the living. 10 I kept on believing, even when I said, “I am completely crushed,” 11 even when I was afraid and said, “No one can be trusted.” 12 What can I offer the LORD for all his goodness to me? 13 I will bring a wine offering to the LORD, to thank him for saving me. 14 In the assembly of all his people I will give him what I have promised. 15 How painful it is to the LORD when one of his people dies! 16 I am your servant, LORD; I serve you just as my mother did. You have saved me from death. 17 I will give you a sacrifice of thanksgiving and offer my prayer to you. 18-19 In the assembly of all your people, in the sanctuary of your Temple in Jerusalem, I will give you what I have promised. Praise the LORD! Reflect In this prayer, the psalmist realizes that suffering cannot separate him from God because God draws near in times of trouble. Is it easy or difficult for you to rely on God’s care during hard times? How have you experienced God’s presence in times of suffering? Pray Lord, you are indeed merciful and good. Let me walk in your presence all the days of my life. Strengthen my faith that I may abide in you even when I am struggling and afraid. Thank you for your love. Amen. Prayer Concern Members of the military Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted April 1, 2011 Author Members Posted April 1, 2011 April 1, 2011 Esther 2:5-23 (Good News Translation) God’s Word Goes Forth: Trust in God’s Promises Introduction Esther 2:5-23: King Xerxes searches all over Babylon for a new queen after Queen Vashti disobeys him. Many were candidates for the honor; but Esther, an orphan, a captive-Jewess recommended herself to the king’s chamberlain first and then to the king, who made her queen. Esther’s cousin Moredcai becomes a palace official and overhears a plot to kill the king. He tells Esther, who then warns the king, saving his life. Today’s Scripture: Esther 2:17 The king liked her [Esther] more than any of the other women, and more than any of the others she won his favor and affection. He placed the royal crown on her head and made her queen in place of Vashti. Today’s Reading 5 There in Susa lived a Jew named Mordecai son of Jair; he was from the tribe of Benjamin and was a descendant of Kish and Shimei. 6 When King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon took King Jehoiachin of Judah into exile from Jerusalem, along with a group of captives, Mordecai was among them. 7 He had a cousin, Esther, whose Hebrew name was Hadassah; she was a beautiful young woman, and had a good figure. At the death of her parents, Mordecai had adopted her and brought her up as his own daughter. 8 When the king had issued his new proclamation and many young women were being brought to Susa, Esther was among them. She too was put in the royal palace in the care of Hegai, who had charge of the harem. 9 Hegai liked Esther, and she won his favor. He lost no time in beginning her beauty treatment of massage and special diet. He gave her the best place in the harem and assigned seven young women specially chosen from the royal palace to serve her. 10 Now, on the advice of Mordecai, Esther had kept it secret that she was Jewish. 11 Every day Mordecai would walk back and forth in front of the courtyard of the harem, in order to find out how she was getting along and what was going to happen to her. 12 The regular beauty treatment for the women lasted a year—massages with oil of myrrh for six months and with oil of balsam for six more. After that, each woman would be taken in turn to King Xerxes. 13 When she went from the harem to the palace, she could wear whatever she wanted. 14 She would go there in the evening, and the next morning she would be taken to another harem and put in the care of Shaashgaz, the eunuch in charge of the king's concubines. She would not go to the king again unless he liked her enough to ask for her by name. 15 The time came for Esther to go to the king. Esther—the daughter of Abihail and the cousin of Mordecai, who had adopted her as his daughter; Esther—admired by everyone who saw her. When her turn came, she wore just what Hegai, the eunuch in charge of the harem, advised her to wear. 16 So in Xerxes' seventh year as king, in the tenth month, the month of Tebeth, Esther was brought to King Xerxes in the royal palace. 17 The king liked her more than any of the other women, and more than any of the others she won his favor and affection. He placed the royal crown on her head and made her queen in place of Vashti. 18 Then the king gave a great banquet in Esther's honor and invited all his officials and administrators. He proclaimed a holiday for the whole empire and distributed gifts worthy of a king. 19 Meanwhile Mordecai had been appointed by the king to an administrative position. 20 As for Esther, she had still not let it be known that she was Jewish. Mordecai had told her not to tell anyone, and she obeyed him in this, just as she had obeyed him when she was a little girl under his care. 21 During the time that Mordecai held office in the palace, Bigthana and Teresh, two of the palace eunuchs who guarded the entrance to the king's rooms, became hostile to King Xerxes and plotted to assassinate him. 22 Mordecai learned about it and told Queen Esther, who then told the king what Mordecai had found out. 23 There was an investigation, and it was discovered that the report was true, so both men were hanged on the gallows. The king ordered an account of this to be written down in the official records of the empire. Reflect Esther respects and obeys her Uncle Mordecai, even after she is made queen. What does the Bible say in other places about respect for elders? How did it work out for Esther? Mordecai overheard a plot to assassinate the King. Do you think this was a coincidence or part of God’s plan for Esther and Mordecai? Do you think God works in all the details of life? Pray God of Wisdom, teach me to keep my mind open to hear your truth through others, to discern your direction in my decision-making, and to use every opportunity you bring into my life to serve you and serve others. In Jesus’ name. Amen. Prayer Concern All who seek wisdom Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted April 2, 2011 Author Members Posted April 2, 2011 April 2, 2011 Esther 3:1-15 (Good News Translation) God’s Word Goes Forth: Trust in God’s Promises Introduction Esther 3:1-15: Trouble begins for Mordecai when he meets Haman, the king’s prime minister. Mordecai refuses to kneel before Haman. Haman becomes so angry with Mordecai for refusing to honor him that he obtains a decree from the king to kill all the Jews in the kingdom. Today’s Scripture: Esther 3:2 The king ordered all the officials in his service to show their respect for Haman by kneeling and bowing to him. They all did so, except for Mordecai, who refused to do it. Today’s Reading 1 Some time later King Xerxes promoted a man named Haman to the position of prime minister. Haman was the son of Hammedatha, a descendant of Agag. 2 The king ordered all the officials in his service to show their respect for Haman by kneeling and bowing to him. They all did so, except for Mordecai, who refused to do it. 3 The other officials in the royal service asked him why he was disobeying the king's command; 4 day after day they urged him to give in, but he would not listen to them. “I am a Jew,” he explained, “and I cannot bow to Haman.” So they told Haman about this, wondering if he would tolerate Mordecai's conduct. 5 Haman was furious when he realized that Mordecai was not going to kneel and bow to him, 6 and when he learned that Mordecai was a Jew, he decided to do more than punish Mordecai alone. He made plans to kill every Jew in the whole Persian Empire. 7 In the twelfth year of King Xerxes' rule, in the first month, the month of Nisan, Haman ordered the lots to be cast ( “purim,” they were called) to find out the right day and month to carry out his plot. The thirteenth day of the twelfth month, the month of Adar, was decided on. 8 So Haman told the king, “There is a certain race of people scattered all over your empire and found in every province. They observe customs that are not like those of any other people. Moreover, they do not obey the laws of the empire, so it is not in your best interests to tolerate them. 9 If it please Your Majesty, issue a decree that they are to be put to death. If you do, I guarantee that I will be able to put 375 tons of silver into the royal treasury for the administration of the empire. ” 10 The king took off his ring, which was used to stamp proclamations and make them official, and gave it to the enemy of the Jewish people, Haman son of Hammedatha, the descendant of Agag. 11 The king told him, “The people and their money are yours; do as you like with them.” 12 So on the thirteenth day of the first month Haman called the king's secretaries and dictated a proclamation to be translated into every language and system of writing used in the empire and to be sent to all the rulers, governors, and officials. It was issued in the name of King Xerxes and stamped with his ring. 13 Runners took this proclamation to every province of the empire. It contained the instructions that on a single day, the thirteenth day of Adar, all Jews—young and old, women and children—were to be killed. They were to be slaughtered without mercy and their belongings were to be taken. 14 The contents of the proclamation were to be made public in every province, so that everyone would be prepared when that day came. 15 At the king's command the decree was made public in the capital city of Susa, and runners carried the news to the provinces. The king and Haman sat down and had a drink while the city of Susa was being thrown into confusion. Reflect Why does Mordecai disobey the king’s command to kneel before Haman? How does Haman respond? What do you do to make sure you are reserving worship for God rather than bowing down to false idols like money, power or status? Pray Almighty God, strengthen my will to put you first in my life. Forgive me for the times when I have turned away from you, and grant me the courage to trust in your goodness and your redemption. Amen. Prayer Concern Those struggling with temptation Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted April 5, 2011 Author Members Posted April 5, 2011 April 3, 2011 Esther 4:1-17 (Good News Translation) God’s Word Goes Forth: Trust in God’s Promises Introduction Esther 4:1-17: Mordecai mourns when he realizes that the king is calling for all Jews to be killed. He sends word to Esther about the orders and asks her to go before the king and ask for his pity. She resists at first, but Mordecai convinces her to risk her life to save the Jews. Today’s Scripture: Esther 4:14 “If you keep quiet at a time like this, help will come from heaven to the Jews, and they will be saved, but you will die and your father's family will come to an end. Yet who knows - maybe it was for a time like this that you were made queen!” Today’s Reading 1 When Mordecai learned of all that had been done, he tore his clothes in anguish. Then he dressed in sackcloth, covered his head with ashes, and walked through the city, wailing loudly and bitterly, 2 until he came to the entrance of the palace. He did not go in because no one wearing sackcloth was allowed inside. 3 Throughout all the provinces, wherever the king's proclamation was made known, there was loud mourning among the Jews. They fasted, wept, wailed, and most of them put on sackcloth and lay in ashes. 4 When Esther's servant women and eunuchs told her what Mordecai was doing, she was deeply disturbed. She sent Mordecai some clothes to put on instead of the sackcloth, but he would not accept them. 5 Then she called Hathach, one of the palace eunuchs appointed as her servant by the king, and told him to go to Mordecai and find out what was happening and why. 6 Hathach went to Mordecai in the city square at the entrance of the palace. 7 Mordecai told him everything that had happened to him and just how much money Haman had promised to put into the royal treasury if all the Jews were killed. 8 He gave Hathach a copy of the proclamation that had been issued in Susa, ordering the destruction of the Jews. Mordecai asked him to take it to Esther, explain the situation to her, and have her go and plead with the king and beg him to have mercy on her people. 9 Hathach did this, 10 and Esther gave him this message to take back to Mordecai: 11 “If anyone, man or woman, goes to the inner courtyard and sees the king without being summoned, that person must die. That is the law; everyone, from the king's advisers to the people in the provinces, knows that. There is only one way to get around this law: if the king holds out his gold scepter to someone, then that person's life is spared. But it has been a month since the king sent for me.” 12 When Mordecai received Esther's message, 13 he sent her this warning: “Don't imagine that you are safer than any other Jew just because you are in the royal palace. 14 If you keep quiet at a time like this, help will come from heaven to the Jews, and they will be saved, but you will die and your father's family will come to an end. Yet who knows—maybe it was for a time like this that you were made queen! ” 15 Esther sent Mordecai this reply: 16 “Go and get all the Jews in Susa together; hold a fast and pray for me. Don't eat or drink anything for three days and nights. My servant women and I will be doing the same. After that, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. If I must die for doing it, I will die.” 17 Mordecai then left and did everything that Esther had told him to do. Reflect Mordecai writes to Esther, “It could be that you were made queen for such a time as this!” (verse 14). What does Mordecai mean by this? What choices did Esther face as she discerned how to use her influence? What influence do you have to help others? Pray Gracious God, give your church and its people the eyes to see their ability to lead others with love, mercy and justice. Call us into your service and give us the strength and wisdom to respond as your people. Amen. Prayer Concern Those discerning their vocations Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted April 5, 2011 Author Members Posted April 5, 2011 April 4, 2011 Esther 5:1-14 (Good News Translation) God’s Word Goes Forth: Trust in God’s Promises Introduction Esther 5:1-14: Esther begins her clever plan to save the Jews by inviting the king and Haman to dinner. After receiving his invitation to the dinner, Haman plots to kill Mordecai by building a huge tower from which to hang him. Today’s Scripture: Esther 5:8 “If Your Majesty is kind enough to grant my request, I would like you and Haman to be my guests tomorrow at another banquet that I will prepare for you. At that time I will tell you what I want.” Today’s Reading 1 On the third day of her fast Esther put on her royal robes and went and stood in the inner courtyard of the palace, facing the throne room. The king was inside, seated on the royal throne, facing the entrance. 2 When the king saw Queen Esther standing outside, she won his favor, and he held out to her the gold scepter. She then came up and touched the tip of it. 3 “What is it, Queen Esther?” the king asked. “Tell me what you want, and you shall have it—even if it is half my empire.” 4 Esther replied, “If it please Your Majesty, I would like you and Haman to be my guests tonight at a banquet I am preparing for you.” 5 The king then ordered Haman to come quickly, so that they could be Esther's guests. So the king and Haman went to Esther's banquet. 6 Over the wine the king asked her, “Tell me what you want, and you shall have it. I will grant your request, even if you ask for half my empire.” 7 Esther replied, 8 “If Your Majesty is kind enough to grant my request, I would like you and Haman to be my guests tomorrow at another banquet that I will prepare for you. At that time I will tell you what I want.” 9 When Haman left the banquet he was happy and in a good mood. But then he saw Mordecai at the entrance of the palace, and when Mordecai did not rise or show any sign of respect as he passed, Haman was furious with him. 10 But he controlled himself and went on home. Then he invited his friends to his house and asked his wife Zeresh to join them. 11 He boasted to them about how rich he was, how many sons he had, how the king had promoted him to high office, and how much more important he was than any of the king's other officials. 12 “What is more,” Haman went on, “Queen Esther gave a banquet for no one but the king and me, and we are invited back tomorrow. 13 But none of this means a thing to me as long as I see that Jew Mordecai sitting at the entrance of the palace. ” 14 So his wife and all his friends suggested, “Why don't you have a gallows built, seventy-five feet tall? Tomorrow morning you can ask the king to have Mordecai hanged on it, and then you can go to the banquet happy.” Haman thought this was a good idea, so he had the gallows built. Reflect Even with all his wealth, his large family, and the respect of many, the story makes it clear that Haman will only be happy if no one disobeys him. Do you think power can lead to happiness? What brings about happiness in your life? What gets in the way of happiness for you? How does your relationship with God inform your sense of well-being? Pray Loving God, you are the source of every good thing. It is tempting to think that happiness will come from power or money. Open my eyes today to the many blessings you have given me, and make me content and thankful. Amen. Prayer Concern Those struggling to balance work and family Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted April 6, 2011 Author Members Posted April 6, 2011 April 5, 2011 Esther 6:1-7:10 (Good News Translation) God’s Word Goes Forth: Trust in God’s Promises Introduction Esther 6:1-7:10: Haman has prepared the gallows to hang Mordecai. But instead of killing Mordecai, the king tells Haman to honor him. Esther hosts a second dinner for the king and Haman. Esther tells the king of Haman’s plans to kill the Jews, and Haman is ultimately hung from the gallows he built. Today’s Scripture: Esther 7: 3 “If it please Your Majesty to grant my humble request, my wish is that I may live and that my people may live.” Today’s Reading 1 That same night the king could not get to sleep, so he had the official records of the empire brought and read to him. 2 The part they read included the account of how Mordecai had uncovered a plot to assassinate the king—the plot made by Bigthana and Teresh, the two palace eunuchs who had guarded the king's rooms. 3 The king asked, “How have we honored and rewarded Mordecai for this?” His servants answered, “Nothing has been done for him.” 4 “Are any of my officials in the palace?” the king asked. Now Haman had just entered the courtyard; he had come to ask the king to have Mordecai hanged on the gallows that was now ready. 5 So the servants answered, “Haman is here, waiting to see you.” “Show him in,” said the king. 6 So Haman came in, and the king said to him, “There is someone I wish very much to honor. What should I do for this man?” Haman thought to himself, “Now who could the king want to honor so much? Me, of course.” 7-8 So he answered the king, “Have royal robes brought for this man—robes that you yourself wear. Have a royal ornament put on your own horse. 9 Then have one of your highest noblemen dress the man in these robes and lead him, mounted on the horse, through the city square. Have the nobleman announce as they go: “See how the king rewards someone he wishes to honor!” ” 10 Then the king said to Haman, “Hurry and get the robes and the horse, and provide these honors for Mordecai the Jew. Do everything for him that you have suggested. You will find him sitting at the entrance of the palace.” 11 So Haman got the robes and the horse, and he put the robes on Mordecai. Mordecai got on the horse, and Haman led him through the city square, announcing to the people as they went: “See how the king rewards a man he wishes to honor!” 12 Mordecai then went back to the palace entrance while Haman hurried home, covering his face in embarrassment. 13 He told his wife and all his friends everything that had happened to him. Then she and those wise friends of his told him, “You are beginning to lose power to Mordecai. He is a Jew, and you cannot overcome him. He will certainly defeat you.” 14 While they were still talking, the palace eunuchs arrived in a hurry to take Haman to Esther's banquet. 1 And so the king and Haman went to eat with Esther 2 for a second time. Over the wine the king asked her again, “Now, Queen Esther, what do you want? Tell me and you shall have it. I'll even give you half the empire.” 3 Queen Esther answered, “If it please Your Majesty to grant my humble request, my wish is that I may live and that my people may live. 4 My people and I have been sold for slaughter. If it were nothing more serious than being sold into slavery, I would have kept quiet and not bothered you about it; but we are about to be destroyed—exterminated! ” 5 Then King Xerxes asked Queen Esther, “Who dares to do such a thing? Where is this man?” 6 Esther answered, “Our enemy, our persecutor, is this evil man Haman!” Haman faced the king and queen with terror. 7 The king got up in a fury, left the room, and went outside to the palace gardens. Haman could see that the king was determined to punish him for this, so he stayed behind to beg Queen Esther for his life. 8 He had just thrown himself down on Esther's couch to beg for mercy, when the king came back into the room from the gardens. Seeing this, the king cried out, “Is this man going to rape the queen right here in front of me, in my own palace?” The king had no sooner said this than the eunuchs covered Haman's head. 9 Then one of them, who was named Harbonah, said, “Haman even went so far as to build a gallows at his house so that he could hang Mordecai, who saved Your Majesty's life. And it's seventy-five feet tall!” “Hang Haman on it!” the king commanded. 10 So Haman was hanged on the gallows that he had built for Mordecai. Then the king's anger cooled down. Reflect Haman’s plan to destroy Mordecai is used against him instead. What other Bible stories contain unexpected twists? Can you think of a time when God has worked in unexpected ways in your life? What can you do to keep your heart open to God’s surprising grace? Pray Holy God, too often, I think I understand your mysteries. Let your grace touch my life in unexpected ways. Open my eyes and my heart to your will and your way, that I may share your amazing love with others. Amen. Prayer Concern Those awaiting the birth of a child Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members phkrause Posted April 8, 2011 Author Members Posted April 8, 2011 April 6, 2011 Esther 8:1-17 (Good News Translation) God’s Word Goes Forth: Trust in God’s Promises Introduction Esther 8:1-17: Esther tells King Xerxes that Mordecai is her cousin. The king makes Mordecai a high official in his court. Then Esther asks the king to make a new law that will save the Jews. The king agrees and says that the Jews may protect themselves from anyone who is their enemy. Today’s Scripture: Esther 8:16, 17 For the Jews there was joy and relief, happiness and a sense of victory. In every city and province, wherever the king’s proclamation was read, the Jews held a joyful holiday with feasting and happiness. In fact, many other people became Jews, because they were afraid of them now. Today’s Reading 1 That same day King Xerxes gave Queen Esther all the property of Haman, the enemy of the Jews. Esther told the king that Mordecai was related to her, and from then on Mordecai was allowed to enter the king's presence. 2 The king took off his ring with his seal on it (which he had taken back from Haman) and gave it to Mordecai. Esther put Mordecai in charge of Haman's property. 3 Then Esther spoke to the king again, throwing herself at his feet and crying. She begged him to do something to stop the evil plot that Haman, the descendant of Agag, had made against the Jews. 4 The king held out the gold scepter to her, so she stood up and said, 5 “If it please Your Majesty, and if you care about me and if it seems right to you, please issue a proclamation to keep Haman's orders from being carried out—those orders that the son of Hammedatha the descendant of Agag gave for the destruction of all the Jews in the empire. 6 How can I endure it if this disaster comes on my people, and my own relatives are killed? ” 7 King Xerxes then said to Queen Esther and Mordecai, the Jew, “Look, I have hanged Haman for his plot against the Jews, and I have given Esther his property. 8 But a proclamation issued in the king's name and stamped with the royal seal cannot be revoked. You may, however, write to the Jews whatever you like; and you may write it in my name and stamp it with the royal seal. ” 9 This happened on the twenty-third day of the third month, the month of Sivan. Mordecai called the king's secretaries and dictated letters to the Jews and to the governors, administrators, and officials of all the 127 provinces from India to Ethiopia. The letters were written to each province in its own language and system of writing and to the Jews in their language and system of writing. 10 Mordecai had the letters written in the name of King Xerxes, and he stamped them with the royal seal. They were delivered by riders mounted on fast horses from the royal stables. 11 These letters explained that the king would allow the Jews in every city to organize for self-defense. If armed men of any nationality in any province attacked the Jewish men, their children, or their women, the Jews could fight back and destroy the attackers; they could slaughter them to the last man and take their possessions. 12 This decree was to take effect throughout the Persian Empire on the day set for the slaughter of the Jews, the thirteenth of Adar, the twelfth month. 13 It was to be proclaimed as law and made known to everyone in every province, so that the Jews would be ready to take revenge on their enemies when that day came. 14 At the king's command the riders mounted royal horses and rode off at top speed. The decree was also made public in Susa, the capital city. 15 Mordecai left the palace, wearing royal robes of blue and white, a cloak of fine purple linen, and a magnificent gold crown. Then the streets of Susa rang with cheers and joyful shouts. 16 For the Jews there was joy and relief, happiness and a sense of victory. 17 In every city and province, wherever the king's proclamation was read, the Jews held a joyful holiday with feasting and happiness. In fact, many other people became Jews, because they were afraid of them now. Reflect Esther not only defeats Haman, but also protects her people from harm. Think of someone you admire for taking a stand for the wellbeing or protection of others, even at great personal risk or inconvenience. Are there people for whom God is calling you to take a stand today? Pray Dear Lord, we are not capable of doing things that will change the world in meaningful ways on our own. May your Spirit encourage and guide us to act so that we can make a difference for those who are most vulnerable. Amen. Prayer Concern People living in the Middle East Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
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