Friday August 26, 2022

Today is Friday, August 26 and this week we begin praying through the teachings of Jesus found in the Sermon on the Mount.

I catch my breath as first light awakens the tranquil sky. Early in the morning, I turn to Jesus my Lord and yield myself to his purposes and plans for the upcoming day.

Pause and Pray

Holy Lord God, I have come to this quiet place to listen for your voice and learn your truth. Speak to my soul and guide every step to accomplish your will and glorify your name. Amen.

I seek the joy of God’s presence and praise him with the words of Psalm 126.

Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy. Those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them. Psalm 126:5-6

Pause and Pray

The Beatitudes begin with these first two blessings of Jesus, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” (Matthew 5:3-4) When we mourn for God’s presence, we are comforted by the Holy Spirit and filled with joy. John Wesley, the eighteenth century founder of Methodism, said there is another blessed mourning that abides in the children of God – it is to mourn and grieve for others. Wesley compares this blessed mourning to what Jesus said to his disciples the night before he gave himself up on the cross of Calvary.

A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world. So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy. In that day you will no longer ask me anything. Very truly I tell you, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete. John 16:21-24

When I have experienced the indwelling presence of God’s Holy Spirit and discovered the unspeakable joy, perfect love and unimaginable peace that enters the soul, I cannot help but want others to find Jesus Christ. When I have fully recognized the depth of God’s love for me, have assurance of my salvation and confidence in my eternal home, I cannot help but want others to find Jesus Christ. I mourn for them. I lament the brokenness and miseries of humanity. I began to weep for those who do not weep for themselves. I even cry for people who have hurt me and trespassed against me and pray that they can find salvation and peace. I mourn for the weak and unfaithful. I travail in prayer for lost sinners.

Ask: Do I exhibit sincere concern for those who do not know Christ? When has the Holy Spirit brought someone to my attention to such a degree I was compelled to pray for them?

Pause and Pray

Blessed Lord Jesus, on the night before you gave yourself up for me, you spoke these words promising that my grief would one day turn to joy. You said that no one will take away my joy and you will make my joy complete. First I pray for the current state of my soul and then I earnestly pray for the souls of others. I name them before you and ask you to reach them, find them and save them. I read the words from John again and listen for the message you have for me.

A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world. So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy. In that day you will no longer ask me anything. Very truly I tell you, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete. John 16:21-24

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

What might God want me to learn today through the words of my Lord Jesus Christ? I consider which words most resonate with me. Words like pain, anguish, and grief or words like joy and rejoice? Perhaps God wants me to grow in my confidence to ask him for something in prayer. Maybe God is encouraging me to intercede for other people and pray for their souls. Perhaps God wants me to claim the complete joy that is promised to me. Joy that is mine despite my circumstances.

Pause and Pray

Come, Holy Spirit, lay the people upon my heart whom you wish me to pray for today. I ask for the salvation of their souls, a healing of their brokenness and a blessing of their spirits. May they come to know Jesus as their Lord and Savior and experience the salvation, joy and peace that he promises. I cry for those who have yet to know your love. Amen.

He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away. Revelation 21:4

I leave this time of prayer to shine the light of Jesus Christ to those who do not know him and do not believe in him.

Amen