23-27 September
Read Think Pray
Monday
Read Psalm 113
Think
I like the way that this Psalm is divided into two
sections. Verse 1-6 paint a picture of
God’s greatness and power. Verse 7-9
remind us that God is involved in the world at our level.
Raising the poor from the dust (Verse 7).
This is the God we serve; God who comes down to be with us
in our difficulty and struggle.
Pray
Tell God what barrenness / dust / ash heaps you need help to
get out of. Concentrate more on telling
God what’s happening than on telling him how to rescue you.
Tuesday
Read Amos 8:4-7
Think
Eugene Peterson translates verse 4-6: “Listen to this, you
who walk over the weak, you who treat the poor people as less than nothing…”
How have you been a victim of injustice? How does it feel to hear that God is keeping
tabs on what people are up to?
How have you been a perpetrator of injustice?
Pray
Lord I’m very aware of when people are unfair to me, but not
very aware of when I am unfair to others.
Help me to see more clearly.
Wednesday
Read 1 Timothy 2:1-7
Think
Paul calls us to pray for kings and all those in high
positions, so that we may lead a ‘quiet
and peacable life in all godliness and dignity.’
That is what God wants for the world – peace, godliness and
dignity. Paul reminds us to pray!
Do you pray for our countries leaders in business and
politics?
Perhaps we should.
Pray
God bless Africa, Guard her children, Guide her
leaders. And give her peace. Amen.
Thursday
Read Luke 16:1-13
Think
This really is a very confusing story.
In the light of chapter 15 (the story of the lost coin, lost
sheep and prodigal son) I think it is about being generous with God’s grace.
Believing that God can forgive sinners like us. But also knowing that God can forgive other
sinners too. It’s not up to us to do the
judging.
Pray
Lord you forgive me so graciously but I am so reluctant to
forgive others. Help me.
Friday
Read 16:19-31
Think
If I listen to this parable as myself I hear it as hard or
bad news. I’m more like the rich man
than like Lazarus.
But if I were poor; I would hear this story as incredibly
good and hopeful news. The news that justice will prevail.
Pray
Lord help us to recognize Lazarus at our gate.
