Praying the Scriptures
Sunday Evening Prayer
November 24, 2024
Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets; I have come not to abolish but to fulfill.… For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 5:17, 20)
Gracious Lord,
As the chill of November descends upon the high desert and the evening sky glows with hues of deep purple and fiery orange, I come before You in humble adoration under the vastness of Your creation. Lord, You have said, "Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets; I have come not to abolish but to fulfill." In the quiet of this evening, let me feel the fullness of Your presence, enriching and guiding my soul.
Father, as the stars begin their vigil in the clear night, help me to seek righteousness that surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees. Let my actions reflect a deeper purity—a heart set aflame by Your divine love and a spirit willing to walk the paths of justice and mercy. May my faith not just fulfill the letter of the law but embody its spirit, embracing compassion over condemnation and understanding over judgment.
In this sacred moment of prayer, as the earth cools and the creatures of the desert take refuge in the stillness, teach me to uphold Your commandments not just in word but in spirit. Through the Holy Spirit's guidance, mold my deeds and my thoughts so that I may honor You not only through adherence to the law but through a life vividly portraying Your love.
As this day closes, I ask for the wisdom to see Your hand in all things and the strength to pursue a righteousness that is pleasing to You. Let my rest tonight renew my spirit that I may rise with the morning light, ready to live out the fullness of Your law in love and truth.
In the name of Jesus Christ, who fulfills all, I pray,
Amen.
I hope this prayer brings you comfort and peace through the 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.
No comments:
Post a Comment