Praying the Scriptures
Saturday Evening Prayer
December 28, 2024
When the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, in order to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as children. (Galatians 4:4–5)
Gracious God,
As the day settles into night and the festive lights of this Christmas season illuminate the New Mexican sky, I pause in awe of Your divine plan. The time You chose was perfect—when the fullness of time had come, You sent Your Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem us.
I marvel at the beauty of redemption tonight. Like the rugged mesas and desert plains that surround me, my soul knows the roughness of the law and the need for Your grace. Yet, in Your love, You did not leave me bound, but brought me into Your family as an adopted child.
Under this wide, starry sky, I remember how the shepherds once gazed up, their fields bathed in the angelic light of that holy announcement: “Glory to God in the highest!” Tonight, I join in their song of praise, for the gift of Your Son is as vibrant and life-giving as the colors of a desert sunset.
I give thanks for this land, its people, and the cultures that remind me of the richness of Your creation. As the aroma of piñon wood fills the air and luminarias glow softly, I feel the warmth of Your presence. Lord, You came to dwell among us, to bring light to our darkness.
Forgive me for the times today when I have forgotten my adoption as Your child. Remind me, even in my imperfections, that I am Yours—redeemed, loved, and called to reflect Your light to others. May the peace of Christ, the Prince of Peace, dwell in my heart tonight and flow into the lives of those around me.
Guide me to rest in Your promises and to wake tomorrow with renewed faith and joy. As the night deepens, I entrust myself and all whom I love into Your care, confident that Your redeeming work continues to unfold in ways beyond my understanding.
In the name of Jesus, Emmanuel, God with us, I pray.
Amen.
May this prayer bring peace and comfort to your evening.
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.
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