Morning Prayer for Friday, January 17, 2025

 

Praying the Scriptures

Friday Morning Prayer

January 17, 2025

The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters; he restores my soul. He leads me in right paths for his name’s sake. (Psalm 23:1-3)

Good morning, Lord,

As the crisp air of January brushes against my face, I am reminded of Your nearness, steady and sure, here in this desert land. You are my Shepherd; I lack nothing. The dawn’s gentle light whispers of Your faithfulness, guiding me into another day under Your care.

Thank You for the stillness of this morning, for the way You make me lie down in green pastures—even here in the Southwest where green is rare. Your provision reaches beyond the visible, nourishing my soul in ways no earthly resource can.

Lead me, Lord, beside quiet waters. Let the peace of this new day refresh my spirit and calm my mind. As the sun rises, warm and golden, I feel Your hand restoring my soul, renewing my strength for the tasks ahead.

Guide me along paths of righteousness, not for my own sake, but for the sake of Your great name. May every word I speak and every step I take today reflect Your goodness and mercy. Let my life here in this desert echo Your glory and testify to Your unending love.

Thank You, Shepherd of my heart, for walking with me, always restoring, always leading. In Your name, I trust and pray.

Amen.

May this prayer bring you peace and inspiration for the day ahead.

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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 Friday, January 17, 2025

 

Praying the Scriptures

Friday Morning Prayer

January 17, 2025

The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters; he restores my soul. He leads me in right paths for his name’s sake. (Psalm 23:1-3)

Good morning, Lord,

As the crisp air of January brushes against my face, I am reminded of Your nearness, steady and sure, here in this desert land. You are my Shepherd; I lack nothing. The dawn’s gentle light whispers of Your faithfulness, guiding me into another day under Your care.

Thank You for the stillness of this morning, for the way You make me lie down in green pastures—even here in the Southwest where green is rare. Your provision reaches beyond the visible, nourishing my soul in ways no earthly resource can.

Lead me, Lord, beside quiet waters. Let the peace of this new day refresh my spirit and calm my mind. As the sun rises, warm and golden, I feel Your hand restoring my soul, renewing my strength for the tasks ahead.

Guide me along paths of righteousness, not for my own sake, but for the sake of Your great name. May every word I speak and every step I take today reflect Your goodness and mercy. Let my life here in this desert echo Your glory and testify to Your unending love.

Thank You, Shepherd of my heart, for walking with me, always restoring, always leading. In Your name, I trust and pray.

Amen.

May this prayer bring you peace and inspiration for the day ahead.

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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 Friday, January 17, 2025

 

Verse of the Day

Friday, January 17, 2025

Philippians 2:14-16

Do all things without murmuring and arguing, so that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, in which you shine like stars in the world. It is by your holding fast to the word of life that I can boast on the day of Christ that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.

Introduction

Paul's exhortation to the Philippians emphasizes the importance of a godly attitude in the way we conduct ourselves, especially amidst a world that often challenges our faith. These verses invite us to reflect on how our behavior can be a testimony to others and a means of glorifying God. This passage speaks of integrity, resilience, and a commitment to stand out for Christ in a "crooked and perverse generation."

Commentary

Paul begins by urging believers to "do all things without murmuring and arguing." Complaining and disputes were issues in the early church, as they are today. These behaviors undermine unity and distract from the mission of the Gospel. Paul challenges the Philippians to be "blameless and innocent," reflecting their status as "children of God."

The phrase "crooked and perverse generation" alludes to Deuteronomy 32:5, where Moses described Israel's rebellion. By contrast, Paul calls the Philippians to stand out as a positive example, "shining like stars" in a dark world. This imagery is powerful—it evokes a sense of beauty, guidance, and hope amidst darkness.

Paul’s mention of "holding fast to the word of life" points to the importance of perseverance in faith and obedience. By doing so, the Philippians would not only live faithfully but also bring joy to Paul as their spiritual mentor, knowing his efforts were not in vain.

Understanding the Context

Paul wrote Philippians while imprisoned, demonstrating his own resilience and joy in the face of suffering. This epistle frequently emphasizes unity, humility, and living out the Gospel with integrity.

The context of Philippians 2, particularly the earlier Christological hymn (Phil. 2:6-11), sets a high standard: believers are to imitate Christ's humility and obedience. The call to "shine like stars" reflects not only individual responsibility but also the collective witness of the church to the surrounding world. Paul's focus on avoiding grumbling and disputes underscores the communal nature of Christian faith—how believers treat one another impacts their testimony.

Application for Today

1. Attitude in Service: Our everyday actions, whether in church, work, or family life, are opportunities to glorify God. Avoiding complaints and conflicts fosters peace and allows others to see Christ in us.

2. Being a Light: In a world marked by division, moral compromise, and confusion, Christians are called to shine with clarity and hope. This requires intentional living and alignment with God's Word.

3. Holding Fast to the Word: Staying grounded in Scripture equips us to navigate challenges and remain steadfast in our faith. It also strengthens our witness to others.

4. Encouraging Mentors and Leaders: Paul’s desire for his efforts not to be “in vain” reminds us of the joy and encouragement our faithfulness brings to those who have invested in our spiritual growth.

Reflection

• How do my words and actions reflect my faith? Am I prone to complaints or arguments that diminish my testimony?

• In what ways can I “shine like a star” in my community?

• Am I holding fast to the "word of life" through regular study and meditation on Scripture?

• How can I encourage my spiritual mentors and those who have labored in faith to help me grow?

Take time to pray for the grace to live blamelessly, to shine brightly in the world, and to remain steadfast in God’s Word, bringing glory to Him in all that you do. May we embody the joy and hope that come from knowing Christ, pointing others to Him as we hold fast to the word of life.

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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 Friday, January 17, 2025: Anchored in the Storm

 

The Daily Devotional

Friday, January 17, 2025

Anchored in the Storm

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. (Psalm 46:1)

Introduction

Throughout history, humanity has faced moments of overwhelming natural disaster, leaving us to confront the fragility of our lives and the steadfastness of God. The Saint Marcellus’s flood of 1219 serves as a powerful reminder of the suddenness of life's storms and our dependence on the unchanging anchor of our faith.

Reflection

On January 16, 1219, a devastating storm surge swept across northern Europe, claiming over 36,000 lives in a tragedy now remembered as the Saint Marcellus’s flood. Entire villages were wiped away as the sea claimed what seemed unshakable. For many survivors, the storm left more than physical devastation; it shook their very spirits.

Imagine a small coastal church, barely standing amidst the floodwaters. Its bell tower, still intact, became a beacon of hope. Villagers clung to the church's walls, singing hymns as the waters raged. In their despair, they turned to Psalm 46, reminding one another of God’s promise to be their refuge and strength.

Like those villagers, we too face storms—sometimes literal, often metaphorical. Life’s trials can feel like rising waters, threatening to engulf us. Yet, the same God who was a refuge for them remains our steadfast help today.

Application

When the floods of life come—whether in the form of loss, fear, or uncertainty—where do we turn? The temptation is to rely on our own strength or crumble under the weight of our circumstances. But God invites us to anchor ourselves in Him.

Here are three ways we can do this:

1. Seek God's Presence: Spend time in prayer and scripture, reminding yourself of His promises.

2. Strengthen Your Community: Just as the villagers leaned on each other in faith, we need a community to pray with us and support us in our trials.

3. Surrender Control: Trust that God’s plans are higher than our understanding and that He is working for good even in the storm.

Conclusion

The Saint Marcellus’s flood reminds us of both life’s uncertainties and God’s enduring faithfulness. While we cannot always escape the storms, we can rest assured that God is our anchor, holding us steady when everything else feels adrift. Like the villagers clinging to the bell tower, let us cling to the unshakable promises of our Lord.

Prayer

Gracious God, In the storms of life, remind us that You are our refuge and strength. When we feel overwhelmed, anchor our hearts in Your peace. Help us to trust in Your presence, no matter how fierce the waves may seem. Guide us to be a source of hope and comfort to others who are struggling, just as You have been to us. We rest in Your unchanging faithfulness today and always. 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.