With all the noise in the world, do you hear the voice of God? Your calendar tells you what to do, but do you remember who you are? Being comes before doing. This is a call to put first things first. Return to the Lord with this daily pattern of prayer and devotion. Set aside this time as a sanctuary. Find a space free of distraction and follow this pattern.
Invocation
Make the sign of the cross, and say,
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Invitation Prayer
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.” (Matt. 5:9) O Lord, you are the God who makes peace from turmoil. As your child, send me to be a peacemaker. Amen.
Word: Luke 21:14-15
Settle it therefore in your minds not to meditate beforehand how to answer, for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict
Meditation
This week we have been thinking about the Last Day and Return of Christ. And we have been meditating on the word “opportunity.” Until the end, Jesus says, “This will be your opportunity to bear witness.” (Lk. 21:13) Now is the time to labor for his name.
You say, “But how? I’m so tired. This is so hard. I am not that good.” We can only do God’s work with God’s help and by God’s word.
So in this moment, meditate on these words:
Jesus said, “Settle it therefore in your minds not to meditate beforehand how to answer, for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict.” (Lk 21:14-15)
God says, “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you” (Is. 43:2).
Jesus said, “My grace is sufficient for you, my power is made perfect in weakness.” (II Cor. 12:9)
Prayer for the Church
· For my local congregation, my brothers and sisters in Christ.
· For Christians across my community and city.
· For my denomination or church body.
· For repentance where God’s people have failed or erred.
· For the mission of God given to his people, that all nations know Him.
· For the church where she is persecuted for Christ’s name.
· For church plants and mission frontiers.
· For workers in the harvest: pastors, teachers, evangelists, servants.
· For the everyday, ordinary Christian to serve and witness as the priesthood of all believers.
· For the small, overlooked, and undervalued parts of the body of Christ.
Closing Prayer
Hold me, Jesus. I’m shaking like a leaf. You have been King of my glory. Won’t you be my Prince of Peace. Amen. (Rich Mullins)