Friday July 21, 2023

Today is Friday, July 21 and we are studying what the Bible says about God’s blessings

As I begin this time of daily prayer, I pause to be still, slow my breathing and focus my mind on the God of blessing and peace.

Pause and Pray

Blessed and holy Lord, reveal the truth of the blessings you have for me, awaken me to your steadfast love and remind me of your great faithfulness. I put my complete trust in you as I continue traveling on this pilgrim journey. Amen.

As I continue my pilgrim journey, I praise God with the words of this week’s Psalm of Ascent, Psalm 128.

May the LORD bless you from Zion; may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem all the days of your life. May you live to see your children’s children— peace be on Israel. Psalm 128:5-6

Pause and Pray

Jesus knew it was his last night on earth. He gathered those who were closest to him, his twelve disciples in the Upper Room. Jesus performed two dynamically simple yet deeply profound gestures. Loving actions that would be told and retold for generations. He washed his friends’ feet and shared a meal with them. Foot washing was customary because people walked around all day on dirt paths wearing sandals. It was an unpleasant and menial task relegated to the lowest servants to perfom. Before he went to the cross, Christ, the Son of God, wrapped a towel around his waist, grabbed a bowl of water and knelt down to cleanse filthy feet.

When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them. John 13:12-17

Jesus reveals the secret of life and blessing. He gives me the example of how to live. It is an image of humble, loving service. I imagine Jesus getting up from the meal, taking off his jacket and wrapping a towel around his waist. He pours water into a basin and invites me to sit while he kneels at my feet. The ugly dirtiness of my sin is exposed for him and everyone to see. He provides the clear cool water and cleanses me, removing the caked on grime of a sinful past and revealing the newness of life waiting to shine. He lovingly dries my feet with the warm soft towel. How could he do such a thing for me?

Ask: How have I been washed by the love of Jesus? What remnants of sin still need his healing touch?

Pause and Pray

Blessed Lord Jesus, thank you for loving me, forgiving me and cleansing away my sin. Thank you for your saving grace won on the cross of Calvary for the benefit of my soul. You are my teacher and Lord of my life. In your example of humble self-sacrifice and service to me, I recognize that I am called to humbly serve and give myself for the good of others. Teach me the path of blessing through the path of service. I read the words from John again and listen for the message you have for me.

When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them. John 13:12-17

Ask: What image, word or phrase stands out to me when I slowly read this passage? What is God trying to say to me through these words of scripture?

Pause and Pray

Jesus has set an example. I am to do what he has done for me. I consider what that might mean in my life. Maybe I am too proud to do a menial task. Perhaps I am too busy to help someone or feel my activities are too important to set aside for another. Maybe I want recognition for my service and want my helpfulness to be in the spotlight. I need to spend some time with this scripture and allow the Holy Spirit to lead me into a revelation of where I am failing to give myself for others as Jesus willingly gave himself for me.

Pause and Pray

Lord Jesus, come and shine your light on my pride and selfishness, cleanse me of the remnants of my sinfulness and forgive me for my lack of self awareness. Open my eyes to the needs of those around me and fill me with humility and love so that I can live a life of service in your name and find the blessings you promise. Amen.
He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit. Galatians 3:14

I leave this time of prayer cleansed by my Savior, I go to love and serve others in his name.

Amen