Praying the Scriptures
Friday Evening Prayer
February 7, 2025
But this one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:13b-14)
Gracious and Everlasting God,
As the sun sets over the rugged beauty of the Florida Mountains and the vast desert sky is painted with hues of amber and crimson, I pause in the stillness of this southwestern evening to reflect on Your steadfast presence.
You remind me, Lord, to “forget what lies behind and strain forward to what lies ahead.” Tonight, I press on, letting the wind carry away the burdens of yesterday. I fix my gaze on the prize of Your heavenly calling in Christ Jesus, trusting that Your path leads to redemption and peace.
My heart is heavy with the memory of those who have been uprooted by tyranny—men, women, and children who have been torn from their homes, their families, and their dreams. The scars of injustice etched upon their lives weigh upon my soul. Yet, Lord, I hold fast to the hope You instill, that no darkness is too deep for Your light to penetrate.
Here, beneath the wide expanse of Your creation, I pray for them. May they find shelter and rest, freedom and dignity. May their paths be guided by Your mercy and their hearts strengthened by the knowledge that You see them, that You are with them even in the wilderness.
Father, as I prepare to rest, let this night be a time of renewal. Help me to embrace tomorrow with courage, pressing forward in the race You have set before me. May I live as an instrument of Your peace, seeking ways to uplift those who bear heavy burdens and to stand firm in the face of injustice.
The stars above remind me of Your promises, countless and eternal. May Your Spirit guide me through the night and into a dawn filled with renewed purpose and hope.
In the name of Jesus Christ, my Redeemer and Friend, I pray.
Amen.
May this prayer bring you peace and comfort this 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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