Guide to Prayer and Study for November 8

Scripture: Mark 12:38-44 (NRSV)

As he taught, he said, “Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, and to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, and to have the best seats in the synagogues and places of honor at banquets! They devour widows’ houses and for the sake of appearance say long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation.”He sat down opposite the treasury, and watched the crowd putting money into the treasury. Many rich people put in large sums. A poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which are worth a penny. Then he called his disciples and said to them, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the treasury. For all of them have contributed out of their abundance; but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.”

Context

Jesus continues teaching in the temple, challenging the scribes with questions they cannot answer and then denouncing them for their pretentious and self-serving ways.

Jesus is situated in the the “Court of the Women.” There would have been both men and women there. It was named in this manner because this was as far as women could go in the temple grounds.

In the latter portion of the scripture, Jesus is situated across from the temple treasury. From this vantage point, he could easily see people putting their money in the offering receptacles, which were metal and shaped like trumpets. There were thirteen of them, designated for a variety of purposes. It would have been easy to hear the sound of coins being dropped into them, with the size and kind of offering being readily obvious.

There were those who would have made a great show of how much they were giving. Their generosity would have been readily apparent. The “poor widow,” however, had only two small coins to offer. The more generous gifts are not condemned, but hers is clearly commended.

Reflection Questions

• What behavior of the scribes does Jesus condemn? Is it their wealth, or is it their pretension?
• Whom do we seek to impress with our giving?
• What do we seek to accomplish with our giving?
• How does this woman’s gift exemplify John Wesley’s teaching in his sermon, “The Use of Money,” that we are to “earn all we can, save all we can, [and] give all we can?”

Prayer

Lord, we are more wealthy than we realize. Help us to be generous, without having to have the attention of others. Amen.

Guide to Prayer and Study for November 1

Scripture: Mark 12:28-34

One of the scribes came near and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that he answered them well, he asked him, “Which commandment is the first of all?” ²⁹Jesus answered, “The first is, ‘Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one; you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ The second is this, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” Then the scribe said to him, “You are right, Teacher; you have truly said that ‘he is one, and besides him there is no other’; and ‘to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the strength,’ and ‘to love one’s neighbor as oneself,’ —this is much more important than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.” When Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” After that no one dared to ask him any question.

Context

Jesus has arrived in Jerusalem. According to the Gospel of Mark, he has entered the city in triumph-riding on a previously unridden colt (11:1-11), cursed a fig tree (11:12-14), cleansed the Temple (11:15-19), interpreted the withering of the fig tree (11:20-26), dealt with challenges to his authority (11:27-33), told the parable of the wicked tenants (12:1-12), handled the issue of paying taxes (12:13-17), and responded judiciously to a question about the resurrection (12:18-27).

Jesus’ time of testing continues with the arrival of a scribe who asks an apparently innocent question about the greatest of the commandments–a traditional point of conversation or debate.  Jesus responds by citing not one commandment but two, what we have come to call the “Great Commandments.” They come from Deuteronomy 6:4-5 and Leviticus 19:18.

Perhaps surprisingly, the scribe concurs with Jesus’ assessment. Jesus concludes with a word of affirmation that the scribe is “…not far from the kingdom of God”(12:34b).

Reflection Questions

• How do we deal with Jesus’ presence in the midst of our lives? Do we seek to argue him into submission, or do we listen to what he has to say?
• What are truly the “greatest commandments” for us?
• How do we love God with all our heart and soul and mind and strength?
• Who are the neighbors whom God gives us?

Prayer

Lord, thank you for coming among us and responding to our questions. Help us to live by the great commandments, as we seek to grow in our love of God and love of neighbor. Amen.

Guide to Prayer and Study for October 25

Scripture: Mark 10:46-52 (NRSV)

They came to Jericho. As he and his disciples and a large crowd were leaving Jericho, Bartimaeus son of Timaeus, a blind beggar, was sitting by the roadside. When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Many sternly ordered him to be quiet, but he cried out even more loudly, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” Jesus stood still and said, “Call him here.” And they called the blind man, saying to him, “Take heart; get up, he is calling you.” So throwing off his cloak, he sprang up and came to Jesus. Then Jesus said to him, “What do you want me to do for you?” The blind man said to him, “My teacher, let me see again.” Jesus said to him, “Go; your faith has made you well.” Immediately he regained his sight and followed him on the way.

Context

Jesus and his disciples continue on his journey to Jerusalem. He has told them of his coming death and resurrection three times (8:31-9:1, 9:30-31, 10:32-34), but they seem not to grasp what he is saying. The disciples quarrel along the way which of them was the greatest (9:33-37), and James and John try for special treatment (10:35-40).

As they come to Jericho, a large crowd has become part of Jesus’ entourage. The excitement–and apprehension–were mounting. Jerusalem–and the triumphal entry–is literally the next stop. Just as they are leaving Jericho, a blind man–without even his own name–calls repeatedly  for Jesus to have mercy on him.

“Bartimaeus” isn’t actually a name, even though that is how it appears to us. It simply identifies this man as the “Son of Timaeus.” Regardless of his namelessness, he knows precisely what he wants. He wants to see–not for the first time, but again. Without any further ado, Jesus announces the fact of his healing. And this unknown and unnamed man follows Jesus on the way to Jerusalem.

Reflection Questions

• Do you ever find yourself in spiritual darkness? What keeps you there? What brings you forth?
• Does Jesus’ healing of this blind man bring questions to your mind? If so, what are they? If not, why not?
• What is the “light at the end of the tunnel for you?”
• What does Jesus need to say or do for you to follow him on his way?

Prayer

Lord, give us the courage to call for help in the midst of our blindness. Give us the faith to believe in your power and purpose for our lives. And grant us the commitment to travel the path with you. Amen.

Guide to Prayer and Study for October 11

Scripture: Mark 10:35-45 (NRSV)

James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came forward to him and said to him, “Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we ask of you.” And he said to them, “What is it you want me to do for you?” And they said to him, “Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory.” But Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?” They replied, “We are able.” Then Jesus said to them, “The cup that I drink you will drink; and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized; but to sit at my right hand or at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared.”

When the ten heard this, they began to be angry with James and John. So Jesus called them and said to them, “You know that among the Gentiles those whom they recognize as their rulers lord it over them, and their great ones are tyrants over them. But it is not so among you; but whoever wishes to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you must be slave of all. For the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many.”

Context

Jesus and his disciples are on their way to Jerusalem. At the beginning of the journey, Jesus cured a blind man, though it took him two tries to get it right (8:22-26). During the journey, the disciples are the ones who appear unable to see or understand anything clearly–despite Peter’s confession at Caesarea Philippi (8:27-30) and the Transfiguration of Jesus (9:2-8).

Jesus spoke  clearly about  his impending death (and resurrection)–not just once or twice, but three times. However, the disciples managed only to argue about who among them was the greatest (Mark 9:33-37), complain about someone else casting out demons in Jesus’ name (9:38-42), and try to keep people from bringing little children to Jesus for his blessing (10:13-16).

In this passage, James and John try to work out a private deal with Jesus so that they can be assured places of prominence and prestige in the coming kingdom.   They clearly do not (yet) understand what Jesus is saying and are looking out primarily for themselves.

The two disciples claim naively that they can “drink the cup” that Jesus will drink and be “baptized with the baptism” with which he will be baptized. They have no idea what this commitment will really mean, but Jesus does not scold them or chastise them for their lack of understanding. Indeed, he tells them that they will, indeed, go through what he has gone through.

Reflection Questions

• What “special privileges” do we expect in being disciples of Jesus? Exemption from suffering? Healing from illness? Long life? Prosperity?
• As we grow in the faith, how does Jesus help us understand more fully what it really  means to walk with him?
• How do we find ways to serve others authentically?

Prayer

Lord, thank you for your patience and your guidance. Continue to walk with us in our journey of faith. Strengthen in us the commitment to “drink the cup” that you drink and be “baptized with the baptism” which you experienced. Amen.

Guide to Prayer and Study for October 4

Scripture: Hebrews 1:1-4, 2:10-11 (NRSV)

Long ago God spoke to our ancestors in many and various ways by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by a Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, through whom he also created the worlds. He is the reflection of God’s glory and the exact imprint of God’s very being, and he sustains all things by his powerful word. When he had made purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.
It was fitting that God, for whom and through whom all things exist, in bringing many children to glory, should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through sufferings. For the one who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one Father. For this reason Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters,

Context

The “Letter to the Hebrews” is never actually named by this title. According to the HarperCollins Study Bible (P. 2250), it is more of an “extended sermon,” although it does end like a letter and may well have been sent to a distant congrelation(13:22-25).

This “letter”  is sometimes attributed to Paul, but it is unlikely that he was the author. Other conjectures have been made, but none of them has  gained acceptance, and so its authorship remains unknown.

The “Letter to the Hebews” was probably written in the second generation of the early church. Its language is sophisticated, and it uses imagery from various fields of endeavor, including education, agriculture, seafaring, and athletics.

The most important source for the book is the Old Testament in its Greek form, the Septuagint, which is interpreted in the light of belief in Jesus.

Reflection Questions

• How did you come to know Jesus? Who is he for you?
• How can someone “be made perfect” through suffering (Hebrews 2:10).
• What does it mean for us to have the same Father as Jesus? How does this make us sisters and brothers?

Prayer

O God, we thank you for Jesus, who has opened the way to You and wants to bring us to glory. We are glad to be part of his everlasting family. Amen.

Guide to Prayer and Study for September 27

Scripture: Acts 6:1-7 (NRSV)

Now during those days, when the disciples were increasing in number, the Hellenists complained against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution of food. And the twelve called together the whole community of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should neglect the word of God in order to wait on tables. Therefore, friends, select from among yourselves seven men of good standing, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may appoint to this task, while we, for our part, will devote ourselves to prayer and to serving the word.” What they said pleased the whole community, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, together with Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch. They had these men stand before the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them. The word of God continued to spread; the number of the disciples increased greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith.

Context

The early church continues to grow in numbers, not only in spite of persecution but in some ways because of it. Despite threats and warnings, the apostles “did not cease to teach and proclaim Jesus as the Messiah”(Acts 5:42).

The early church is not without its internal tensions. As their numbers grew, there came to be an issue between the Greek-speaking believers and those who spoke Hebrew. There seemed to be favoritism, with the Greek speaking widows “being neglected in the daily distribution of food”(Acts 6:1) Widows were among the most socially and culturally disadvantaged,

The solution was not to assign blame or argue about whose fault this might have been. Nor did the twelve disciples decide to work harder or faster. Instead, they divided the work, so that it might be done more effectively and equitably.This particular issue does not arise again.

Reflection Questions

• When people have complaints, concerns, or questions about the life and work of the church, how do we respond?
• Are we willing to speak up for others in need, even though we may not personally be suffering?
• Are we more concerned with fixing the blame or resolving the problem?
• Do we take or share responsibility?

Prayer

Lord, help us remain level headed when tensions arise in the life of the church. Guide us to find solutions rather than to assign blame. Amen.

Guide to Prayer and Study for September 20

Scripture: Acts 5:12-16 (NRSV)

Now many signs and wonders were done among the people through the apostles. And they were all together in Solomon’s Portico. None of the rest dared to join them, but the people held them in high esteem. Yet more than ever believers were added to the Lord, great numbers of both men and women, so that they even carried out the sick into the streets, and laid them on cots and mats, in order that Peter’s shadow might fall on some of them as he came by. A great number of people would also gather from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing the sick and those tormented by unclean spirits, and they were all cured.

Context

This is now the third summary of the community life of the early church. The first was Acts 2:42-47. The second was Acts 4:32-37.

“Signs and wonders” continue to be characteristic of the community. They have a commitment to sharing all of their possessions in common, although there has been an episode in which two believers decided to hold back part of the proceeds from the sale of property.

This decision had mortal consequences for Ananias and Sapphira, for they were deemed to have lied not just to the apostles but to God. And great fear [or awe] seized the whole church and all who heard of these things”(Acts 5:11). [Incidentally, this is the first time that the word "church" is used in the book of Acts.]

In this Sunday’s passage, it is reported that “more than ever believers were added to the Lord . . .”(Acts 5:13).  The primary appeal seems the prospect of healing. People from the outlying areas are bringing the sick and the ill to be cured.

Reflection Questions

• What is it that brought you to Jesus in the first place?
• Who is it that brought you to Jesus in the first place?
• Whom are you bringing to Jesus now?
• For what reason would you want someone to experience the power and presence of Jesus?

Prayer

Lord, we thank you for the “signs and wonders” that are being done among us, even though we may not recognize them. We think that there is healing in your presence, and we ask that you might guide us in bringing others to share in that experience. Amen.

Guide to Prayer and Study for September 13

Scripture: Acts 4:23-31 (NRSV)

After they were released, they went to their friends and reported what the chief priests and the elders had said to them. When they heard it, they raised their voices together to God and said, “Sovereign Lord, who made the heaven and the earth, the sea, and everything in them, it is you who said by the Holy Spirit through our ancestor David, your servant:

‘Why did the Gentiles rage, and the peoples imagine vain things? The kings of the earth took their stand, and the rulers have gathered together against the Lord and against his Messiah.’

For in this city, in fact, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, gathered together against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed, to do whatever your hand and your plan had predestined to take place. And now, Lord, look at their threats, and grant to your servants to speak your word with all boldness, while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” When they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God with boldness.

Context

What began as an act of mercy–the healing of a crippled beggar–has now escalated into a major confrontation. Peter and John have been placed under arrest and then brought before an assembly of the rulers, elders, and scribes to answer charges brought against them. The reality of the healing was undeniable, since the man was standing next to Peter and John. The two apostles are ordered “not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus”(Acts 4:18), but reply that they “cannot keep from speaking about what we have seen and heard”(Acts 4:20). The two are then released, though not without an additional threat.

Reflection Questions

• Is boldness or timidity more characteristic of believers in today’s world?
• When and how are we emboldened to proclaim the truth of Christ?
• What is it on which we would stake our life and well being?
• Do we truly believe in the power of God to perform “signs and wonders?”

Prayer

Lord, grant that we might speak and live your word “with all boldness, while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” Amen.

Guide to Prayer and Study for September 6

Scripture: Acts 3:1-10 (NRSV)

One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, at three o”clock in the afternoon. And a man lame from birth was being carried in. People would lay him daily at the gate of the temple called the Beautiful Gate so that he could ask for alms from those entering the temple. When he saw Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked them for alms. Peter looked intently at him, as did John, and said, “Look at us.” And he fixed his attention on them, expecting to receive something from them. But Peter said, “I have no silver or gold, but what I have I give you; in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, stand up and walk.” And he took him by the right hand and raised him up; and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong. Jumping up, he stood and began to walk, and he entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God. All the people saw him walking and praising God, and they recognized him as the one who used to sit and ask for alms at the Beautiful Gate of the temple; and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.

Context

The experience of Pentecost is just past, with about three thousand persons being added. The term, church, is not yet used. This will not occur until Acts 5:14. For now, they followers of Jesus are simply described as “those who believe.”

Awe inspiring “signs and wonders” were being done by the apostles. The believers were spending time together daily in the temple, and their faith was nurtured also at home (Acts 2:46).

The episode involving Peter and John at the temple is the first of the “signs and wonders” to be specifically named. As Peter had earlier  urged repentance and baptism “in the name of Jesus,” so now he again invokes the name of Jesus Christ in telling the man lame from birth to “stand up and walk”(Acts 3:6).

The lame and the blind were traditionally excluded from entering the temple itself, a practice dating from the time of David. (See 2 Samuel 5:8) The man “lame from birth” was essentially being excluded, or at least left on the margins.

Reflection Questions

• Whom do we exclude, leave on the margins, or have to make a special effort to notice?
• How often do we feel excluded, left on the margins, or unnoticed?
• How do we offer “what we have” to make a difference in other people’s lives?

Prayer

O God of the helpless and hopeless, strengthen us to offer what we have. Help us to extend a hand of help and hope to others. Help us to accept help and hope from others. Amen.

Guide to Prayer and Study for August 30

Scripture: Acts 2:43-47 (NRSV)

Awe came upon everyone, because many wonders and signs were being done by the apostles. All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need. Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.

Context

These verses conclude the story of Pentecost, which was originally a Jewish harvest festival. It became the occasion for the coming of the Holy Spirit in a powerful way, and it marks the beginning of the life of the church.

The day began with 120 believers gathered “all together in one place.” The coming of God’s Spirit upon them resulted in their speaking–not in an unknown languages but in other known languages. This “holy commotion” resulted in persons being drawn to see what was happening and then hearing for themselves in their native languages.
Peter then gets up and addresses the crowd about what is happening, seeing it as a fulfillment of the prophecy of Joel. As Peter concludes, people are “cut to the heart” and ask what they should do. The answer was to repent, be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

So, scripture says, about 3000 people were added that day, and they “devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers”(Acts 2:42).

Reflection Questions

• How do we experience being together with other believers? When, where, and how does that take place in meaningful and powerful ways?
• What “wonders and signs” do we seek taking place within–and beyond–our congregation?
• How do we respond to those who are in need?
• How do we experience “glad and generous hearts” for what God has done, is doing, and will yet do in us and through us?

Prayer

O God, thank you for the powerful blessings you bring to our lives. Give us “glad and generous hearts” and enable us to share more fully with our brothers and sisters in the fellowship of faith. Amen.

Guide to Prayer and Study for February 8

Scripture: Mark 1:29-39 (NRSV)

²⁹As soon as they left the synagogue, they entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. ³⁰Now Simon’s mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and they told him about her at once. ³¹He came and took her by the hand and lifted her up. Then the fever left her, and she began to serve them.

³²That evening, at sundown, they brought to him all who were sick or possessed with demons. ³³And the whole city was gathered around the door. ³⁴And he cured many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons; and he would not permit the demons to speak, because they knew him. ³⁵In the morning, while it was still very dark, he got up and went out to a deserted place, and there he prayed. ³⁶And Simon and his companions hunted for him. ³⁷When they found him, they said to him, “Everyone is searching for you.” ³⁸He answered, “Let us go on to the neighboring towns, so that I may proclaim the message there also; for that is what I came out to do.” ³⁹And he went throughout Galilee, proclaiming the message in their synagogues and casting out demons.

Reflection Questions

• What is the significance of Jesus taking Simon’s mother-in-law by the hand and “lifting her up?”
• Why did Jesus refuse to permit the “demons” to speak?
• Why does Jesus leave a place where there is a crowd of people seeking him?
• What is Jesus doing in a “deserted place?” Where is your “deserted place?”
• What is the urgency for Jesus in proclaiming the message elsewhere? What brings urgency to your life in relationship to Jesus?

Prayer

Jesus, help us to follow you faithfully, even though you lead a different direction than we anticipated. Amen.

Guide to Prayer and Study for February 15

Scripture: Mark 1:40-45 (NRSV)

A leper came to him begging him, and kneeling he said to him, “If you choose, you can make me clean.” ⁴¹Moved with pity, Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, and said to him, “I do choose. Be made clean!” ⁴²Immediately the leprosy left him, and he was made clean. ⁴³After sternly warning him he sent him away at once, ⁴⁴saying to him, “See that you say nothing to anyone; but go, show yourself to the priest, and offer for your cleansing what Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.” ⁴⁵But he went out and began to proclaim it freely, and to spread the word, so that Jesus could no longer go into a town openly, but stayed out in the country; and people came to him from every quarter.

Reflection Questions

• What is the significance of Jesus touching the leper who had come, begging to be made clean?
• Why did Jesus tell the healed leper not to say anything?
• What happened when the word about Jesus began to spread?
• How do we keep Jesus from being effective?
• How can we get out of the way and let Jesus work?

Prayer

Lord, help me to get out of the way, if I am compromising your effectiveness. Amen.

Guide to Prayer and Study for February 22

Scripture: Mark 9:2-9 (NRSV)

²Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and John, and led them up a high mountain apart, by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, ³and his clothes became dazzling white, such as no one on earth could bleach them. ⁴And there appeared to them Elijah with Moses, who were talking with Jesus. ⁵Then Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” ⁶He did not know what to say, for they were terrified. ⁷Then a cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud there came a voice, “This is my Son, the Beloved; listen to him!” ⁸Suddenly when they looked around, they saw no one with them any more, but only Jesus.

⁹As they were coming down the mountain, he ordered them to tell no one about what they had seen, until after the Son of Man had risen from the dead.

Reflection Questions

• What is significant about this event taking place on a mountain?
• When had the voice of God spoken before (in the Gospel of Mark)?
• What is the significance of Moses and Elijah being seen with Jesus?
• What is Peter’s mistake? What is ours?
• Why did Jesus tell the disciples not to tell anyone about what they had seen and heard?

Prayer

Lord, help us even in the midst of fear to keep you always in sight. Amen.

Guide to Prayer and Study for March 1

Scripture: Jeremiah 29:11-14 (NRSV)

¹¹For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope. ¹²Then when you call upon me and come and pray to me, I will hear you. ¹³When you search for me, you will find me; if you seek me with all your heart, ¹⁴I will let you find me, says the Lord, and I will restore your fortunes and gather you from all the nations and all the places where I have driven you, says the Lord, and I will bring you back to the place from which I sent you into exile.

Reflection Questions

• What is the circumstance of the people being addressed in this passage?
• What kind of future is there for God’s people?
• What is expected of God’s people “in the meantime?”
• What does a “future with hope” look like for you?

Prayer

O God, help me to seek you with “all my heart” so that I might truly experience the “future with hope” that is in your plans. Amen.

Guide to Prayer and Study for March 8

Scripture: Habakkuk 2:1-4 (NRSV)

I will stand at my watchpost, and station myself on the rampart; I will keep watch to see what he will say to me, and what he will answer concerning my complaint. ²Then the Lord answered me and said: Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so that a runner may read it. ³For there is still a vision for the appointed time; it speaks of the end, and does not lie. If it seems to tarry, wait for it; it will surely come, it will not delay. ⁴Look at the proud! Their spirit is not right in them, but the righteous live by their faith.

Reflection Questions

• What vision does God still have in store for us as the people of God?
• What is our responsibility in God’s vision?
• Is there still time for God’s vision to be made plain?
• How are we then to live?

Prayer

Lord, help us to wait “on tip toe” for your vision to be made plain. Amen.

Guide to Prayer and Study for March 15

Scripture: Isaiah 43:14-21 (NRSV)

¹⁴Thus says the Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: For your sake I will send to Babylon and break down all the bars, and the shouting of the Chaldeans will be turned to lamentation. ¹⁵I am the Lord, your Holy One, the Creator of Israel, your King. ¹⁶Thus says the Lord, who makes a way in the sea, a path in the mighty waters, ¹⁷who brings out chariot and horse, army and warrior; they lie down, they cannot rise, they are extinguished, quenched like a wick: ¹⁸Do not remember the former things, or consider the things of old. ¹⁹I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. ²⁰The wild animals will honor me, the jackals and the ostriches; for I give water in the wilderness, rivers in the desert, to give drink to my chosen people, ²¹the people whom I formed for myself so that they might declare my praise.

Reflection Questions

• What “new thing” is God doing in your life? Our life?
• What is God’s purpose in doing something new?
• For what do you most thirst in your spiritual life?

Prayer

O God, help me to perceive what “new thing” you are already doing and to open my heart and my mind more fully. Amen.

Guide to Prayer and Study for March 22

Scripture: Matthew 7:24-29 (NRSV)

²⁴“Everyone then who hears these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock. ²⁵The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on rock. ²⁶And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not act on them will be like a foolish man who built his house on sand. ²⁷The rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell—and great was its fall!” ²⁸Now when Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were astounded at his teaching, ²⁹for he taught them as one having authority, and not as their scribes.

Reflection Questions

• What does it mean to build our house “on a rock”?
• How can we do so?
• What are the consequences if we build our life as a church “on sand”?

Prayer

O God, help me not only to hear what Jesus says but to put his words into action. Amen.

Guide to Prayer and Study for March 29

Scripture: Luke 18:1-8 (NRSV)

Then Jesus told them a parable about their need to pray always and not to lose heart. ²He said, “In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor had respect for people. ³In that city there was a widow who kept coming to him and saying, ‘Grant me justice against my opponent.’ ⁴For a while he refused; but later he said to himself, ‘Though I have no fear of God and no respect for anyone, ⁵yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will grant her justice, so that she may not wear me out by continually coming.’” ⁶And the Lord said, “Listen to what the unjust judge says. ⁷And will not God grant justice to his chosen ones who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long in helping them? ⁸I tell you, he will quickly grant justice to them. And yet, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?”

Reflection Questions

• Who do we seek most of all?
• What are we willing to pray for with annoying persistence?
• How is God like . . . unlike . . . the “unjust judge?”

Prayer

Lord, help us not to lose heart in our prayers that justice might be done. Amen.

Guide to Prayer and Study for March 29

Scripture: Luke 18:1-8 (NRSV)

Then Jesus told them a parable about their need to pray always and not to lose heart. ²He said, “In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor had respect for people. ³In that city there was a widow who kept coming to him and saying, ‘Grant me justice against my opponent.’ ⁴For a while he refused; but later he said to himself, ‘Though I have no fear of God and no respect for anyone, ⁵yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will grant her justice, so that she may not wear me out by continually coming.’” ⁶And the Lord said, “Listen to what the unjust judge says. ⁷And will not God grant justice to his chosen ones who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long in helping them? ⁸I tell you, he will quickly grant justice to them. And yet, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?”

Word in Context

Jesus is continuing on his journey to Jerusalem, which had begun with the declaration in Luke 9:51: “When the days drew near for him to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem.”

Jesus has just cleansed ten lepers, only one of whom had returned to thank him (Luke 17:11-20), and that one was a Samaritan. Jesus had then  spoken of the coming of the Kingdom (Luke 17:20-37), though in ways that were scarcely reassuring.

The parable of the “persistent widow and the unjust judge” is intended to encourage (or remind or admonish) his followers “about their need to pray always and not to lose heart.”  It seems like a peculiar way to make a point, but the parable is intended to help people understand how ready God is to grant justice to those who truly seek it.

Reflection Questions

• What do we seek–or want–most of all from God?
• What are we willing to pray for with annoying persistence?
• Do we truly believe that God stands ready to grant justice to God’s chosen ones?

Prayer

O God, help us not to lose heart, when our prayers seem not to be answered. Amen.

Guide to Prayer and Study for April 5

Scripture (Matthew 21:1-9, NRSV)

When they had come near Jerusalem and had reached Bethphage, at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, ²saying to them, “Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her; untie them and bring them to me. ³If anyone says anything to you, just say this, ‘The Lord needs them.’ And he will send them immediately.” ⁴This took place to fulfill what had been spoken through the prophet, saying, ⁵“Tell the daughter of Zion, Look, your king is coming to you, humble, and mounted on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.” ⁶The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them; ⁷they brought the donkey and the colt, and put their cloaks on them, and he sat on them. ⁸A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. ⁹The crowds that went ahead of him and that followed were shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest heaven!”

Scripture (Matthew 26:17-29, NRSV)

¹⁷On the first day of Unleavened Bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Where do you want us to make the preparations for you to eat the Passover?” ¹⁸He said, “Go into the city to a certain man, and say to him, ‘The Teacher says, My time is near; I will keep the Passover at your house with my disciples.’” ¹⁹So the disciples did as Jesus had directed them, and they prepared the Passover meal. ²⁰When it was evening, he took his place with the twelve; ²¹and while they were eating, he said, “Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me.” ²²And they became greatly distressed and began to say to him one after another, “Surely not I, Lord?” ²³He answered, “The one who has dipped his hand into the bowl with me will betray me. ²⁴The Son of Man goes as it is written of him, but woe to that one by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better for that one not to have been born.” ²⁵Judas, who betrayed him, said, “Surely not I, Rabbi?” He replied, “You have said so.”

²⁶While they were eating, Jesus took a loaf of bread, and after blessing it he broke it, gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body.” ²⁷Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you; ²⁸for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. ²⁹I tell you, I will never again drink of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.”

Scripture (Matthew 26:36-44, NRSV)

³⁶Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane; and he said to his disciples, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” ³⁷He took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be grieved and agitated. ³⁸Then he said to them, “I am deeply grieved, even to death; remain here, and stay awake with me.” ³⁹And going a little farther, he threw himself on the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet not what I want but what you want.” ⁴⁰Then he came to the disciples and found them sleeping; and he said to Peter, “So, could you not stay awake with me one hour? ⁴¹Stay awake and pray that you may not come into the time of trial; the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” ⁴²Again he went away for the second time and prayed, “My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, your will be done.” ⁴³Again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy. ⁴⁴So leaving them again, he went away and prayed for the third time, saying the same words.

Scripture (Matthew 27:1-2, 11-14, NRSV)

27When morning came, all the chief priests and the elders of the people conferred together against Jesus in order to bring about his death. ²They bound him, led him away, and handed him over to Pilate the governor.

¹¹Now Jesus stood before the governor; and the governor asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus said, “You say so.” ¹²But when he was accused by the chief priests and elders, he did not answer. ¹³Then Pilate said to him, “Do you not hear how many accusations they make against you?” ¹⁴But he gave him no answer, not even to a single charge, so that the governor was greatly amazed.

Scripture (Matthew 27:27-54, NRSV)

²⁷Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the governor’s headquarters, and they gathered the whole cohort around him. ²⁸They stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him, ²⁹and after twisting some thorns into a crown, they put it on his head. They put a reed in his right hand and knelt before him and mocked him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” ³⁰They spat on him, and took the reed and struck him on the head. ³¹After mocking him, they stripped him of the robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him away to crucify him. ³²As they went out, they came upon a man from Cyrene named Simon; they compelled this man to carry his cross.

³³And when they came to a place called Golgotha (which means Place of a Skull), ³⁴they offered him wine to drink, mixed with gall; but when he tasted it, he would not drink it. ³⁵And when they had crucified him, they divided his clothes among themselves by casting lots; ³⁶then they sat down there and kept watch over him. ³⁷Over his head they put the charge against him, which read, “This is Jesus, the King of the Jews.” ³⁸Then two bandits were crucified with him, one on his right and one on his left. ³⁹Those who passed by derided him, shaking their heads ⁴⁰and saying, “You who would destroy the temple and build it in three days, save yourself! If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross.” ⁴¹In the same way the chief priests also, along with the scribes and elders, were mocking him, saying, ⁴²“He saved others; he cannot save himself. He is the King of Israel; let him come down from the cross now, and we will believe in him. ⁴³He trusts in God; let God deliver him now, if he wants to; for he said, ‘I am God’s Son.’” ⁴⁴The bandits who were crucified with him also taunted him in the same way. ⁴⁵From noon on, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon. ⁴⁶And about three o”clock Jesus cried with a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” that is, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” ⁴⁷When some of the bystanders heard it, they said, “This man is calling for Elijah.” ⁴⁸At once one of them ran and got a sponge, filled it with sour wine, put it on a stick, and gave it to him to drink. ⁴⁹But the others said, “Wait, let us see whether Elijah will come to save him.”

⁵⁰Then Jesus cried again with a loud voice and breathed his last. ⁵¹At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. The earth shook, and the rocks were split. ⁵²The tombs also were opened, and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised. ⁵³After his resurrection they came out of the tombs and entered the holy city and appeared to many. ⁵⁴Now when the centurion and those with him, who were keeping watch over Jesus, saw the earthquake and what took place, they were terrified and said, “Truly this man was God’s Son!”

Word in Context

The sixth (or last) Sunday in Lent is traditionally celebrated as “Palm Sunday,”  commemorating Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. In recent years, it has also been celebrated–or at least observed–as “Passion Sunday,” commemorating Jesus’ suffering and death.

The events of Holy Week, Sunday through Friday, take up a significant portion of each of the Gospels. This is the encounter toward Jesus has been aiming. It means that he comes face to face with evil, indifference, and sabotage. It means that he has to deal with betrayal, denial, and abandonment by those whom he most closely associated. It means that he comes face to face with God, pleading that the cup he asked to drink might be taken from him. It means coming face to face with death and yielding up his spirit.

Reflection Questions

• What brings you joy in the observance of Holy Week?
• What brings you sorrow in the observance of Holy Week?
• Which part of the story would you prefer to leave out?
• How can Holy Week for you this year be a deeper encounter with Jesus?

Prayer

Lord, give us a deeper awareness of your suffering and death on our behalf. Amen.

Guide to Prayer and Study for April 12 (Easter Sunday)

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 (NRSV)

Now I should remind you, brothers and sisters, of the good news that I proclaimed to you, which you in turn received, in which also you stand, through which also you are being saved, if you hold firmly to the message that I proclaimed to you—unless you have come to believe in vain.

3 For I handed on to you as of first importance what I in turn had received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the scriptures, and that he was buried, and that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers and sisters at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have died. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. Last of all, as to someone untimely born, he appeared also to me. For I am the least of the apostles, unfit to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace towards me has not been in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them—though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me. Whether then it was I or they, so we proclaim and so you have come to believe.

The Word in Context

The Christian community at Corinth was a motley crew at best.  It is a congregation that Paul himself had founded, but that didn’t mean it was free from difficulty, challenge, or controversy. They were disorderly, divisive, and disagreeable. Paul wrote–as clearly and forcefully as he could–to promote among them unity, peace, and love.

In the fifteenth chapter, Paul rehearses the church’s tradition as it has come to him and then claims his own place as an “apostle”–one sent by God– in the sharing of the resurrection story.

Reflection Questions

• How would you summarize what is of “first importance” in your faith?
• How has–how does–the risen Christ make himself known to you?
• How have you experienced the grace of God in your life?
• How are you called to be an “apostle,” sent by God to share the good news with others?

Prayer

O God, we give you thanks for the reality of the risen Christ. May we experience anew the power of his resurrection and be empowered to share this news with others. Amen.

Guide to Prayer and Study for April 19

Scripture: 1 John 1:1-2:20 (NRSV)

We declare to you what was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and touched with our hands, concerning the word of life— ²this life was revealed, and we have seen it and testify to it, and declare to you the eternal life that was with the Father and was revealed to us— ³we declare to you what we have seen and heard so that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. ⁴We are writing these things so that our joy may be complete.

This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light and in him there is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him while we are walking in darkness, we lie and do not do what is true; but if we walk in the light as he himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.

If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. ⁹If we confess our sins, he who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

2My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; and he is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.

Word in Context

1 John is similar in many ways to the Gospel of John and was long  thought to be written by the same author, typically believed to be the Apostle John. It now appears that 1 John (as well as 2 John and 3 John) were written by the same person, but later in the history of the early church.

According to tradition, 1 John was written from the city of Ephesus. It is not really a letter so much as it is an essay or message written to deal with specific issues.

Reflection Questions

• How, when, and where have you seen, heard, and felt the “Word of life” for yourself?
• How are you called, encouraged, invited, or challenged to live so that your “joy may be complete?”How do you seek to “walk in the light” of God?
• What does forgiveness mean for you? How do you practice it in your life?

Prayer

Lord, help me to live in the light of God every day of our lives. Amen.

Guide to Prayer and Study for April 26

Scripture: 1 John 3:1-3, 14-18 (NRSV)

See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and that is what we are. The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Beloved, we are God’s children now; what we will be has not yet been revealed. What we do know is this: when he is revealed, we will be like him, for we will see him as he is. And all who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure.

We know that we have passed from death to life because we love one another. Whoever does not love abides in death. All who hate a brother or sister are murderers, and you know that murderers do not have eternal life abiding in them. We know love by this, that he laid down his life for us—and we ought to lay down our lives for one another. How does God’s love abide in anyone who has the world’s goods and sees a brother or sister in need and yet refuses help? Little children, let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action.

Word in Context

1 John is similar in many ways to the Gospel of John and was long  thought to be written by the same author, typically believed to be the Apostle John. It now appears that 1 John (as well as 2 John and 3 John) were written by the same person, but later in the history of the early church.

According to tradition, 1 John was written from the city of Ephesus. It is not really a letter so much as it is an essay or message written to deal with specific issues.

Reflection Questions

• How do you experience being one of God’s children?
• How does God’s love “abide” in us?
• How do you experience God’s love for you?
• How do you express God’s love for others?

Prayer

Lord, help us to love in word and deed. Amen.

Guide to Prayer and Study for May 3

Scripture: Ephesians 1:3-14 (NRSV)

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, just as he chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless before him in love. He destined us for adoption as his children through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace that he freely bestowed on us in the Beloved. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and insight he has made known to us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure that he set forth in Christ, as a plan for the fullness of time, to gather up all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth. In Christ we have also obtained an inheritance, having been destined according to the purpose of him who accomplishes all things according to his counsel and will, so that we, who were the first to set our hope on Christ, might live for the praise of his glory. In him you also, when you had heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and had believed in him, were marked with the seal of the promised Holy Spirit; this is the pledge of our inheritance toward redemption as God’s own people, to the praise of his glory.

Word in Context

This letter is attributed to Paul, “an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God,” and it is addressed “to the saints who are in Ephesus and are faithful in Jesus Christ.”  However, it may well have been written by a disciple of Paul, and it may have originally been intended as a “general letter intended for many churches” (HarperCollins Study Bible, p. 2192). The letter comes from the last third of the first century. It begins with “a vastly cosmic picture of God’s plan…”(HarperCollins Study Bible, p. 2193).

Reflection Questions

• How have you experienced being blessed in Christ?
• In what ways does God bless you? In what ways do you want God to bless you?
• How have you experienced the “lavish grace” of God?

Prayer

Lord, help us to know how blessed we are, and help us to be a blessing to others. Amen.

Guide to Prayer and Study for May 10

Scripture: Ephesians 4:1-6, 11-13 (NRSV)

I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling, ⁵one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all.

The gifts he gave were that some would be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until all of us come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to maturity, to the measure of the full stature of Christ.

Word in Context

This letter is attributed to Paul, “an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God,” and it is addressed “to the saints who are in Ephesus and are faithful in Jesus Christ.”  However, it may well have been written by a disciple of Paul, and it may have originally been a “general letter intended for many churches” (HarperCollins Study Bible, p. 2192).

In the fourth chapter, the focus is on “unity in the body of Christ” and the  “leadership gifts” which God imparts “to equip the saints for the work of ministry.”

Reflection Questions

• How do we most effectively live  “a life worth of the calling to which [we] have been called?”
• How is “unity of the Spirit” expressed and experienced?
• What is the purpose of the gifts that God gives?
• What is God’s goal for all of us?

Prayer

O God, guide us and bless us as we seek to grow “to the measure of the full stature of Christ.” Amen.

Guide to Prayer and Study for May 17

Scripture: Ephesians 6:10-20 (NRSV)

¹⁰Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his power. ¹¹Put on the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. ¹²For our struggle is not against enemies of blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. ¹³Therefore take up the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to withstand on that evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. ¹⁴Stand therefore, and fasten the belt of truth around your waist, and put on the breastplate of righteousness. ¹⁵As shoes for your feet put on whatever will make you ready to proclaim the gospel of peace. ¹⁶With all of these, take the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one. ¹⁷Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. ¹⁸Pray in the Spirit at all times in every prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert and always persevere in supplication for all the saints.

¹⁹Pray also for me, so that when I speak, a message may be given to me to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, ²⁰for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it boldly, as I must speak.

The Word in Context

This letter is attributed to Paul, “an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God,” and it is addressed “to the saints who are in Ephesus and are faithful in Jesus Christ.”  However, it may well have been written by a disciple of Paul, and it may have originally been a “general letter intended for many churches” (HarperCollins Study Bible, p. 2192).

The “whole armor of God” is primarily defensive in nature. Its purpose is to help believers withstand the assaults against them and “having done everything, to stand firm.”

Reflection Questions

• What are you doing to “be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his power?”
• What is  the 21st century equivalent of the “whole armor of God?”
• What throws you off balance? How do you regain your balance?
• For whom do you pray regularly? Who prays regularly for you?

Prayer

Lord, help us to stand firm–especially in times of challenge. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Guide to Prayer and Study for June 14

Scripture: Matthew 6:5-15 (NRSV)

“And whenever you pray, do not be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, so that they may be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But whenever you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you. “When you are praying, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do; for they think that they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.

“Pray then in this way: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And do not bring us to the time of trial, but rescue us from the evil one. For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you; but if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

The Word in Context

This teaching about prayer is taking from Jesus’ “Sermon on the Mount.” His ministry had begun in Galilee, shortly after he had learned of the arrest of John the Baptist. Jesus made his home in Capernaum by the Sea of Galilee, and the presumed site of the “Sermon on the Mount”  next to–or at least near–the Sea of Galilee.

The “Sermon on the Mount” is the first of five great discourses. It begins with the beatitudes, and then follows Jesus’ teaching on salt and light, the law and the prophets, and teaching about the law. Jesus’ teaching on prayer is part of a section that the Harper Collins Study Bible calls “The Piety That God Rewards.”

We have come to call it the “Lord’s Prayer,” but it is really the “Disciples’ Prayer.” There is another version of this prayer in Luke 11:1-4.

Reflection Questions

• What is your discipline of prayer? Where is your “hidden place” for prayer?
• How do you avoid hypocrisy in your life of prayer and faith?
• What debts (or sins or trepasses) do you most need to have forgiven? What debts (or sins or trespasses) do you need to forgive others?

Prayer

Lord, teach us not to heap up empty phrases but genuinely to pray in a way that brings us closer to you. Amen.

Guide to Prayer and Study for June 21

Text: 2 Corinthians 9:6-12 (NRSV)

The point is this: the one who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the one who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that by always having enough of everything, you may share abundantly in every good work. As it is written, “He scatters abroad, he gives to the poor; his righteousness endures forever.” He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way for your great generosity, which will produce thanksgiving to God through us; for the rendering of this ministry not only supplies the needs of the saints but also overflows with many thanksgivings to God.

Context

The church at Corinth is one of the ones that Paul established, but hat doesn’t mean that things went well thereafter! Far from it! Paul had as much difficulty and challenge with this congregation as any.

This letter dates from the mid-50s of the first century. It is part of his extensive correspondence with the Corinthian church.

Paul’s experience with the church at Corinth is reflected in the tone of 2 Corinthians. According to the HarperCollins Study Bible, it varies widely from “joyful and conciliatory” (chapter 7) to “ironic and argumentative” (Chapters 10-13). Indeed, it may actually be a compilation of several fragments.

Reflection Questions

• How have you experienced the principle Paul enunciates that “the one who sows sparingly will reap sparingly and the one who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully?”
• Do you give more out of cheerfulness or more out of compulsion?
• What are the blessings God has given you “in abundance?”
• How does God simply “supply” or “multiply” resources for you to invest in the work of God?

Prayer

Lord, move us toward genuine, joyful generosity in our giving. For Jesus’ sake and in his name we pray. Amen.

Guide to Prayer and Study for July 5

Scripture: Exodus 3:1-8a, 9-12 (NRSV)

Moses was keeping the flock of his father-in-law Jethro, the priest of Midian; he led his flock beyond the wilderness, and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. There the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire out of a bush; he looked, and the bush was blazing, yet it was not consumed. Then Moses said, “I must turn aside and look at this great sight, and see why the bush is not burned up.” When the Lord saw that he had turned aside to see, God called to him out of the bush, “Moses, Moses!” And he said, “Here I am.”Then he said, “Come no closer! Remove the sandals from your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground.” He said further, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” And Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God.

Then the Lord said, “I have observed the misery of my people who are in Egypt; I have heard their cry on account of their taskmasters. Indeed, I know their sufferings, and I have come down to deliver them from the Egyptians, and to bring them up out of that land to a good and broad land, a land flowing with milk and honey. . . The cry of the Israelites has now come to me; I have also seen how the Egyptians oppress them. So come, I will send you to Pharaoh to bring my people, the Israelites, out of Egypt.”

But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh, and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?” He said, “I will be with you; and this shall be the sign for you that it is I who sent you: when you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall worship God on this mountain.”

Context:

Moses–who is the original “water baby”–had been raised in Egypt by the Pharaoh’s daughter. When he was forty years of age, he  fled to Midian after being seen killing an Egyptian. He  found a home there, marrying and having a son. He was tending the flock of his father-in-law in what must have seemed a dead-end job, when God moved surprising and unexpectedly in his life.

Reflection Questions:

• Have you ever felt yourself a failure and believed that God has no use for you?
• Do you believe that you are too old (or too young) to be useful in God’s purpose?
• Where, when, and how does God get your attention?
• How long does it take for God to wear down your defenses?
• What is the one thing that God is calling you to do in order to be a faithful servant?

Prayer:

Almighty God, help us to see, to hear, and to accept your call and claim upon our lives. Help us to move past our reluctance to respond in faithfulness. Amen.

Guide to Prayer and Study for July 12

Scripture: Exodus 7:1-7 (NRSV)

The Lord said to Moses, “See, I have made you like God to Pharaoh, and your brother Aaron shall be your prophet. You shall speak all that I command you, and your brother Aaron shall tell Pharaoh to let the Israelites go out of his land. But I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, and I will multiply my signs and wonders in the land of Egypt. When Pharaoh does not listen to you, I will lay my hand upon Egypt and bring my people the Israelites, company by company, out of the land of Egypt by great acts of judgment. The Egyptians shall know that I am the Lord, when I stretch out my hand against Egypt and bring the Israelites out from among them.” Moses and Aaron did so; they did just as the Lord commanded them. Moses was eighty years old and Aaron eighty-three when they spoke to Pharaoh.

Context

Moses has finally given in to God’s directive for him to bring God’s people out of Egypt. (Exodus 3:10). Moses had attempted every possible excuse, but God prevailed. His older brother, Aaron, has been designated spokesman, and the two of them make their way to the court of Pharaoh.

Their initial efforts to persuade Pharaoh to let the people go are notably unsuccessful, with the people being increasingly mistreated and the tension rising higher.

Beginning in the seventh chapter, the Lord is making ready to increase the pressure on Pharaoh through multiplied signs and wonders throughout Egypt. This will be expressed through the plagues, eventually culminating in the “death of the firstborn.”

Reflection Questions

• Why do our efforts to help others sometimes seem to result in things getting worse?
• How do we maintain our integrity and faithfulness when the pressure to give up and give in to circumstances becomes overwhelming?
• How do we interpret “signs and wonders” that adversely affect others?

Prayer

Lord, help us to remain faithful in our commitment to you, even when the pressures around us and within us seem more than we can bear. Amen.

Guide to Prayer and Study for July 19

Scripture: Exodus 12:1-2, 8, 11-13 (NRSV)

The Lord said to Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt: This month shall mark for you the beginning of months; it shall be the first month of the year for you.

They shall eat the lamb that same night; they shall eat it roasted over the fire with unleavened bread and bitter herbs.

This is how you shall eat it: your loins girded, your sandals on your feet, and your staff in your hand; and you shall eat it hurriedly. It is the passover of the Lord. For I will pass through the land of Egypt that night, and I will strike down every firstborn in the land of Egypt, both human beings and animals; on all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgments: I am the Lord. The blood shall be a sign for you on the houses where you live: when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and no plague shall destroy you when I strike the land of Egypt.

Context

This passages describes the institution of Passover, originally observed as a means of warding off the tenth plague–the death of the firstborn. This is the only plague visited upon the Egyptians for which the Israelites had to take preventive measures. In the preceding plagues, the Israelites had been maintained in safety even when destruction was brought upon Egypt.

The essential element of Passover is the sacrifice of an unblemished year-old male lamb, with blood from the sacrifice daubed on the doorposts and the lintels of the houses of the Israelite people.

Along with protecting the people from the final plague,  Passover is now to be celebrated as a permanent memorial.

Reflection Questions

• When is God’s love and power most apparent to you? When and how is it vivid?
• What are the foods that most remind you of God’s love and power?
• What are the meals that have meant the most to you over the years?
• When did you first hear the “old, old story” of Jesus and “his precious blood’s atoning?” (“Victory in Jesus”)

Prayer

O God, we give You thanks that you are faithful to Your promises, especially the promise to set Your people free. Help us to trust in the midst of life’s challenges and difficulties. Amen.

Guide to Prayer and Study for August 16

Scripture: Acts 1:6-8 (NRSV)

“So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, is this the time when you will restore the kingdom to Israel?” He replied, ‘It is not for you to know the times or periods that the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.’”

Context

The “Acts of the Apostles” is a companion volume to the Gospel of Luke. It is the “first book,” in which the author “wrote about all that Jesus did and taught from the beginning until the day when he was taken up to heaven . . . “

The book of Acts  is typically thought of as a book of history, but it also contains other kinds of literature including biography and homily. The author of this book is not specifically named, but tradition ascribes it to a gentile Christian named “Luke.” According to the HarperCollins Study Bible, the author of Luke and Acts “has received a good education and has made careful study of Jewish scriptures”(p. 2056-57).

Both Luke and Acts are addressed to “Theophilus,” which may be a specific individual or may be anyone and everyone who can be sidered a “lover of God.”

Reflection Questions

• How often do we ask the wrong questions of Jesus?
• What kind of details do we want from Jesus?
• How hard is it for us to believe that we will receive power?
• What kind of power does Jesus promise?
• How is it that we are Jesus’ witnesses–even to the ends of the earth?

Prayer

O Lord, bless us with an unexpected capacity to wait until the coming of the power that you promise. Amen.

Guide to Prayer and Study for August 23

Scripture: Acts 2:1-6 (NRSV)

When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability.Now there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven living in Jerusalem. And at this sound the crowd gathered and was bewildered, because each one heard them speaking in the native language of each.

Context

The celebration of Pentecost was a Jewish festival. Its name comes from the fact that it took place the fiftieth day after Passover. It was a harvest festival, marking the end of the spring barley harvest and the beginnings of the summer wheat harvest. It included the bringing of crop offerings to Jerusalem.

This festival also commemorated the giving of the Law to Moses on Mount Sinai, “fifty days” after the Exodus.

The first believers–numbering about 120–were “all together in one place” when they experienced the power and presence of the Holy Spirits. It was ten days after Jesus had given them “waiting orders.”

Reflection Questions

• How long do we typically wait and hope and pray for something to happen that we believe God has promised?
• What is the significance of the believers being “all together in one place?’
• When and how does the Spirit of God come upon our lives?
• How have you heard others “speaking your language” about the power and presence of God?

Prayer

Lord, give us the courage and capacity to spend time together with other believers. Bless us with patience to wait expectantly for the coming of the Spirit’s power and presence. Amen.