Tuesday - The Letter of James (James 5:4-6))

Welcome to Daily Prayer. We're continuing to look at the prophetic condemnation in James 5 of those

who've hoarded wealth and lived in luxury at the expense of others.

Today we're also reminded that the Lord hears the prayers of those who are being unjustly treated.

He will bring justice and do what is right.

As we begin our time together, let's quiet our hearts and minds before the Lord.

Lord, thank you for this day.

Today we need you.

We want to be with you. We draw near and seek first your kingdom and righteousness.

We trust that you'll provide us with what we need.

We give you all of our worries.

We set our eyes on you.

Inspire us to see and act on the wisdom of your Word:

A scripture reading from James 5:4-6:

"Behold, the wages of the laborers who mowed your fields, which you kept back by fraud, are crying out against you, and the cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of hosts. 5 You have lived on the earth in luxury and in self-indulgence. You have fattened your hearts in a day of slaughter. 6 You have condemned and murdered the righteous person. He does not resist you."

A prayer of adoration:

Lord of Hosts, we worship you as the one who sees and hears the cries of those in need.

Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne.

Lord, you are not pleased with injustice and you will rise up against oppression.

"Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity,

who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit.

and crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good things so that your youth

is renewed like the eagles. The Lord works righteousness and justice for all who are oppressed." (Ps. 103:1-6)

Lord, we worship you as the one who sees and cares and sent your Son to restore all things.

A prayer of confession:

Lord, some of us are looking at the prosperity of the wicked and desiring what they have.

Remind us of the cost that Jesus paid so that we could be delivered from the judgment that is

coming.

Forgive us for not being awake to the reality of eternity.

Lord, some of us are being tempted to overlook and take advantage of others for the sake of our own

gain. Forgive us for our selfish ambition and lack of love.

We have not reflected your goodness. Lord, we confess that we've taken your kindness and mercy

lightly. and have forgotten that all of our insight and ability, all of our giftings come from you.

We have used your gifts for selfish gain, and we have not looked at those in need with compassion.

Have mercy on us, Lord.

Lord, others of us are prone to believe that you don't see or care about the ways that we're being

taken advantage of.

Forgive us for not trusting in your goodness and justice.

Lord, your Word teaches us that you always do what is wise and good.

You've promised to never leave us or forsake us, and so we entrust ourselves to you.

You have ears that hear our prayers, and you're opposed to those who do evil.

Prayers of intercession:

Lord, we pray for those who are being mistreated by employers.

Thank you for your word that reminds us that those who are being defrauded and mistreated, that

you're on their side. Help them not to lose heart, but to keep the faith.

For those in our community and throughout the world who are being mistreated, uphold them and keep

them from striking back in anger.

Lord, stretch out your hand and help those who are being abused, mistreated, and taken advantage

of. Show us and direct us in what part you want us to play in doing justice on behalf of those who

are being oppressed in our community and around the world.

Give us eyes to see. ears to hear from you, and a courageous heart to do what you say.

Let's listen to the passage again:

"Behold, the wages of the laborers who mowed your fields, which you kept back by fraud, are crying out against you, and the cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord of hosts. 5 You have lived on the earth in luxury and in self-indulgence. You have fattened your hearts in a day of slaughter. 6 You have condemned and murdered the righteous person. He does not resist you."

And now our weekly verse to memorize and embrace together. Let's say it out loud if possible.

James 1:27

"Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this:

to look after orphans and widows in their distress

and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world."

A closing prayer:

Father, you care about how those in this life handle wealth. You care about how we care for the

poor. You care about whether we treat employees with justice. Teach us to walk with wisdom.

Lord, have mercy.

We know a day of judgment is coming and we praise you that you've given your own Son to make us

right and bring righteousness to the world.

Make us a people who act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly before you.

Fill us with your Spirit to trust, to hope, to love, and to act as your people in the world.

In the name of Jesus,

amen.