Evening Prayer for Thursday, October 17, 2024

 

Praying the Scriptures

Thursday Evening Prayer

October 17, 2024

The night is far gone, the day is near. Let us then lay aside the works of darkness and put on the armor of light. (Romans 13:12)

Lord of Light,

As the sun sets over the mesas and the chill of October whispers through the piñon pines, I come before You in humble prayer. "The night is far gone, the day is near." Let me cast away the works of darkness and put on the armor of light.

In this evening hour, I ask for the courage to live in Your truth, to wear Your light as my garment. May it shield me from temptation and illuminate the path toward Your grace. Help me to see the dawn of Your love in every act of kindness I offer, and in every word of truth, I speak.

As the stars begin to pepper the vast New Mexican sky, remind me of the multitude of blessings You have laid before me. Strengthen my resolve to do what is right and just, reflecting Your light in a world that often dwells in shadows.

Grant peace to those who feel the weight of the night and warmth to those who face the cold alone. Let us awaken to a brighter day, renewed in spirit and committed to walking in Your ways.

In Your holy name, I pray,

Amen.

May this prayer bring you peace and comfort as you end your day.

---

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 Thursday, October 17, 2024

 

Praying the Scriptures

Thursday Morning Prayer

October 17, 2024

The night is far gone, the day is near. Let us then lay aside the works of darkness and put on the armor of light. (Romans 13:12)

Heavenly Father,

As the first light of this October morning paints the vast New Mexican skies, I am reminded of Your enduring mercy and the fresh opportunities each new day brings. Your Word in Romans tells us, "the night is far gone, the day is near." Let this dawn be a symbol of the light You bring into our lives, dispelling the darkness of sin and sorrow.

Lord, as I witness the golden hues stretching across the mesas and the chill of the desert morning yielding to the warmth of the sun, help me to lay aside the works of darkness. Clothe me in the armor of light so that I might walk honestly as in the day, free from strife and envy. Nurture in me the courage to embrace Your truth, and grant me the strength to uphold love and justice.

In this quiet moment, I thank You for the beauty of this land and the peace it offers to my soul. May my actions today reflect Your love and light, and may I be a beacon of hope and compassion to those around me.

Through Your grace, help me to live this day fully, embracing each task and every encounter as an opportunity to serve You. And when the sun sets over the high desert, may I rest in the assurance that in You, the night is truly far gone and the day is indeed near.

In Jesus' name, I pray,

Amen.

May this prayer bring you peace and inspiration for your day.

---

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 Thursday, October 17, 2024

 

Verse of the Day

Thursday, October 17, 2024

Psalm 25:14-15

The friendship of the LORD is for those who fear him, and he makes his covenant known to them. My eyes are ever toward the LORD, for he will pluck my feet out of the net.

Introduction

In Psalm 25:14-15, we find a profound expression of trust and intimacy between the psalmist and God. These verses highlight the special relationship reserved for those who fear the Lord and the guidance that God provides to them. As we explore these verses, we'll delve into the themes of divine friendship, guidance, and the pursuit of living in accordance with God's will.

Commentary

These verses reveal two significant aspects of the believer's relationship with God. First, "The friendship of the LORD is for those who fear him" suggests a relationship that goes beyond mere acknowledgment of God's authority. It speaks to a deep, reverential awe and respect that cultivates closeness and confidentiality. Second, the promise that God "makes his covenant known to them" emphasizes God's willingness to reveal His divine will and guidance to those who are committed to Him.

Understanding Context

Psalm 25 is an acrostic poem, attributed to David, that uses each letter of the Hebrew alphabet to start each successive line of the psalm. This psalm is a plea for protection and forgiveness from God. Verses 14 and 15 specifically focus on the benefits of a godly life—intimacy with God and divine guidance. These themes are crucial for understanding the overall message of trust and reliance on God in the midst of trials.

Application for Today

1. Reverential Fear: In our modern spiritual practices, cultivating a reverential fear of God means recognizing His holiness and justice, coupled with His mercy and love. It invites us to enter into a relationship of deep respect and awe.

2. Seeking Guidance: Like the psalmist, keeping our "eyes ever toward the Lord" implies constantly seeking God's will in our decisions and trusting Him to deliver us when we find ourselves entangled in difficulties. This can be practically applied through regular prayer, meditation on the Scriptures, and seeking wise counsel.

Reflection

• Reflect on the nature of your relationship with God. Would you describe it as a friendship? Why or why not?

• Consider areas in your life where you might feel 'caught in a net.' How can redirecting your focus toward God help you find a way out?

As we meditate on these verses, let's strive to deepen our relationship with God by fostering a healthy fear and dependence on Him, trusting that He will always guide and protect us.

---

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 Thursday, October 17, 2024: Manna in the Wilderness

 

The Daily Devotional

Thursday, October 17, 2024

Manna in the Wilderness

When the Israelites saw it, they said to one another, “What is it?” For they did not know what it was. Moses said to them, “It is the bread that the LORD has given you to eat.” (Exodus 16:15)

Introduction

Exodus 16:15 reads, "When the Israelites saw it, they said to one another, 'What is it?' For they did not know what it was. Moses said to them, 'It is the bread that the Lord has given you to eat.'" This passage marks a critical point in the journey of the Israelites as they wandered in the wilderness, reliant on God's provision for survival.

Reflection

The story of the Israelites receiving manna from heaven is a powerful reminder of God's providence and presence in times of uncertainty and need. This narrative finds a poignant echo in the recent miraculous survival of four siblings who endured forty days in Colombia’s Amazon jungle following a plane crash in June 2023.

Just as the Israelites faced the harsh conditions of the desert, these siblings confronted the overwhelming challenges of the jungle. Alone, likely scared, and without a clear path forward, their situation mirrors the bewilderment and reliance on divine aid that the Israelites experienced.

Imagine the siblings, each day rising to the unknown, surrounded by the dense and perilous jungle, much like the Israelites looked upon the wilderness each morning. In their journey, each found sustenance and survival — not in the form of manna, but through the natural resources around them, symbolizing the bread from heaven. Their resilience and the seemingly miraculous nature of their survival can be seen as modern-day manna, a testament to the unexpected ways God provides for us in our wilderness periods.

Application

This story compels us to reflect on our own 'wilderness experiences' — times when we feel lost, challenged, or overwhelmed. Like the Israelites and the four siblings, these are the moments when we are called to trust in God’s provision. We learn that sustenance comes in many forms — sometimes as physical nourishment, sometimes as strength, courage, or a newfound resilience that we did not know we possessed.

Conclusion

The tale of the siblings in the Amazon and the ancient story of manna in the wilderness both teach us about the unexpected ways God meets our needs. As we face our own trials, may we open our eyes to the 'manna' that falls in our lives, often in unlooked-for places and forms.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your constant presence and provision in our lives. Like the Israelites in the desert and the siblings in the jungle, help us to recognize Your hand in all things, trusting that You will provide for our needs in every wilderness we face. Teach us to see Your manna in our everyday lives and give us the strength to continue our journeys with faith. In Your holy name, we pray. Amen.

---

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.