Sing God’s Praises
SUNDAY, October 29
Psalm 96:1-9
Do you follow a particular celebrity or sport? Are you a part of a fandom? Last year, my daughter-in-law and I went to “Prince: The Immersive Experience” in Chicago. We truly enjoyed the interactive remembrance of that musical genius’s life and legacy.
I teach Sunday school classes for two- through five-year-olds. Singing is one of the fun parts of our class. The children love to sing, dance, and praise the Lord. We incorporate hand motions, marching and even jumping. I love watching them, as young as they are, praising the Lord with their whole heart and soul.
And Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:3, NIV). As devoted worshipers of God, we sing and praise the Lord in different ways with our lives and our voices. “Sing to the Lord, praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day” (v. 2, NIV).
Lord, helps us sing your praises and live lives worthy of your praise. AMEN.
PRAYER FOCUS: COURAGE TO SPEAK OUT AGAINST INJUSTICE
Merciful God
MONDAY, October 30
Exodus 33:12-17
“Can we have company?” my young siblings and I would ask our parents. Usually, they would say yes. But if we had been naughty, we would have to plead our case.
Similarly, in today’s text, we see Moses intercede on behalf of the rebellious Israelites. Moses knew his own limitations and the limitations of his people. Earlier in the chapter, God had called the Israelites a “stiff-necked people” and said that he might destroy them if he went with them (v. 3). Just as my siblings and I had to plead our case, Moses pleaded their case. And in response, “The Lord replied, ‘My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest’” (v. 14, NIV).
God, please forgive our sins. Thank you for the reassurance of your constant presence. AMEN.
God’s Presence
TUESDAY, October 31
Exodus 33:18-23
In my teaching career, students often tried to negotiate for better grades, easier or different assignments, and more free time. In this passage Moses continues to negotiate with God, asking, “Now show me your glory” (v. 18, NIV).
God had already given Moses the power to confront Pharaoh, call forth the ten plagues, cross the Red Sea, and deliver the ten commands. And God guided the Israelites with a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. But Moses wanted more. God granted Moses his particular request but did not allow him to see his face, only to feel his presence—just as we cannot see God’s face, but we know he is present. We can sense God all around us, in the beauty of the world, in the miracle of birth and spiritual rebirth. These are all evidence of God’s presence.
Lord, help us to remember that you are always present in our world and in our lives. AMEN.
PRAYER FOCUS: GENEROSITY IN GIVING TO OTHERS
House of Prayer
WEDNESDAY, November 1
Matthew 21:12-17
“Jesus entered the temple courts and drove out all who were buying and selling there. ‘It is written,’ he said to them, ‘My house will be called a house of prayer’” (vv. 12-13, NIV). Jesus’s main concern was ministering to people.
In the fall of 1974, I moved to a new town. I was far from my hometown of Chicago, had no friends, and was homesick. I struggled with many personal issues and my life was unsettled. When I heard a woman humming a gospel song one day, I felt comforted and spoke to her. She sensed my loneliness and offered to take me to her church. Each week, she found a new way to encourage me, and the church prayed for me. There I renewed my faith in God, learned to pray, and regained my peace. Richard Foster says, “Of all the spiritual disciplines, prayer is the most central because it ushers us into perpetual communion with the Father.”
Jesus, help us make prayer and people a priority. AMEN.
Making a Way Out of No Way
THURSDAY, November 2
Isaiah 45:1-10
Have you ever had problems and didn’t know what to do, but somehow against the odds you made it through? In the African-American community, we call that “making a way out of no way.”
God promises to be with us when we face obstacles, whether at home, at school, or on the job. Even on our sickbed, in a courtroom, or in some other unexpected situation, God can handle it. Today’s text proclaims, “This is what the Lord says to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I take hold of…to open doors before him so that gates will not be shut: I will go before you and will level the mountains” (vv. 1-2, NIV). Keeping this in mind, we can trust that God hears our prayers and can make a way out of any situation.
Lord, thank you for your continued presence in our lives and for taking care of our needs. AMEN.
PRAYER FOCUS: COMMUNITIES DEALING WITH DROUGHT
We Thank God and You
FRIDAY, November 3
1 Thessalonians 1:1-10
“The word has gotten around. Your lives are echoing the Master’s Word, not only in the provinces but all over the place. The news of your faith in God is out. We don’t even have to say anything anymore—you’re the message!” (vv. 7-8, MSG).
How does our faith inform how we live our lives and serve our church and communities? In today’s passage, Paul is praising the Thessalonians for their continued faith, labor of love, and patience. In today’s troubled world, we desperately need believers in the church and communities expressing these same virtues. We need each other.
Ubuntu is a South African phrase translated by Christian African philosopher J. S. Mbiti to mean, “I am, because we are; and since we are, therefore I am.” During this month of thanksgiving, let us praise God for those people who have touched and enriched our lives.
“We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers” (v. 2). AMEN.
Majesty of God
SATURDAY, November 4
Hebrews 1:1-4
Last April, I watched parts of King Charles’s coronation ceremony. The regalia, royal crowns, scepter, musical tributes, fireworks—it was a grand presentation!
However, there is no majesty like heavenly majesty. Like moths drawn to a flame in a spiritual way, Jesus draws us to God and to his holy majesty. When I think of Jesus’s splendor as depicted in today’s text, I am reminded of Howard Thurman’s words: “What a moment, reaching beyond time into eternity!”
There is no coronation or celebration that can compare to God’s glory. “The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being….After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. So he became as much superior to the angels” (vv. 3-4, NIV).
Lord, help your children honor and reflect your majesty by being loving persons who draw others to you. AMEN.
PRAYER FOCUS: MIGRANT WORKERS
