Let God Lead Monday Devotion

Theme: Humble prayer

First Word: John 15:5: “I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing.”

High Noon: Matthew 6:5-14 “For your Father knows what you need before you ask him.”

Last Word: Matthew 6:5-14 “This, then, is how you should pray: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.”

Questions:

In the first reading, Jesus is with his disciples at the Last Supper just before he is to be crucified when he speaks these words.

- As Jesus prepares to be crucified, what is on his mind?

- What happens to a branch apart from a vine? What happens to a branch that is connected to a vine?

- What happens to us as we are connected in prayer to God?

- If God knows what we need, why then does God call us into prayer?

- Who changes when we communicate with God in prayer?

Reflections:

We have this incredible opportunity!

In the First Word scripture for today, Jesus is speaking to His disciples just hours before he was to be crucified. What is on his mind?

He is providing guidance and direction for his disciples on how to live and how to carry forth God’s mission after Jesus is crucified. In the middle of Jesus’ guidance, he speaks these words: “Abide in me.”

Jesus is calling His disciples, and you and me to follow.  To follow him him prayer and faith.

Jesus knows the dangers in store for the disciples, and he knows the challenges that we have as well. The history of God’s relationship with His people is filled with stories in which God is reaching out in love to His people, seeking a deep relationship with us. The response of His people ranges from distrust, distraction, and disobedience to faith, hope, obedience and love. God says His will is that “I will be their God, they will be my people and I will be with them.” (Revelations 21:3). God seeks a relationship with you.

God has a plan for you and for Resurrection.

Of all the 7 billion people in the world, the 330 million people in the US and the 800 people that call Resurrection Lutheran Church their church home, you are unique. God has created a unique you! God has blessed you with life. God has redeemed you by the blood of His Son. God has said to you, “I will be with you always.”

And that is an incredible opportunity!

Prayer Starters 

  Heavenly Father, thank you for the privilege we have to pray. Grant that we may be nourished and strengthened through our time of prayer this week. Save us from distraction and distrust and build in us the faith and courage to Serve the World you Love.

Let God Lead in Prayer - Lord Jesus, thank you for your steadfast love for our family and our congregation. We ask that you would clearly lead Resurrection Lutheran Church into the future you want us to have. Guide us to be your church for people far into the future. You grace us and call us to a vibrant life of faith in Christ, a life we are asked to share with others. Take away our fear and give us courage and strength to trust that you go with us. Holy Spirit, give us ears to hear your voice, give us eyes to see your path, and give us faith to follow you. (Pause for silence and listening.) In Jesus’ name. Amen.