Monday August 22, 2022

Today is Monday, August 22 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 to understand the hidden mysteries my Lord revealed in scripture (Matthew 13:34-35) and promised in the words of Psalm 78.

My people, hear my teaching; listen to the words of my mouth. I will open my mouth with a parable; I will utter hidden things, things from of old. Psalm 78:1-2

Pause and Pray

This week a new journey begins – Real Christianity II – The Second Season. Christians often study and read what others said about Jesus, but what did Jesus say? I want to submit myself completely to the authority of Jesus Christ, study his words directly and let the Holy Spirit speak to my soul and convict me in fresh ways. The best collection of Christ’s teaching is preserved in one sermon contained in three chapters in the gospel of Matthew (chapters 5-7). This teaching is known as the Sermon on the Mount. What it means to be a “real Christian” is grounded first and foremost in the teachings of Jesus Christ. It is all too easy to look elsewhere for faith foundations, but I must turn to Christ himself. That is where I begin.

Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people. News about him spread all over Syria, and people brought to him all who were ill with various diseases, those suffering severe pain, the demon-possessed, those having seizures, and the paralyzed; and he healed them. Large crowds from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea and the region across the Jordan followed him. Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them. Matthew 4:23-5:2

Jesus traveled across the countryside teaching, preaching, healing sickness and curing disease. Consequently great crowds formed and followed him. When he saw the crowds that no synagogue could contain he went up onto a hillside where there was room for them all to gather. He sat down as was the custom of a rabbi during that time period. He sat down to teach an ancient crowd of followers and his words traverse the millenia to reach me. Jesus is the ultimate authority, Lord of heaven and earth, Creator of all, his kingdom is eternal and he rules over everything. He is the timeless wisdom of the Father who knows me intimately and understands me completely. Jesus reveals the mysteries of the universe and shows me the way to heaven. (Sermons on Several Occasions by John Wesley, edited by William Abraham).

Ask: Am I ready and willing to listen to the authority of Christ speaking to my heart? Do I surrender and yield every aspect of my life to his Lordship?

Pause and Pray

Blessed Lord Jesus, as you traveled upon the dusty paths of Galilee, traverse the landscape of my soul. Teach me your truth and reveal the good news of your kingdom. Heal me – body, mind and spirit. I join the multitudes that followed you across ancient territories and across the generations. I sit at your feet to receive the blessings of your teaching. I read the words from Matthew again and listen for the message you have for me.

Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people. News about him spread all over Syria, and people brought to him all who were ill with various diseases, those suffering severe pain, the demon-possessed, those having seizures, and the paralyzed; and he healed them. Large crowds from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea and the region across the Jordan followed him. Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them. Matthew 4:23-5:2

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

I imagine being among the throng of followers gathered on the side of a mountain to hear the words of Jesus, the Son of God. He looks across the crowd, walks to the side of a grassy hill which forms a natural amphitheater and spreads out towards the sea. Jesus sits down. The murmur of the crowds hush. My anticipation grows as I wait for him to speak. How might today’s verses prepare me for the spiritual journey that lays before me? Perhaps God wants me to experience healing that is long overdue. Maybe God wants me to recognize the poverty of my spirit and the helpless state of my soul. Perhaps I am to invite someone else on this journey, and encourage them to hear directly from Jesus.

Pause and Pray

Come, Holy Spirit, prepare the soil of my heart to receive the fullness of my loving Savior. Open my mind to comprehend the truth God wants to reveal. Heal the brokenness of my soul, mend the edges of my spirit and bring me before the authority of the Son of God. Amen.

For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and in Christ you have been brought to fullness. He is the head over every power and authority. Colossians 2:9-10

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” Matthew 28:18

I leave this time of prayer under the authority of Jesus Christ my risen Lord, to share his good news and love others in his name.

Amen