Martin Luther laid out a simple way to pray which I have paraphrased for your Advent journey.
Pray first thing in the morning & the last thing at night.
Begin by saying the 10 Commandments.
Recite the Apostles’ Creed.
Read the lesson provide in this folder.
When you read the scriptures really hear the words/reflect on their teachings/discover the brokenness presented in them/repent of the sins it reminds you of/give thanks to God for his loving forgiveness.
REST in the Lord. Be still and know that I am God. When you work - let your thoughts be of God.
Today's reading is Psalm 122:
Recite the Apostles’ Creed.
Read the lesson provide in this folder.
When you read the scriptures really hear the words/reflect on their teachings/discover the brokenness presented in them/repent of the sins it reminds you of/give thanks to God for his loving forgiveness.
REST in the Lord. Be still and know that I am God. When you work - let your thoughts be of God.
Today's reading is Psalm 122:
It made me glad
to hear them say,
“Let’s go to the house
of the Lord!”
2 Jerusalem, we are standing
inside your gates.
to hear them say,
“Let’s go to the house
of the Lord!”
2 Jerusalem, we are standing
inside your gates.
3 Jerusalem, what a strong
and beautiful city you are!
4 Every tribe of the Lord
obeys him and comes to you
to praise his name.
5 David’s royal throne is here
where justice rules.
and beautiful city you are!
4 Every tribe of the Lord
obeys him and comes to you
to praise his name.
5 David’s royal throne is here
where justice rules.
6 Jerusalem, we pray
that you will have peace,
and that all will go well
for those who love you.
7 May there be peace
inside your city walls
and in your palaces.
8 Because of my friends
and my relatives,
I will pray for peace.
9 And because of the house
of the Lord our God,
I will work for your good. (ESV)
that you will have peace,
and that all will go well
for those who love you.
7 May there be peace
inside your city walls
and in your palaces.
8 Because of my friends
and my relatives,
I will pray for peace.
9 And because of the house
of the Lord our God,
I will work for your good. (ESV)
Praying for peace is a prominent theme in this passage. Peace isn't just the absence of conflict, though that is a wonderful thing. Peace (Shalom in Hebrew) is a holistic way of "being" in the world. It is a blessing we offer one another and God offers to us. "I hope ALL is well with you!" is a blessing of peace: your family, your work, your life with God. We are fortunate that there are some days when "all is well" with us. But then there are other days where that is not the case. However, even in the midst of tension or turmoil we know that our loving Father is with us, looking after us, abiding with us, guiding us, comforting us. Isn't that part of our "daily bread" that we pray for in the Lord's Prayer? God certainly is working behind the scenes of our lives each and every day --- especially the days when things are not well with us.
Let us pray for peace for ourselves, our families, and the world:
Holy and Loving God, you are the source of all peace and comfort. Grant that we would know your love so deeply that even in the most trying of times we would peace a sense of shalom. In Jesus' holy name we pray. Amen.
What are you thinking about today as you read Psalm 122. Leave a comment so we can all benefit from your comments and start a faith conversation! Blessings on your day!
P. Amy
No comments:
Post a Comment