Thursday June 8, 2023

Today is Thursday, June 8 and we are studying what the Bible says about worship.

As I begin today’s pilgrim journey, I fix my eyes upon Jesus, the author and perfecter of my faith. I focus on faithfully following his footsteps as he gently leads me on the well-worn paths of holiness.  

Pause and Pray

Blessed Lord and Savior, teach me how to make progress in this pilgrim life. Reveal truth and vanquish lies, let love cast out fear, shine the light that overcomes the darkness, and fill me with the peace that passes understanding. Amen. 

I worship God and praise his holy name with the words of Psalm 122, a Psalm of Ascent.

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem. May those who love you be secure. May there be peace within your walls and security within your citadels. Psalm 122:6-7

Pause and Pray

When Jesus was born there were three Magi who came from the East, from the Persian Empire. They planned for many years to make this journey. The three were astronomers following a star of prophecy and they journeyed to find a new promised king. They followed a bright and brilliant constellation that led them to Jesus. They put following him first, before anything else. When they found Jesus, they were overwhelmed with joy. When they saw the baby King they knelt down and worshiped him. They opened their treasure chests and offered the Christ Child their gifts.

After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route. Matthew 2:9-12

As I reflect on my worship of my Lord and Savior, I observe four postures of the wise men at the manger which I can adapt. First, I put finding Jesus first, before anything else. When I prioritize my relationship with him everything else will fall into place. Second, I experience the overwhelming joy of seeing him in unexpected places and carry that joy with me throughout the day. Third, I worship him. In the early dawn, I kneel beside the creche, praise his name and acknowledge him as Lord of my life. Fourth, I open the treasure chest of my heart and give him all that I am and all that I have, the gift of my life.

Ask: How am I on a daily pilgrimage to seek, find and follow Jesus? What gift can I offer to my Lord Jesus today?

Pause and Pray

Lord Jesus, Son of God, Prince of Peace. As the three Magi did long ago, I put you first, I seek you first, I bow down and worship you. I am overwhelmed with the joy of your presence. I offer myself to you as a holy and living sacrifice – body, soul, mind and strength. Whatever gifts I have to give, I offer them to you to be utilized for the good of your kingdom. I read the words from Matthew again and listen for the message you have for me.

After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route. Matthew 2:9-12

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 consider this well-known children’s Bible story and familiar Christmas tale – the Three Kings. What message does God want to reveal to me about my act of worship? It is early Summer and the Christmas Nativity scene is packed away in a box and far from my mind, but what might it teach me today? What is the star I am following this Summer? Where can I look for Jesus this June morning? How can I experience the joy of his presence? In today’s journey, where will I find an altar in the world where I can pause and worship the King of Kings? I peer into my treasure chest, am I aware of all I have to give? Am I willing to relinquish whatever is in my possession? Am I ready to lay it down at the cross and offer it to Jesus as an act of love?

Pause and Pray

Holy and Loving God, let the light of your star illuminate the path that leads me close to the heart of Jesus your Son. Come, blessed Lord, reveal the instances I neglect to put you first, show me where I am missing out on the joy you promise, remind me to pause and take time to worship you throughout my busy day and share the good gifts you have given me. Amen.

“Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” Matthew 2:2

Suddenly Jesus met them. “Greetings,” he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. Matthew 28:9

As I leave this time of prayer, I go bearing gifts of the kingdom ready to joyfully share the treasures of Jesus Christ with everyone I meet.

Amen