Source of Our Hope
Sunday, January 4
EPHESIANS 1:3–14
I often use the practice of lectio divina when reading God’s Word. Lectio divina is Latin for “divine reading.” It is a prayerful, contemplative way to engage with Scripture. This week I invite you to join me in a modified version of this sacred practice. Each day I invite you to find a quiet space where you will not be interrupted. Perhaps light a candle as a symbol of the Holy Spirit’s presence. Take in a slow, deep breath through your nose, hold it for a few seconds, then exhale slowly through your mouth. Do this three times, breathing in God’s Spirit and releasing any tension or distraction.
Read the Scripture passage slowly and prayerfully. Feel free to read it more than once—three times is a good guide, using different translations if available. Pay attention to what stands out: a word, phrase, or image that seems to shimmer. Write it down to use for further processing. This is the beginning of a conversation with God.
Reflecting on today’s passage, I am overcome with gratitude. What a gift it is that hope was woven into the divine plan for humanity. This text reminds us that we have hope because God chose us. We have hope because Jesus redeemed us. We have hope because we are beloved children of a loving Father. We have hope not because of what we do, but because the One in control is omnipotent, omnipresent, loves us unconditionally, and has a plan for the restoration of creation.
What word or phrase popped for you today? Ask the Lord what he wants to show you. Let that word carry you through the day.
Source of our hope, I am grateful for you, your grace and mercy, the assurance that you are in control and have a plan for me. May I share this hope with those around me, with love and grace. Amen.
Hoping for Justice
Monday, January 5
PSALM 72:1-7, 10-14
This psalm provides us with the vision of a leader seeking God and striving to live by God’s holy standards. The prayer begins with a bold request: “Endow the king with your justice, O God” (v. 1, NIV). Like the psalmist, I long for leaders who embody God’s sense of justice both in their hearts and in their actions. Yet I’ve struggled to pray for our political leaders.
In this psalm I feel God drawing near, understanding my heart, and offering me grace to receive the words I need, grace to pray with honesty and love. I find words that help shape what my heart has been feeling: “Help him judge your people in the right way; let the poor always be treated fairly” (v. 2, NLT).
Through these words, God reorients my heart. He reminds me that my prayers are not only for the poor and the needy, but also for those in positions of authority. I am grateful that God does not leave me in my frustration but calls me higher in grace, mercy, and love.
Breath Prayer: (inhale) “Lord, give wisdom to our leaders…” (exhale) “…and justice for the poor.” Amen.
Mystery of Hope
Tuesday, January 6
MATTHEW 2:1-12
We often overlook the beauty of resting in a story and allowing it to speak in ways beyond logic. Scripture was given not only to inform our minds but to form our hearts. Through mystery, God draws us closer and speaks in unexpected ways. I invite you to slow down, prepare your space, and allow yourself to enter into this scene.
Imagine you are one of the wise men on their journey. The night sky stretches above you, and one star shines more brightly than the rest.
You shift in the saddle, sore from the long ride, listening as the camels’ hooves strike the dirt path. The gifts tied to the saddle sway as you move forward, and you are filled with expectation. You arrive at the young family. See the humble setting. Notice the faces of those gathered. What happens within you as you offer your gift? What words rise in your heart to share with Mary, Joseph, or the shepherds? As you gaze upon Jesus, what feelings arise?
This kind of prayer is not about getting every detail right. It is about opening yourself to the Spirit’s whisper through the story. Holy imagination invites us to participate, to feel the hope, wonder, and joy of those who first witnessed the Savior’s birth.
Breath Prayer: (inhale) “Lord, thank you for mystery…” (exhale) “…draw me deeper into wonder.” Amen.
Hope in Being Known
Wednesday, January 7
1 SAMUEL 16:1-13
What stands out to me in today’s passage is the emphasis on the heart. Once again, something amazing unfolds in Bethlehem. There are many details in this story that could capture our attention: the relationship between Samuel and God, the ease of their communication, Samuel’s obedience, or even the fear of the people when they see the prophet arrive. But for me, it is the image of God looking past appearances to the heart. We so often judge by outward appearances, but God sees the truth of who we are inside. This truth presses me to think about the filters I use when I encounter others: my assumptions, biases, or simply being too busy to truly notice another person. This Scripture highlights the importance of the indwelling Spirit, our constant guide, comforter, and source of strength.
Breath Prayer: (inhale) “Lord, fill me with your Spirit….” (exhale) “…search my heart.” Amen.
Turning to God
Thursday, January 8
MARK 6:45-52
After the miracle of feeding the multitude, Jesus sent the disciples ahead while he withdrew to spend time alone in prayer. That rhythm of serving, then withdrawing to be with God is the pattern Jesus gives us to follow. Even Jesus, the Son of God, needed time in stillness with the One who sent him.
The disciples were in the boat, straining at the oars against a strong wind. They were exhausted, fighting forces too great for them to overcome on their own. How often do we find ourselves in the same place—straining, pushing, while forgetting to turn toward God?
When Jesus came walking on the water, the disciples were startled, even terrified. But Jesus speaks words of courage and reassurance. He climbs into the boat, and the wind dies down. Hope enters, not because the disciples figured out the storm but because Jesus was present in it.
Breath Prayer: (inhale) “Take heart—it is I…” (exhale) “…I will not be afraid.” Amen.
Hope That God Finds Us
Friday, January 9
ACTS 9:1-22
We know that God has plans for us (Jeremiah 29:11) and that every moment of our lives is laid out by God (Psalm 139). Yet even with these assurances, the reality of our freedom to choose sometimes leaves me wondering, “Am I walking the right path? Did I go left when I should have gone right? Am I keeping in step with what God planned for me?”
Saul didn’t seem to have these doubts. He charged full steam ahead, convinced he was serving God by persecuting the followers of Jesus. His zeal was real. On the road to Damascus, he discovered that his certainty had blinded him to God’s true call.
When Ananias heard God’s command to seek out Saul and lay hands on him, I imagine he had many reasons to question what he heard. Surely this couldn’t be right. This man, the one who had harmed so many believers, can’t be who God is sending me to. Yet through prayerful discernment, Ananias felt confident the voice he was hearing was God’s.
Both Ananias and Saul show us what it means to wrestle with uncertainty in hearing God’s voice. Saul was zealous but misguided until God stopped him in his tracks. Ananias was hesitant but willing to listen. Together their stories remind us that listening to God is not simple. It requires humility, openness, and practice.
The hope in this passage is that God is always speaking to us and pursuing us. Even when we falter or doubt, God’s voice finds us, helping us to rejoice in hope.
Breath Prayer: (inhale) “Speak, Lord…” (exhale) “…your servant is listening.” Amen.
Hope in My Shepherd
Saturday, January 10
JOHN 10:1-18
Without the ability to recognize God’s voice, we are like sheep without guidance. We scatter, lose our direction, and find ourselves in chaos. Vulnerable and exposed, we risk listening to the wrong voices and following paths that lead us away from God. There have been seasons when I was too busy with the demands of the world to tend to my spiritual practices. I let prayer slip, neglected Scripture, and isolated myself from the community of faith. Inevitably those times led to pain, weariness, and disorder. (The story of the prodigal son comes to mind.) I was chasing what I thought would satisfy, only to end up lost and broken. But every time, God was waiting to gather me back in.
The Good Shepherd does not abandon the sheep when they wander. What a profound hope this is! Our Shepherd pursues us with steadfast love, not only protecting us from danger but leading us into abundant life. Even when we falter and fail to listen, the Shepherd calls us back.
As we end our week together, I am filled with a hope that never fails. The Shepherd never ceases to call, never stops pursuing, never withdraws steadfast love.
Breath Prayer: (inhale) “Shepherd, call my name…” (exhale) “…and lead me home to you.” Amen.
