Evening Prayer for Wednesday, November 20, 2024

 

Praying the Scriptures

Wednesday Evening Prayer

November 20, 2024

O LORD, my strength and my stronghold, my refuge in the day of trouble, to you shall the nations come from the ends of the earth and say: Our ancestors have inherited nothing but lies, worthless things in which there is no profit. (Jeremiah 16:19)

Heavenly Father, my sanctuary in times of need,

On this serene New Mexican evening, as the sun sets over the desert’s expansive calm, I turn to You. In the stillness of this moment, I am reminded of the words of Jeremiah, “O Lord, my strength and my stronghold, my refuge in the day of trouble.”

Lord, as the mountains embrace the fading light and the cool air settles over the mesa, I seek Your steadfast presence. You are my strength when the path is unclear and my fortress when the winds of uncertainty blow fiercely. In every trial and tribulation, You are my sanctuary, a refuge that never falters.

Guide my steps, O God, as I navigate the complexities of life. When I am tempted to stray by misleading paths or smooth-talking prophets, anchor me firmly in Your truth. Help me to discern wisely, to recognize the guiding light of Your wisdom amid the shadows of misinformation and doubt.

Bless our community, O Lord. As the chill of November whispers through our valleys, warm our hearts with Your love. Inspire us to support one another, to offer a helping hand to those in need, and to be beacons of hope and compassion.

As the stars begin to adorn the sky, reminding us of Your infinite creation, fill our hearts with peace. Renew our spirits so that we may rise tomorrow with renewed purpose and a steadfast resolve to walk in Your ways.

In the quiet of this evening, I find solace in Your promise, a promise of a refuge that stands through the ages. Thank You, Lord, for being my stronghold and my refuge today and always.

Amen.

May this prayer bring you comfort and strength as you reflect on God's promises this evening.

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The Bible passages come from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) Bible, copyrighted © 1989, 1993 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America and are used by permission. All rights reserved. Praying the Scriptures is penned daily by Kenny Sallee, ThM.

Morning Prayer for Wednesday, November 20, 2024

 

Praying the Scriptures

Wednesday Morning Prayer

November 20, 2024

O LORD, my strength and my stronghold, my refuge in the day of trouble, to you shall the nations come from the ends of the earth and say: Our ancestors have inherited nothing but lies, worthless things in which there is no profit. (Jeremiah 16:19)

Heavenly Father,

As the chill of November sweeps across New Mexico, painting the mornings with hues of amber and gold, I come before You, my refuge and my fortress. The Scripture tells us, "O Lord, my strength and my stronghold, my refuge in the day of trouble, to You shall the nations come from the ends of the earth and say: Our ancestors have inherited nothing but lies, worthless things in which there is no profit."

In this tranquil dawn, let me be a vessel of Your truth, casting away the inherited lies and the empty promises that lead us astray. Strengthen my faith, O Lord, that I may stand firm in Your truth as the winds of uncertainty blow. You are the wellspring of wisdom in a desert of deceit.

As the sun rises over the Sandias, shedding light on the path of righteousness, guide my steps to walk in Your ways. May I bring honor to Your name by living a life of integrity and compassion. Let my words and deeds be a testament to the goodness and steadfastness that flows from You.

Grant me the courage to face the troubles of the day with a heart fortified by Your love and a spirit committed to Your justice. As the nations come to seek Your face, may they find in Your children a beacon of hope and a sanctuary of peace.

I thank You, O God, for the beauty of this land and the promise of this day. With every breath of this cool November air, fill my soul with Your grace and Your purpose.

In Your holy and mighty name, I pray,

Amen.

May this prayer bring you strength and encouragement as you go about your day!

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The Bible passages come from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) Bible, copyrighted © 1989, 1993 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America and are used by permission. All rights reserved. Praying the Scriptures is penned daily by Kenny Sallee, ThM.

Verse of the Day for Wednesday, November 20, 2024

 

Verse of the Day

Wednesday, November 20, 2024

Psalm 95:1-2

O come, let us sing to the LORD; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation! Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise!

Introduction

Psalm 95 is a vibrant call to worship and obedience, inviting believers to praise God enthusiastically for His greatness and sovereign power. Verses 1-2 specifically summon the faithful to enter His presence with thanksgiving and songs of praise, setting the tone for a joyful acknowledgment of God as the Creator and Sustainer.

Commentary

These opening verses of Psalm 95 serve as a direct invitation to worship, emphasizing the joy and reverence appropriate for approaching God. The psalmist uses imperative verbs like "come," "sing," and "make a joyful noise," which highlight the communal and celebratory nature of the worship. "The rock of our salvation" metaphorically portrays God as a steadfast and protective force, emphasizing His role as the deliverer and sustainer of His people.

Understanding Context

Psalm 95 is classified among the "Royal Psalms," which focus on God's kingship over all creation. This particular Psalm is also recognized as an enthronement psalm, which is used to celebrate God’s sovereignty. Historically, it may have been sung during worship in the Temple, involving both communal singing and a liturgical procession. The Psalm is liturgically significant in both Jewish and Christian traditions, used in morning prayers and certain liturgical celebrations.

Application for Today

In a modern context, Psalm 95:1-2 encourages believers to approach God with a heart full of gratitude and joy. It reminds us that worship is not just a personal act but a communal experience that strengthens faith and fosters a deeper connection with the divine. By integrating these verses into regular worship or personal devotion, individuals can cultivate a more thankful and praise-filled attitude, recognizing God's enduring presence and protection in everyday life.

Reflection

Consider how you approach worship in your own life. Do you come to God with the enthusiasm and gratitude that the Psalmist describes? Reflect on the aspects of God's character—His protection, provision, and steadfastness—that inspire thanksgiving and praise in your heart. How can you incorporate this spirit of joyful praise into your daily interactions and commitments?

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The Bible texts are from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) Bible, copyright © 1989, 1993 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Verse of the Day is a daily inspirational and encouraging Bible verse extracted from BibleGateway.com. Commentary by Kenny Sallee, ThM.

Daily Devotions for Wednesday, November 20, 2024: Standing Firm in Our Identity

 

The Daily Devotional

Wednesday, November 20, 2024

Standing Firm in Our Identity

Paul replied, “I am a Jew, from Tarsus in Cilicia, a citizen of an important city; I beg you, let me speak to the people.” (Acts 21:39)

Introduction

In Acts 21:39, Paul declares his identity amidst a tumultuous confrontation. The verse reads, "Paul replied, 'I am a Jew, from Tarsus in Cilicia, a citizen of an important city. I beg you, let me speak to the people.'" This assertion of his roots and rights as a citizen highlights the importance of understanding and proclaiming who we are, especially in the face of adversity.

Reflection

Paul's situation in Jerusalem was precarious. Arrested and misunderstood by a mob, he faced significant danger. Yet, in that critical moment, he chose to firmly declare his identity. By stating his citizenship and origin, Paul was not merely providing personal information; he was invoking the rights and respect due to him. This action allowed him an opportunity to address his accusers and the crowd, turning a perilous situation into a platform for testimony.

Imagine a tree standing firm in a storm. Its roots are deep in the soil, unshaken by the winds and rains. Similarly, our identity in Christ should be like those deep roots. When challenges arise, our deep-seated faith and understanding of who we are in God provide the stability we need not just to endure but also to stand firm and use our circumstances as opportunities for witness.

Application

Just like Paul, each of us has a unique identity that includes our background, our beliefs, and our experiences. In our daily lives, we may encounter situations where our faith is challenged or where we need to stand up for what we believe. By affirming who we are and who we are, we can navigate these challenges with confidence and grace. Whether at work, in our community, or within our families, let's use our identity as a cornerstone for meaningful conversations about faith.

Conclusion

Paul’s declaration in Acts reminds us that our identity is both a shield and a herald’s trumpet. It protects us by grounding us in truth, and it empowers us to declare our beliefs boldly. Let’s remember to embrace and express our identity in Christ, allowing it to shape our interactions and responses to the world around us.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for the identity I have in You. Help me to remember who I am and Who I am, especially in times of challenge and confrontation. Grant me the courage to stand firm like Paul, using every opportunity to testify to Your grace and truth. May my identity in You be a beacon of light to others, drawing them closer to Your love. In Jesus' name, Amen.

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Devotional by: Kenny Sallee, ThM — Deming, NM, USA

The Bible texts are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible (NRSV)© 1989, 1993, the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.