Evening Prayer for Monday, May 12, 2025

 

Praying the Scriptures

Monday Evening Prayer

May 12, 2025

Jesus answered him, “Those who love me will keep my word, and my Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them.” (John 14:23)

Gracious Lord,

As the spring sun slips behind Red Mountain and the soft desert wind stirs the creosote and sage, I pause to welcome You into this sacred hour. The hush of evening wraps the land in peace, and I find my heart stilled by Your presence. You have promised that if I love You and keep Your word, You will come and make Your home with me. Tonight, I hold to that promise.

Let my dwelling be a place of welcome for You—a humble sanctuary where Your Spirit is honored and Your Word is treasured. As the stars begin to pierce the fading sky, remind me that You are not far off in some distant heaven, but here, now, dwelling with me in love.

Abide with me in this quiet hour, Lord. Let the warmth of Your nearness fill the spaces of my soul where the day’s burdens still linger. Cleanse my thoughts, soothe my worries, and speak peace into the chambers of my heart.

Thank You for making Your home in me, even when I feel unworthy. Teach me, day by day, to love You more deeply and to keep Your word more faithfully.

Amen.

May the love of Christ, who makes His home within you, grant you rest, peace, and the quiet joy of His abiding presence this night.

---

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 Monday, May 12, 2025

 

Praying the Scriptures

Monday Morning Prayer

May 12, 2025

Jesus answered him, “Those who love me will keep my word, and my Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them.” (John 14:23)

Gracious Lord,

As the sun rises above the Florida Mountains and spills warm light across the desert floor, I step into this new day with a heart awakened by Your presence. The soft breeze carries the scent of creosote and wildflowers, whispering reminders of Your promise to dwell with those who love You.

This morning, I hold fast to the words of Your Son—words that are not burdensome, but life-giving. Teach me to keep them not out of duty, but out of love. May my obedience be an offering, my faith a welcome mat for Your presence.

Come, Lord—make Your home with me here in this quiet corner of New Mexico. Let the stillness of this land remind me that You do not rush past hearts that wait for You. You dwell. You remain. And You transform.

Today, may Your Spirit guide my words and actions so that others, too, might sense the nearness of a God who desires to make His home with us.

Amen.

May the love of Christ dwell richly within you today, guiding your steps and filling your home with His abiding peace.

---

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 Monday, May 12, 2025

 

Verse of the Day

Monday, May 12, 2025

Proverbs 31:10, 27-28

A capable wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels.… She looks well to the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her happy; her husband too, and he praises her.

Introduction

Proverbs 31:10, 27–28 comes from a passage famously known as The Woman of Valor or The Capable Wife. Often read in tribute to godly women and mothers, these verses do more than commend domestic diligence—they uphold a portrait of wisdom lived out in everyday faithfulness, stewardship, and relational integrity. This passage is not just a celebration of womanhood, but a call to emulate a life marked by purpose and honor.

Commentary

Verse 10 introduces the central theme with a rhetorical question: “A capable wife who can find?” The Hebrew term translated “capable” is ḥayil, a word also used for warriors and noble men, suggesting strength, valor, and excellence. The woman being described is not passive but active, industrious, and strong in character. Her value surpasses material wealth—she is “more precious than jewels.”

Verses 27–28 shift from her character to her impact. She is described as attentive and diligent, “looking well to the ways of her household”—a phrase indicating wise management and care. She is not idle, wasteful, or disengaged. Her fruit is seen in the response of her family: her children and husband offer her praise. The Hebrew idea of "rising up" conveys public affirmation and honor, reminiscent of how a community would honor elders or heroes. The household recognizes that her faithful labor flows from a heart of virtue and wisdom.

Understanding the Context

The final chapter of Proverbs (verses 10–31) is a poetic acrostic, with each verse beginning with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet. Traditionally, it’s understood as either a mother’s instruction to her son (King Lemuel) or a concluding poetic embodiment of all the wisdom taught in the book of Proverbs.

The passage reflects the ideals of ancient Israelite society but is not meant to impose a rigid role for women. Rather, it exalts qualities that are universally admirable: faithfulness, diligence, wisdom, and honor. The text also functions as a praise poem, giving voice to the often-unrecognized labor of women, especially within the family structure.

Application for Today

In modern contexts, Proverbs 31 should be read not as a restrictive checklist, but as an inspirational vision of a life lived wisely and selflessly. Whether married or single, in the workforce or at home, women (and indeed, all people) can embody these qualities.

• For mothers, this passage affirms the sacredness of raising children and the hidden value of consistent, loving care.

• For leaders and caregivers, it offers a model of stewardship and dedication.

• For churches and communities, it reminds us to publicly honor and affirm the contributions of those who serve faithfully in often unseen roles.

The household’s praise serves as a reminder that we should recognize and speak blessings over those who pour themselves out for the good of others.

Reflection

Proverbs 31:10, 27–28 invites us to reflect on the ways in which we honor virtue, service, and love. It challenges cultural values that often prioritize appearance, status, or wealth over character, consistency, and wisdom. Do we rise up to bless those who quietly shape our lives through their selfless actions? Are we cultivating lives that are “more precious than jewels”—marked not by outward success, but by inner strength?

As we meditate on these verses, may we be stirred not only to give thanks for the godly women in our lives but also to become people of such noble character ourselves.

---

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 Monday, May 12, 2025: The Power of a Gentle Answer

 

The Daily Devotional

Monday, May 12, 2025

The Power of a Gentle Answer

A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. (Proverbs 15:1)

Introduction

The Book of Proverbs is filled with wisdom for living a life aligned with God's will. Proverbs 15:1 draws our attention to the power of our words—not only in what we say, but in how we say it. It teaches that the tone of our response can be the difference between peace and conflict.

Reflection

There’s a story of a young pastor who had just begun his ministry in a rural church. One day, after delivering a passionate sermon, an older member of the congregation approached him and harshly criticized everything from his tone to his theology. The pastor felt his pride swell and was ready to respond with sharp words—but something within urged him to pause. Instead, he quietly replied, “Thank you for your honesty. I’ll pray about what you’ve said.” The older man was visibly taken aback. A week later, he returned with a softened heart and said, “Your kindness made me reflect—I think I was too hard on you.” That moment became the beginning of a strong friendship and mentorship.

This story illustrates the transformative potential of gentle responses. When we respond with humility and grace, even in moments of tension, we invite the Spirit of peace into the conversation.

Application

Each day presents opportunities where we can either diffuse or ignite conflict. In our homes, workplaces, churches, or even online, the way we respond can reflect Christ’s love—or our own ego. Practice responding with gentleness, especially when emotions run high. Ask yourself: Am I speaking to win the argument, or to reflect the grace I’ve received from God?

Conclusion

Proverbs 15:1 is not just a call to civility—it’s a call to Christlikeness. Jesus often responded to hostility not with harshness, but with measured grace. When we embody that spirit, we become vessels of peace and healing in a broken world.

Prayer

Gracious Lord, You are gentle and patient with me even when I fall short. Help me to speak with kindness and respond with grace, especially when anger or conflict tempts me to lash out. Teach me to reflect Your love in every word I speak. May my mouth become an instrument of peace, drawing others closer to You. In Jesus’ name, 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.