PRAY FOR THOSE IN AUTHORITY

DANIEL 2:21 (MSG)
He changes the seasons and guides history,
He raises up kings and also brings them down...

1 TIMOTHY 2:1-2 (CEB)
First of all, then, I ask that requests, prayers, petitions, and thanksgiving be made for all people. Pray for kings and everyone who is in authority...

THE ESSENCE
Since God controls who is in authority, we need to address our communication regarding these people to him.  

DAILY FODDER
The second half of 1 Timothy 2:2 gives us the reason to talk to God about the authorities; "...so that we can live a quiet and peaceful life in complete godliness and dignity." How does this goal affect the way you pray?

PRAYER
God, we look to you because you are the ultimate sovereign. Forgive us for trying to solve the world's problems on our own and in our own way. I pray that you would give us leaders who mercifully seek peace and justice, according to your ways. Depose those who are corrupt and full of themselves. I'm grateful that in your faithfulness and compassion you listen to ordinary people like me. Amen. 

THE LORD’S PRAYER (ABP)
Our Father in Heaven,
     we hold your name in the highest regard.
Please come and establish your reign here on earth
     so that everything that happens here will align
     with what is happening in heaven.

Give us enough food for today.

Forgive us our wrongdoing,
     and we’ll forgive those who have wronged us.
Shield us from the trials and temptations that come our way.
Lastly, we pray that you will protect us from all forms of evil. Amen.

DIVINE POWER

The Third Sunday after Epiphany

JEREMIAH 27:5 (ABP)
I created the world by my great power — including all the people and animals. I get to choose who will have the power to rule over my creation.

ROMANS 1:20 (NTFE)
There are, of course, things about God which you can’t see, namely, his eternal power and deity. But, ever since the world was created, they have been known and seen in the things he has made.

THE ESSENCE
Since God is the source, he gets to decide who will have power.

DAILY FODDER
One of the great mysteries is that so many people who have values diametrically opposed to God, seem to have so much power in the world where he's the one deciding who gets power. Why might this be?

PRAYER
Creator God, the wonders of creation reveal your eternal power and divine nature. Your beauty and majesty are in the sky. You are in the diversity of plant and animal life. I see you in the unique face and personality of each person I meet. And when I look inward, I feel blessed that you are in my heart. Amen. (Daily Texts, Ground Up Grace edition)

THE LORD’S PRAYER (ABP)
Our Father in Heaven,
     we hold your name in the highest regard.
Please come and establish your reign here on earth
     so that everything that happens here will align
     with what is happening in heaven.

Give us enough food for today.

Forgive us our wrongdoing,
     and we’ll forgive those who have wronged us.
Shield us from the trials and temptations that come our way.
Lastly, we pray that you will protect us from all forms of evil. Amen.

COMMUNITY

JEREMIAH 30:20 (NRSVUE)
Their congregation shall be established before me...

EPHESIANS 2:20 (CEB)
As God’s household, you are built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone.

THE ESSENCE
God has established his community/household through Christ Jesus.

DAILY FODDER
Why do you think that when God wants to transform the world he invests his energy into forming communities of faith and doesn't just make faith a matter of personal connection with him? Wouldn’t it be simpler if we didn't have to deal with the church, and faith could just be a personal thing between you and God? What is God thinking?

PRAYER
You, Christ Jesus, are the cornerstone of the Church. Thank you for building a solid foundation on the ancient apostles and prophets. Forgive us for living as though everything starts with us and our experence of the gospel. Yes, those things are important but show us how to further form our faith on the foundation you have established. I'm beginning to understand that my place in this community that transcends time and place, is really important. Amen.  

THE LORD’S PRAYER (ABP)
Our Father in Heaven,
     we hold your name in the highest regard.
Please come and establish your reign here on earth
     so that everything that happens here will align
     with what is happening in heaven.

Give us enough food for today.

Forgive us our wrongdoing,
     and we’ll forgive those who have wronged us.
Shield us from the trials and temptations that come our way.
Lastly, we pray that you will protect us from all forms of evil. Amen.

KING JESUS

EXODUS 15:18 (ABP)
The reign of GOD the King will be without end.

LUKE 1:33 (CEB)
He will rule over Jacob’s house forever, and there will be no end to his kingdom.

THE ESSENCE
The scriptures want us to recognize that Jesus is the forever king and that his kingdom has no end. 

DAILY FODDER
What are the implications of recognizing Jesus as the ultimate king? How does this impact the way that we relate to the temporal authorities of the world? Is he currently reigning as king or is this a yet to be fulfilled promise? 

PRAYER
Holy God, you rule forever and ever, Amen. Forgive me for living as though your kingdom is entirely future, and for making ungodly alliances with the rogue power-hungry regimes functioning in the world today. Help me to raise high the banner of King Jesus through the way I live and speak. I am an ambassador of your unending righteous and just kingdom. Amen. 

THE LORD’S PRAYER (ABP)
Our Father in Heaven,
     we hold your name in the highest regard.
Please come and establish your reign here on earth
     so that everything that happens here will align
     with what is happening in heaven.

Give us enough food for today.

Forgive us our wrongdoing,
     and we’ll forgive those who have wronged us.
Shield us from the trials and temptations that come our way.
Lastly, we pray that you will protect us from all forms of evil. Amen.