Billings Church of Christ

CONGREGATIONAL DAILY PRAYERS, WEEK 104, 11.27-12.03.2022.

Holy God, will You bless those who have technologically, spiritually, prayerfully, and physically made these Daily Prayers possible? In Christ, we commit ourselves to Your work. Amen.

WEEK 104, DAY 1, Genesis 1:1 & John 1:1ff.

In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him was not anything made that was made.

In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

************

WEEK 104, DAY 2, Genesis 2:7 & John 1:3ff.

Then the LORD God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and man became a living creature. Amen.

All things came into being through Him, and without Him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in Him was life, and the life was the light of all people. Amen.

************

WEEK 104, DAY 3, Exodus 3: 14 & Revelation 1:8.

God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM….This is my Name forever, and thus I am to be remembered throughout all generations.” Amen.

“I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.” Amen.

************

WEEK 104, DAY 4, Isaiah 45:5 & Hebrews 13:8.

“I am the LORD, and there is no other, besides me there is no God.” Amen.

Jesus Christ (Messiah) is the same yesterday (creation) and today (salvation) and forever (reigning in heaven). Amen.

************

WEEK 104, DAY 5, John 3:16 & John 14:6.

For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.

“I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

In total amazement, we say, Amen.

************

WEEK 104, DAY 6, 1 John 1:5 & John 9:5.

This is the message we have heard from Him and proclaim to you: God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all. Amen.

“As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” Amen.

************

WEEK 104, DAY 7, John 1: 5 & Revelation 22:5 & Numbers 6: 22ff & 2 Corinthians 13:14.

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.

And there will be no more night; they need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever. Hallelujah. Amen.

We are grateful our preacher prays the following blessings over us each Sunday!

The LORD bless you and keep You: the LORD make His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the Love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen

************

DAILY CONGREGATIONAL PRAYERS, WEEK 103, 11.20-26.2022.

WEEK 103, DAY 1, MESSAGES FROM GOD in the DAYS of the EGYPTIAN EMPIRE.

Then Moses called all the elders of Israel and said to them, “Go, select lambs; kill the Passover lamb touch…(Then came the day of Unleavened Bread, on which the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed) Luke 22:7), (And when He had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the 24 elders fell down before the LAMB, each holding a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. Rev5:8) … the lintel and the two doorposts with the blood … For the LORD will pass through to strike the Egyptians, and when He sees the blood on the lintel and two doorposts, the LORD will pass over the door and will not allow the destroyer to enter your houses to strike you…the sacrifice of the LORD’s Passover.” Then the people of Israel did so, as the LORD commanded Moses and Aaron. Exodus 12:21ff

(Moses) considered the reproach (eternal reward) of Christ (Messiah) to be greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt…By faith he left Egypt, unafraid of the king’s anger, for he persevered as though he saw Him who is invisible. Hebrews 11:26ff

Holy God, this week may we ponder the time of patience You are mercifully giving humankind. In Christ. Amen.

*************

WEEK 103, DAY 2

Approximation timeline dates according to 1446 BC Exodus vs 1260 BC Exodus:

Abraham: 2166-1991 BC vs 2000-1825 BC

Joseph: son of Jacob (Israel), son of Isaac, son of Abraham: 1915-1805 BC vs 1749-1639 BC

Moses’ birth: 1526 BC vs 1340 BC

Exodus from Egypt: 1446 BC vs 1260 BC

Your Ways are beyond measure for us, Father. You have allowed humankind volitional choice whether to follow You or not, and for four thousand years since Abraham, You have educated, tolerated, loved, and waited for Your creation to turn to You. Once a mighty Egyptian Empire, it, like so many others, has collapsed. Yet, Your mercy continues in the Plan You devised eons ago. Our country is only 246 years old, but we stand in awe of Your long-term mercy of patience. Help all of us to appreciate Your mercy to wait for everyone who will say yes to You. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

*************

WEEK 103, DAY 3

Desert wanderings: 1446-1406 BC vs 1260-1220 BC.

Holy God, I am grateful for Your Presence during the time of my own sort of desert wandering and how much You taught me in that very dry spell. The account of Jesus being led 40d/n in the wilderness is so precious to me. Thank You, Heavenly Father. Thank You, Lord Jesus. Thank You, Holy Spirit. Amen

*************

WEEK 103, DAY 4

Entrance into Canaan: 1406 BC vs 1220 BC

How long it takes, Father, to give You our undivided attention? Forty years in the desert for the Israelites? How many years was it after creation until the Flood when You saved Noah? How many civilizations have to crumble before understanding and abiding Your command is universal? Help us, Righteous God. In Christ, Amen.

Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. Mark 12:30.

*************

WEEK 103, DAY 5

Jerusalem attacked by Nebuchadnezzar who takes exiles to Babylon: 597BC

Fall of Jerusalem (Judah): 586 BC

Fall of Babylon: 539 BC

Thank You, Father, for the recorded history You have preserved for our instruction and guidance. Until one day when we can be with You in Your new creation, remind us each decision we make daily impacts our relationship with You.

It is Your day, Holy God.

In Christ. Amen

*************

WEEK 103, DAY 6

Exiles return from Babylon: 538 BC, 458 BC, and 445 BC.

Father, You have kept/are keeping all of Your promises to us.

Help us keep our covenant with You.

In Jesus.

Amen

*************

WEEK 103, DAY 7

c. 5 AD, (c. 5 CE): Jesus of Nazareth is born within the province of Judea in the town of Bethlehem during the final years of the reign of Herod the Great. Matthew 2:1; Luke 1:5ff.

Isaiah written c. 740 BC and later: For unto us a child is born, to us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder, and His Name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

How long, O God, do You wait? Here we are. Today we again give praise and adoration to You for Your Plan in Jesus the Anointed One whose blood saves us.

Now and always. Amen

*************

DAILY CONGREGATIONAL PRAYERS, WEEK 102, 11.13-19.2022, MESSAGES from EGYPT.

WEEK 102, DAY 1

Scholars believe Abram and Sarai went to Egypt in the First Intermediate Period, after the conclusion of the Old Kingdom in which the great pyramids were built. The exact timing of the journeys of Joseph, Jacob, and Moses in Egypt and the Exodus from Egypt are not known but seem to best fit the Middle Kingdom, the Period of Reunification. And Pharaoh said to Joseph, “See, I have set you over all the land of Egypt.” Moreover, Pharoah said to Joseph, “I am Pharaoh, and without your consent no one shall lift up hand or foot in all the land of Egypt." So, Joseph went out over the land of Egypt. He was 30 years old when he entered the service of Pharaoh king of Egypt. Genesis 41: 41ff.

We praise Your Name and Your plan for the lineage of our Savior. Amen.

*************

WEEK 102, DAY 2

And Joseph stored up grain in great abundance, like the sand of the sea, until he ceased to measure it, for it could not be measured. Before the year of famine came, Joseph had two sons, first born Manasseh and second born Ephraim, “For God has made me fruitful in the land of my affliction.” Genesis 41: 49ff.

We remember, Father, how Joseph told his brothers that meant evil in their act of selling Joseph to traders on the way to Egypt. God Himself meant it for good. Help us see the good You plan in our lives, Father. Amen.

*************

WEEK 102, DAY 3

“The first king of the 12th dynasty in the Middle Kingdom moved the capital to Itjtawy in the north with palaces at Memphis and Avaris in the Delta where the Nile splits at least four ways. This is important because Moses went back and forth between Pharaoh who would be in a palace in Memphis and Avaris, and the Israelites who were living in Goshen in the northeast of the delta (Exodus 5-12).”

Then the LORD said, “I have surely seen the affliction of my people who are in Egypt and have heard their cry because of their taskmasters. I know their sufferings, and I have come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land to a good and broad land, a land flowing with milk and honey to the place of the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizites, Hivites, and the Jebusites. Come, I will send you to Pharaoh that you may bring my people, the children of Israel, out of Egypt. Exodus 3: 7.

This magnificent Holy God, who loves Your children, we are given privilege to call You. Father. Amen.

*************

WEEK 102, DAY 4

There were great building projects in the Middle Kingdom of buildings and pyramids made of mud bricks. The Israelites in Egypt were being forced to make mud bricks.

And Pharaoh said, “Behold, the people of the land are now many, and you make them rest from their burdens!” The same day Pharaoh commanded the taskmasters of the people and their foremen, you shall no longer give the people straw to make bricks as in the past; let them go and gather straw for themselves. But the number of bricks that they made in the past you shall impose on them, you shall by no means reduce it, for they are idle. Therefore, they cry, ‘let us go and offer sacrifice to our God.’ Let heavier work be laid on the men that they may labor at it; pay no regard to lying words.” Ex 5.

Father, thank You for the historical data even the skeptics are forced to reconcile and consider Your great Name. Many are blind to Your work, others skeptical, while still others do not look. Help us continue to learn everything we can about You while in this life. Others need us to know You and share Your story. Help us remember to share Your story to any who will listen. Amen.

*************

WEEK 102, DAY 5, Psalm 136. The Psalmist who remembers YHWH.

Give thanks to the God of gods, for His steadfast love endures forever. Give thanks to the LORD of Lords, for His steadfast love endures forever. To Him who alone does great wonders, for His steadfast love endures forever. To Him who struck down the first born of Egypt, for His steadfast love endures forever. Amen.

*************

WEEK 102, DAY 6, Psalm 136.

And He brought Israel out from among them, for His steadfast love endures forever. With a strong hand and an outstretched arm, for His steadfast love endures forever. To Him who divided the Red Sea in two, for His steadfast love endures forever. And made Israel pass through the midst of it, for His steadfast love endures forever. But He overthrew Pharaoh and his host in the Red Sea, for His steadfast love endures forever. He led his people through the wilderness, His steadfast love endures forever. Amen.

*************

WEEK 102, DAY 7, Psalm 136.

To Him who struck down great kings, for His steadfast love endures forever. And killed mighty kings, for His steadfast love endures forever. He gave their land as a heritage, for His steadfast love endures forever. A heritage to Israel His servant, for His steadfast love endures forever. It is He who remembered us in our low estate, for His steadfast love endures forever. He rescued us from our foes, for His steadfast love endures forever. He who gives food to all flesh, for His steadfast love endures forever. Give thanks to the God of heaven, for His steadfast love endures forever. Psalm 136.

And the congregation says in a loud voice, Amen.

*************

DAILY CONGREGATIONAL PRAYERS, WEEK 101, 11.06-12.2022. MESSAGES from EGYPT

WEEK 101, DAY 1

Dear Church Family, Eric suggested I mention the Messages from Egypt series these several weeks are prompted by my privilege last month to tour Egypt with the Harding School of Theology group hosted by Evertt & Ileene Huffard. Cities, monuments, tombs, pyramids, landscape, and museums from Alexandria and Cairo to the Aswan dam and cruising the Nile River from Luxor back up to Cairo revealed a treasure trove of information. Visiting the lands of the Bible profoundly impacts my understanding of the richness of our Father’s tools in shaping His people. In turn, there is responsibility to share this information.

Holy God, will Your hand be on the writing and the reading of these messages? You selected Egypt specifically for disciplining many generations of Your people. Nothing You ever do is wasted nor is it without Your designed plan. Please, Father, help us revisit Your Words and notice their depth, not just what we think we already know. Jesus Himself traveled to Egypt with His parents for safe haven. Please reveal what Your historical plan in the land of Egypt means for us today. In our Savior’s Name we ask it. Amen

*************

WEEK 101, DAY 2, Genesis 9 and 10.

Ham was the father of: Cush, Egypt, Put, and Canaan. And Ham, the father of Canaan, saw the nakedness of his father and told his two brothers. Shem and Japheth took a garment, laid it on both their shoulders, and walked backward and covered the nakedness of their father. Their faces were turned backward, and they did not see their father's nakedness. When Noah awoke from his wine and knew what his youngest son had done to him, he said, “Cursed be Canaan, a servant of servants shall he be to his brothers. Blessed be the Lord, the God of Shem; and let Canaan be his servant. May God enlarge Japheth, and let him dwell in the tents of Shem, and let Canaan be his servant.”

Egypt fathered L., A., L., N., P., Casluhim (from whom the Philistines came), and C.

Righteous God, perhaps we have lessons to learn even from the lineage and final destination of certain individuals who made mistakes that are described in Your Book. Some mistakes are simply that. Some mistakes are sins. Help us navigate this life carefully, and may we learn from our teenage friends who are reconciling themselves to the discovery of the consequences of behavior. One teen said it eloquently: “I am making decisions today that will affect the rest of my life.” Guide us, Father, by Your Spirit in Christ. Amen.

*************

WEEK 101, DAY 3, The Clans of Ham over many generations.

Ham was the father of Egypt, the father of Casluhim (from whom the Philistines came). Genesis 10:13. Ham was the father of Cush, the father of Nimrod, the first on the earth to be a mighty man. His kingdom was Babel in the land of Shinar. He went into Assyria where he built Nineveh. Genesis 10:7ff. Ham was the father of Canaan, the father of Sidon who was the father of several who eventually headed toward Sodom and Gomorrah. Genesis 10:15ff

“Ham’s descendants include many of Israel’s enemies e.g., the Egyptians, Babylonians, Philistines, and various Canaanite groups.” Their presence was in Egypt, Africa, through the Levant to as far away as Mesopotamia.

Holy God, despite being brothers, Shem, Ham, and Japheth made vastly different decisions about how to live this life. I want to take notice from their history and mine. In Christ. Amen.

*************

WEEK 101, DAY 4

Japheth’s descendants settled mostly along the Mediterranean and its islands. From these the coastland peoples spread in their lands, each with his own language, by their clans, in their nations. Genesis 10:2-5.

Shem the father (great grandfather) of Eber (the term “Hebrew” is derived from Eber). Abraham was descended from Shem via Terah (along with brothers Nahor and Haran), and from Abraham’s son of promise Isaac came Esau and Jacob. Genesis 10, 11. One of Eber’s sons was named Peleg, for in his days the earth was divided…Genesis 10;25…..likely related to the Tower of Babel division of people when the language was confused.

Father, it is clear You want us to understand there are people who obey You and others who oppose You. We acknowledge the long history You have waited for people to come to know You and turn to You. These recorded stories are very helpful in teaching us Your boundaries of righteousness versus what is not righteous. We want to be with You, Father. Guide us in the narrow path and help us learn from the past. In Christ. Amen.

*************

WEEK 101, DAY 5

Shem’s descendant Eber had a son named Peleg, for in his days the earth was divided…Genesis 10;25…..likely related to the Tower of Babel division of people when the language was confused. And the LORD said, “Behold, they are one people, and they have all one language, and this is only the beginning of what they will do. And nothing that they propose to do will now be impossible for them. Come, let us go down and there confuse their language, so they may not understand one another’s speech. So, the LORD dispersed them from there over the face of all the earth and they left off building the city. Therefore, its name was called Babel, because there the LORD confused the language of all the earth. And from there, the LORD dispersed them over the face of the earth. Genesis 11:1-9.

Father, even now despite the uniformity of language in this country, this county, this city, this congregation, confusion in speech often separates us from one another. Today is Your day, Holy God. May we use Your language, Your way, and in Your timing as we live this life. This takes energy to listen, listen, listen, and learn as we approach one another. Amen.

*************

WEEK 101, DAY 6

“……Abram the Hebrew.” Genesis 14:13.

This is the first use of the term “Hebrew” mentioned in the Bible “and is probably used here to denote the ethnicity of Abram.”

God Almighty, (I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, as God Almighty (El Shaddai), but by my name the LORD I did not make myself known to them. Exodus 6:3), please hear my reverence as I tremble saying this term to You. As a little girl, I heard this term spoken irreverently, and aside from reading the words from scripture, this is the first time my timidity using this salutation is overcome. May there be no shadow of evil hidden anywhere as we approach Your throne, El Shaddai. We cannot “un-hear” despicable irreverent tones in the voices of others. But this is Your Name, Father, as spoken by You (or as close as our language can get).

As I walked through tomb after tomb in Egypt, it was evident that the ancient Egyptians were looking for some form of higher power yet wanting to be equivalent with that power. It is not so different in our country today. Intricate work on the tombs gave hope for life after this earthly death. Can one not be changed in the anguish of the obvious absence of Your Holy Name among the millennia of artistry there and seeing only misrepresentations of the origin of power, of righteousness, of glory, of love, of all in all?

So, today, Father, we claim the privilege because of the Savior to call You by this magnificent name, God Almighty. Amen.

*************

WEEK 101, DAY 7

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven. Ecclesiastes 3:1.

Dear Church Family,

As we approach week 104, may the congregation know that writing these Daily Congregational Prayers has been a humbling honor to me. It is my hope the DCPs will continue to be written and shared by many. There are other tasks that need my attention, so my last anticipated DCP will conclude at the two-year mark.

With love, Mary.

Please, Holy God our Father, keep us praying together and make of these Daily Congregational Prayers what You will. We have seen the power of praying together in Your Word. May it continue in the Way You design right here at Tenth and Alderson Church of Christ. In Jesus’ Holy Name. Amen.

And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the Word of God with boldness. Acts 4:31.

*************

DAILY CONGREGATIONAL PRAYERS, WEEK 100, 10.30-11.05.2022, MESSAGES from EGYPT

WEEK 100, DAY 1, Genesis 8-10.

Righteous Father, this week help us keep in mind: “All scripture is breathed out by (You) God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16. As we pray this week, will You open our minds to the early history of some of Your created humans who left an indelible mark on both the people who believe/d in You and on those who don’t/didn’t? Without the knowledge of Your meticulous woven works over the millennia, our understanding of Your patience and mercy is short-sighted. We are, in many ways, products of our long-lost history. Teach us what You want us to know. In Jesus’ Holy Name. Amen.

The sons of Noah who went forth from the ark were Shem, Ham, and Japheth. (Ham was the father of Canaan). These are the generations of the sons of Noah, Shem, Ham, and Japheth. Sons were born to them after the flood. The sons of Ham: Cush, Egypt, Put, and Canaan.

*************

WEEK 100, DAY 2, Egypt’s Old Kingdom, circa 2700-2200 BC. Age of the Pyramid Builders.

“King Menes/Narmer unified the kingdom of Egypt (Upper and Lower Egypt) in 3150 BC leading to a series of dynasties that ruled Egypt for the next three millennia. Distinctively Egyptian, its culture flourished in economics, religion, arts, language, and customs.”

“Information from the Old Kingdom of Egypt is scarce, and historians regard the history of the era as literally ‘written in stone’ and largely architectural in that it is through the monuments and their inscriptions that scholars have been able to construct a history. During the Old Kingdom, the King of Egypt (not called the Pharaoh until the New Kingdom) became a living ‘god’ who ruled absolutely and could demand the services and wealth of his subjects. The Old Kingdom is perhaps best known for a large number of pyramids constructed at this time as burial places for Egypt’s kings, queens, princesses, and other officials.” It was a first rise of major civilization in Egypt, but its power and influence declined for approx. 160 years.

*************

WEEK 100, DAY 3, Call of Abram, circa 2091 BC. Middle Kingdom was circa 2040-1782 BC.

Terah took Abram his son and Lot the son of Haran (who had died), his grandson, and Sarai his daughter-in-law (Abram’s wife) and they went forth together from Ur of the Chaldeans to go into the land of Canaan but settled in Haran. The LORD said to Abram, “Go from your country…to the land I will show you. And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. So Abram (and company) went, as the LORD had told him. He was 75yo. They passed through the land of Canaan, then the LORD appeared to Abram and said, “To your offspring I will give this land.” He built an altar and called upon the Name of the LORD. And Abram journeyed on, still going toward the Negeb. Now there was a famine in the land. So Abram went down to Egypt to sojourn there.

Recall the most of the pyramids had already been built. The banks of the Nile River flowing from the Sudan provided better prospects for sustenance than Canaan during the drought.

Abram’s half-truths lie to Pharoah re: Sarai earned them expulsion from Egypt, so they returned to the land of Canaan.

Father, Your story continues requiring our attention. Will You reveal to us Your intention as we review the messages from Egypt? We love You, Father. In Christ. Amen.

***************

WEEK 100, DAY 4, Egypt’s Middle Kingdom, circa 2040-1782 BC.

The Middle Kingdom was also known as the Period of Reunification. Egypt’s kings were no longer buried in pyramids but in hidden tombs in many locations. A powerful standing army was built in the Middle Kingdom allowing for protection, economic prosperity, and a “golden age in stability, irrigation projects, relative peace, and development of the arts, architecture, and literature. “ It, too, went through chaotic decline.

Holy God, nations and civilizations come and go. You were and are and will be. We cling to that fact and in the hope the Messiah gave us in His death, burial, and resurrection. Amen.

*************

WEEK 100, DAY 5, Egypt’s New Kingdom, circa 1550-1100 BC.

“During the New Kingdom, the pharaohs of the 18^th Dynasty pushed an invading group, the Hyksos, out of Egypt, subdued the Nubians in the South, and conquered Palestine and parts of Syria. They were warrior kings and vastly expanded the Egyptian territory, bringing home material wealth and slaves from the conquered territories. More monuments were built in the New Kingdom. The people and rulers were polytheistic except for one Pharoah Akhenaten who was monotheistic believing in a ‘sun-god’ Aton. His religious beliefs were influenced by his wife Nefertiti. Pharaohs in the New Kingdom were buried in hidden tombs in the Valley of the Kings.

Holy God, how is it my extreme privilege to be given the gift of knowing The One True Living God, YHWH? When traveling, Your handiwork is noted everywhere. How have people so missed Your mark? All I can say is thank You for drawing me to You. For all those who love You, we are grateful. For every time I misunderstand You or disobey You, will You teach me anew? Nothing means more than being with You. We pray this today. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

*************

WEEK 100, DAY 6, Egypt’s loss of Power gradually after 1077 BC.

“The once great Egyptian Empire was slowly brought to its knees by a centuries-long drought, economic crises, and opportunistic foreign invaders. The reigns of the last great Pharaohs Ramses II and Ramses III (1189 BC- 1077 BCE) are characterized by strength and ability to defend Egypt against invaders. Egypt lost military power, experienced lack of natural resources, and political civil war prior to its demise.

Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the Name of the Lord our God. Psalm 20:7

Amen.

*************

WEEK 100, DAY 7, Defeat of Egyptian Empire, 332 BC.

The Persians attacked Egypt in 343 BC under Artaxerxes III, and Alexander the Great of Macedonia defeated the armies of the Persian Empire and conquered Egypt in 332 BC leaving it unstable.

Father, this pattern of rise to power and prosperity has repeated itself all over the world since inception of humankind. As we continue to look at the influence of Egypt on the ancient world and the influence the ancient world exerted on Egypt, may we learn Your great lessons to be gained in this earth life noting Your expectations for how You expect us to live, to hope, to love, to listen, to notice, to enjoy. The task is immense, Father God. We are ready to listen. Help us fix our eyes on Jesus, on You. Amen.

*************

DAILY CONGREGATIONAL PRAYERS, WEEK 99, 10.23-29.2022, LUKE 17:7-19.

WEEK 99, DAY 1, LUKE 17:7-19.

Dear Church family, just back to USA, I extend my gratitude to Cyndi Trapp who graciously penned last week’s prayers in my absence. Will you join me in thanking her for including us in her prayer life? We are grateful, Cyndi. Mary Gaddy

Will anyone of you who has a servant plowing or keeping sheep say to him when he has come in from the field, “Come at once and recline at table?” Will he not rather say to him, “Prepare supper for me, and dress properly, and serve me while I eat and drink, and afterward you will eat and drink?” Does he thank the servant because he did what was commanded?

Righteous Father, my programming in this culture has rather been “Give credit where credit is due.” Your economy is markedly different, foreign, deliberate, alien to American self-sufficiency ideals. Yet on the receiving end of stewardship expenditure both the receiver and the giver face difficulty amidst the practices common in our social makeup. Help me/us face these scriptures as you intend. Christ presented them to us. He exhibited them behaviorally, and as such, we know He expects us to listen and obey. Help us not whitewash our minds as we face these scriptures. Amen.

***************

WEEK 99, DAY 2, LUKE 17:7-19.

So, you also, when you have done all that you were commanded, say, “We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty.”

Father, this scripture is as difficult for me as any I face. Few things rankle me more than being patronized, taken for granted, or ignored. Yet, our Lord Jesus was patronized, taken for granted, ignored, beaten, hated, and nailed to a cross. All of this He did without sin. The task of seeing others with the eyes of Christ seems overwhelming. Please God help us. Amen.

***************

WEEK 99, DAY 3, LUKE 17:7-19.

On the way to Jerusalem Jesus was passing along between Samaria and Galilee. And as He entered a village, He was met by ten lepers, who stood at a distance...

Righteous Father, I have occasionally found myself standing at a distance from brothers and sisters, community, fellowship, communion with you, isolated in my shortcomings. These lepers were cut off relationally from family, sustenance, and acceptance. The difference is their skin lesions were apparent to all others. When I separate myself from the body for whatever self-inflicted reason, there is loss that You don't intend for us to face alone. When any of us isolate ourselves from others, will You prick our consciences to return to community, fellowship, communion. In Christ we ask it. Amen

***************

WEEK 99, DAY 4, LUKE 17:7-19.

And as He entered a village, He was met by ten lepers, who stood at a distance and lifted up their voices, saying, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us."

It is true, Father, we all are required to ask for mercy. This story of these ten people who suffered from leprosy cuts so close to home. We may not be suffering from the skin diseases then called leprosy; however, we are often isolated just like these ten people were. We often forget to notice all things which sustain us. Will You teach us how to notice Your handiwork. And like these ten, teach us how to reconcile ourselves to the fact, only Your mercy saves us. Amen.

***************

WEEK 99, DAY 5, LUKE 17:7-19.

When He saw them He said to them, ”Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed. Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice; and he fell on his face at Jesus’ feet giving Him thanks. Now he was a Samaritan.

Holy God, thank You for the one who praised You at the healing the Master gave him. Help us to fall on our faces with gratitude for Your generosity. Help us not be one of the other nine. Please forgive us when we forget who You are, especially when we fail to thank You. In Jesus’ precious name. Amen.

***************

WEEK 99, DAY 6, LUKE 17:7-19.

When Jesus answered, ”Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine? Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?”

Righteous Father, complacency (smug or uncritical satisfaction with oneself or one’s achievements) is a common enemy, worse yet, often unconsciously committed. The Word Who created, healed ten. Only one returned to praise You in His presence. May it never be we forget Who heals us, sustains us, holds us in the palm of His hand. Thank You, Father, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

***************

WEEK 99, DAY 7, LUKE 17:7-19.

And He said to him, “Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well (or has saved you).”

Holy God and Lord Jesus, how do You tolerate our dismissive and disrespectful ways?

Chaucer’s work in 1386 helped entrench the adage “familiarity breeds contempt” into Old English with its continued usage until current date. May we never become “too comfortable” in our hearts, minds, souls, spirits with Your Word. Were the nine, Hebrews, while the one who was “foreigner” a Samaritan? Help me remain standing in amazement about Your good and glorious gifts, and remember I am a daughter of the King. The King deserves all allegiance, all honor, and all gratitude. And when I am too tired from the work You require, may I remember, the Lord Jesus patiently healed ten. Only one returned in gratitude.

We love You, Father.

In Jesus we pray. Amen.

DAILY CONGREGATIONAL PRAYERS, WEEK 98. 10/16-10/22.2022. WEEK 98, DAY 1

WEEK 98, DAY 1

Father, You have through your servant, Paul, told us to take every thought captive.

(2 Corinthians 10:5) But how can that be done in this time of great negativity? You have given us the answer to that question. This week let us meditate on the words You have provided to keep our minds and hearts focused on You and Your great gifts to us.

Philippians 4:8 Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

We ask that You help us to train the way we think, to learn to take every thought captive and focus on You and Your Glory.

****************

WEEK 98, DAY 2

Whatever is true:

What is true? If you were to ask 5 people that passed you on the street that question you might very well get 5 different responses. Many people today have their own truth. However, having a set of beliefs, or making declarative sentences does not make that person’s beliefs true. A lie believed is still false. Truth is the self-expression of God. We have the benefit of knowing what God has expressed about Himself in His Holy Word.

We are encouraged to meditate on it day and night. (Joshua 1:8) Philippians 4:8 again reminds us to think on His truth.

Father, we are asking that the Spirit prick us when we are entertaining thoughts that take us away from Your Word. Let it remind us of the many verses we have memorized since our earliest Bible classes, the Psalms that have been set to a tune and fill our hearts with encouragement, or the verse we read in our daily devotion just this morning.

Thank-you, gracious God, for giving us your Word to show us who and what you truly are. Amen

****************

WEEK 98, DAY 3

Whatever is honorable, whatever is just:

When looking at the meanings of these two words they can, at times, be used interchangeably. They hold many of the same principles – something that is held in high esteem, is ethical, has high morals, and integrity.

Micha 6:8 says, “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you. but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?”

You Father, and the standard You hold us to, can fill our thoughts with things that are far above the wickedness we see in our daily lives. How very grateful I am to always have that platform to stand upon when I feel the world around me dragging me down into the mire. Fill my thoughts today with all that is filled with integrity, that is above the darkness that wants to remove You from my heart and mind. Amen

****************

WEEK 98, DAY 4

Whatever is pure:

"Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me"

(Psalm 51:10)

"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God." Matthew 5:8

Oh God, we are as filthy rags! You have given us the greatest hope anyone could have…to see You, to be in Your presence, through the gift of Your only Son, the Christ, Jesus. These are gifts worth thinking about all day long! He was, and is, and forever shall be the spotless, pure lamb who willingly surrendered Himself so that His precious blood and broken body might provide for us a way to You. Thank-you oh my Father for giving us Your Son! In His precious name, Amen.

****************

WEEK 98, DAY 5

Whatever is pleasing:

The question here is, pleasing to whom?

Shall I spend my day thinking of what makes me happy? Or what pleases me?

Hebrews 13 tells me to do good and share what I have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.

“For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.” Philippians 2:13

It seems to me that to please God I need to be thinking a whole lot less about me, and a whole lot more about others and how I might meet their needs.

Open my eyes Father, that I can see those around me who need You, and see those that I can help with a need, and that I can learn more each day to see others before I see myself. Amen

****************

WEEK 98, DAY 6

Whatever is commendable:

Have you ever been asked to recommend a good restaurant to someone? Most of us are happy to suggest our favorite places to eat, and what we would like to suggest they try. It’s always nice to be able to share something we deem worthy to try.

It is far too easy when looking at people around us to see those things that we find irritating, frustrating, or lacking. What if we were to look at people we work with, worship with or even live with and endeavor to find commendable attributes about them? What if we went so far as to speak to that person and share that commendable feature? Being positive with others, encouraging them, building them up is just what He has asked us to do.

Mighty God, I pray that we are able to look for opportunities to build one another up. Likewise, Lord, when someone gifts us in the same manner, give us the ability to accept that commendation, knowing that when we receive it, it is You who is glorified. Amen

****************

WEEK 98, DAY 7

If there is any excellence, and if there is anything worthy of praise:

Excellence and being worthy. Are there any two things that are more positive?

Through this week we have been reminded again and again that we have a choice, every day, all through the day, will we continue to fixate on all the ugly, distasteful, discouraging things in the world around us? Or will we make the choice to see the incredible beauty God gave us, to remember that we are His, and He loves us? Philippians 4:8 can retrain our brain to appreciate all that is good and virtuous that we have been blessed with.

Abba Father, You are all that is good. We have been made in Your image and have the opportunity to draw near to You, to see the world around us in the beauty You created it to have. We are blessed, and bless Your name as we glorify You. Amen

DAILY CONGREGATIONAL PRAYERS, WEEK 97, 10-09-15-2022, DRY BONES.

Dear Church Family,

Presented this week is a precious gift shared by Nicole Beck. Blessings and gratitude to her and to each of you. With love, Mary.

Day 1

Ezekiel 37:1-2. The hand of the Lord was on me, and he brought me out by the Spirit of the Lord and set me in the middle of a valley; it was full of bones. ...and I saw a great many bones on the floor of the valley, bones that were very dry.

Holy Lord,

You see everything. There are dry bones ‘around me.’ Some days I am the dry bones in one of life’s valleys. You come to the valley, and You see me.

Thank You Father, Amen.

****************

Day 2

Ezekiel 37: 3. He asked me, “Son of man, can these bones live?”

I said, “Sovereign Lord, you alone know.”

Sovereign Lord,

You are omniscient—all knowing.

You are worthy of my complete trust.

****************

Day 3

Ezekiel 37: 4-6. ‘Dry bones, hear the word of the Lord! This is what the Sovereign Lord says to these bones: I will make breath enter you… I will attach tendons to you and make flesh come upon you and cover you with skin; I will put breath in you, and you will come to life. Then you will know that I am the Lord.’

Lord, my God

Help me to listen and hear Your word. Your word gives hope. We know that Jesus is the Word. He gives hope and new life.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

**************

Day 4

Ezekiel 37: 7-8. So I prophesied as I was commanded. And as I was prophesying, there was a noise, a rattling sound, and the bones came together, bone to bone. I looked, and tendons and flesh appeared on them, and skin covered them, but there was no breath in them.

O Sovereign Lord,

Help me to be obedient to share Christ/Your Life-giving Word with others around me as I care for their physical and spiritual needs. Amen.

****************

Day 5

Ezekiel 37: 9-10. This is what the Sovereign Lord says: “Come, breath, from the four winds and breathe into these slain, that they may live.” So, I prophesied as He commanded me, and breath entered them; they came to life and stood up on their feet—a vast army.

Sovereign Lord,

Breathe on me, Breath of God,
fill me with life anew,
that I may love the way You love,
and do what You would do.

There is great power in Your Word, Amen.

***************

Day 6

Ezekiel 37:11-12. “…Son of man, these bones are the people of Israel. They say, ‘Our bones are dried up and our hope is gone; we are cut off.’ Therefore, prophesy and say to them: ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: My people, I am going to open your graves and bring you up from them; I will bring you back to the land of Israel.”

Holy Father/Sovereign Lord,

When I feel ‘dried up,’ hopeless and alone, You give life. You restore me, and I am incredibly grateful. Amen.

****************

Day 7

Ezekiel 37:13-14. “Then you, my people, will know that I am the Lord, when I open your graves and bring you up from them. I will put my Spirit in you, and you will live, and I will settle you in your own land. Then you will know that I the Lord have spoken, and I have done it, declares the Lord.”

Oh, Mighty God, You are the Lord!

I trust You as You fill me with Your Spirit. You lead me. You are good.

Amen

Print Email