A Prayer about Seeing the Light

by | Feb 25, 2023 | Daily Prayer, Gospel living, kingdom living, Lent

A Prayer about Seeing the Light

And nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising. Isaiah 60:3

Glorious King,

As we revisit the story 

leading up to your death on a cross 

and your rising in glory, 

we’re still a long way away 

from your triumphal entry into Jerusalem. 

But the joy we know as Christians 

is that we’ve already heard the end of the story, 

and you win!  

In these gloomy, dark days of February, 

may we see your light burning 

through the thick darkness of our sin, 

the thick darkness of racial and political divides, 

the thick darkness of war and sickness and death. 

The day is coming, and it is coming soon, 

when we will arise and shine, 

when all nations and all kings 

will bow to the “brightness of your rising” (Isaiah 60:3). 

Until that day comes, 

may our hearts be warmed 

by the radiating glory 

of your brilliant love.

In your kingly name. Amen. 

Read Isaiah 60. 

A Prayer about Self-Care for Caregivers

by | Feb 24, 2023 | Caregiving, Daily Prayer, Lent

A Prayer about Self-Care for Caregivers

And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. Matthew 14:23

Caregiving Jesus,

Even as we prayed yesterday about denying ourselves 

that we might follow you, 

we pray today to correct a misinterpretation 

of that verse we often see in caregivers. 

When you called us to deny ourselves, 

you never meant for us to deny or denigrate our humanity — 

our mental, emotional, and physical needs 

for rest, exercise, good nutrition, and medical care. 

Sadly, too many caregivers do exactly this, 

believing they are the only one 

who can tend to their loved one’s needs, 

and neglecting their own health. 

You yourself acknowledged your human limitations 

by sleeping and eating 

and taking time away from your ministry 

to pray and rest (Matthew 14:22-23; Mark 4:35-40). 

Lord, we pray that you would help our caregiving friends 

honor the bodies you have given them 

and humble themselves to rely on others 

so that they might get the care they need 

in this stressful season. 

In your caring name we ask.

Amen. 

Read Mark 4:35-40; Matthew 14:22-23; 1 Corinthians 6:19; Matthew 11:28-30. 

A Prayer about Denying Self

by | Feb 23, 2023 | Daily Prayer, Lent

A Prayer about Denying Self

If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. Mark 8:34

Lord Jesus,

It’s not very popular in our selfie culture 

to deny ourselves. 

We’re pretty committed 

to self-fulfillment, 

self-esteem, 

and self-promotion. 

Only by your marvelous grace 

and mighty Spirit 

can we be transformed. 

We long to follow you 

as children play follow-the-leader, 

never losing sight of you, 

doing what you do

(even if we don’t understand why you do it), 

venturing into the unfamiliar and uncomfortable.

In this season of Lent, 

lead us to learn how to say no 

to all the things we think we need 

for life and happiness. 

In this season of Lent, 

remind us of the great good news of the gospel— 

“in Christ,” 

we are fully empowered 

to deny ourselves 

and to follow you 

in your mission of redeeming your people 

for the sake of God’s glory. 

What cause for rejoicing!

In your leading name. Amen.  

Read Mark 8:31-38.

A Prayer about Needing Salvation

by | Feb 22, 2023 | Daily Prayer, Easter, gratitude, Lent

A Prayer about Needing Salvation

Do not forsake me, O Lord! O my God, be not far from me! Make haste to help me, O Lord, my salvation!

Psalm 38:21-22. 

Steadfastly-loving Lord,

We come to you again today, 

as we did yesterday, 

with David, mourning our own sin, 

seeing its ravaging effects 

on our hearts, souls, bodies, and minds. 

We waited for you, O Lord, 

and you answered us 

by sending your Son, 

our Savior (Psalm 38:15). 

We would be desperate 

if we did not know the hope we have in Jesus. 

Because he was forsaken on the cross, 

we will never be forsaken in our sin. 

We cry out to you with profound hope 

for forgiveness 

because you have already 

made haste to help us 

in Christ. 

Send us out to live and love 

in this great hope today and every day.

In Jesus’ forsaken name. Amen. 

Read Psalm 38.

A Prayer about Help for Our Sin

by | Feb 21, 2023 | Daily Prayer, Easter, Lent

A Prayer about Help for Our Sin

There is no soundness in my flesh because of your indignation; there is no health in my bones because of my sin. Psalm 38:3

Mighty and Merciful God,

Today, many Christians began an intentional time 

of reflecting on our sins 

as we prepare to celebrate 

the outrageously good news 

that Christ died and rose for those sins.

How appropriate then to join David 

in his mourning and anguish over his sin, 

as he cries out, 

“For my iniquities have gone over my head; 

like a heavy burden, they are too heavy for me” (Psalm 38:4).

Lord, help us to see that without Christ, 

we’d be sunk by our sin. 

Help us to smell 

the festering wounds of our own foolishness (Psalm 38:5). 

But most of all, help us to collapse 

completely on your grace, 

crying out to you as David did, 

“O Lord, all my longing is before you; 

my sighing is not hidden from you,” 

knowing that “it is you, O Lord my God, 

who will answer” (Psalm 38:9, 15). 

In Jesus suffering name. Amen. 

Read Psalm 38.

A Prayer about Never Being Rejected Again

by | Feb 13, 2023 | Daily Prayer, Marriage, Valentine's Day

A Prayer about Never Being Rejected Again

…you are precious in my eyes, and honored, and I love you. Isaiah 43:3

Loving and Beloved Lord,

On the day set apart 

on the global calendar 

to celebrate human love, 

we recognize that it’s a hard day 

for many. 

Some endure the seemingly daily experience 

of rejection after a good date 

or ghosting after seeming connection over several dates. 

Others have been married for years 

but are lonely or bitter in that marriage,

sharing home but not heart. 

Oh Lord, how we thank you 

that your “steadfast love will not depart” from us (Isaiah 54:8-9); 

that because we are  your beloved children 

and your beloved bride, 

you will never leave us nor forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:8). 

Not only that, 

but we are so precious to you 

that you sent your Son to redeem us, 

to bring us back to you (Isaiah 43:1-4). 

Oh, Lord, may we all share the love 

you have shown us 

with at least one lonely and lovelorn person today.

In Jesus’ faithful name. Amen.

Read Isaiah 54:10; Deuteronomy 31:8; Isaiah 43:1-4.