Prayer for Sunday:
Gracious and Holy God, who from Your love and pity sent us Jesus Christ for the illumination of our darkness, give me wisdom to profit by the words Jesus spoke and grace to follow in the steps He took.
Jesus Christ said, "When you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against someone." God, give me the grace to do so.
Jesus Christ said, "It is more blessed to give than to receive." God, give me grace today to think, not of what I can get, but of what I can give.
Jesus Christ said, "When you give alms, let not your left hand know what your right hand does." God, grant that what I give may be given without self-congratulation, and without thought of praise or reward.
Jesus Christ said, "Enter in at the straight gate." God, give me grace this day to keep to the narrow path of duty and honorable dealing.
Jesus Christ said, "Judge not." God, give me grace this day first to cast out the beam from my own eye, before I regard the speck that is in my brother's eye.
Jesus Christ said, "What does it profit a man if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?" God, give me grace so to live this day that, whatever else I lose, I may not lose my soul.
Help me O God to follow the Way of Your Son, Amen.
Scripture Reading for Sunday: 2 Corinthians 10-13
Scripture Reflection for Sunday: Today our Bible reading covers 2 Corinthians 10-13. In 2 Corinthians 10, we see that we live in a day not much different from Paul’s day in Corinth. It is easy to evaluate ministers by their charisma and appearance. Yet what matters is God’s call in their life. How do you view your minister? Do you love him and pray for him, or do you compare him with leaders or preachers who are more well-known?
In 2 Corinthians 11, we see that Paul boasted in his sufferings and in his weakness. Let Paul’s boasting cause you to reflect on your own trials and afflictions. He was willing to endure hardships and even face death. It is only as you are captivated by Christ and certain of His love for you that you will have a framework by which to view your own trials properly. Reflect on what it means to be singularly devoted to Christ, even in the midst of trying circumstances.
In 2 Corinthians 12, we see that Paul’s love to the Corinthians was simply amazing. He could write in v. 19, “we do all things, dearly beloved, for your edifying.” By the Spirit’s grace, what means can you use so that you could come closer to being able to say this, as a husband and wife to each other and as parents to your children?
In 2 Corinthians 13, we see that all the spiritual blessings you receive come from the love of God the Father, who planned salvation before time began. All blessings come through the grace of Jesus Christ, the Mediator, who died to purchase redemption and rose again to apply it to His people. And all blessings are shared within the church by the Holy Spirit. Have you experienced the grace of Christ, the love of the Father, and the communion of the Holy Spirit? If so, then meditate upon these blessings and pray for God to increase your enjoyment of Him. If not, then turn from your sin in genuine repentance and turn to Christ in faith.
Daily Teaching (Catechism) for Sunday:
(1.9) The infallible rule for interpreting Scripture is the Scripture itself. Therefore, when there is a question about the true and full meaning or sense of any part of Scripture (and each passage has only one meaning, not many), it must be understood in light of other passages that speak more clearly (2 Peter 1:20, 21; Acts 15:15, 16).
May God help you to grow in Christ today,
