Friday - The Letter of James (Matthew 7:24-27)

Welcome to Daily Prayer.

We are continuing this week to pray through James 1. Today, we will lean into what it means to build our lives upon the Word of the Lord.

Before we begin, let's take a moment to intentionally draw near to our Father.

Oh Lord, I love to be with you. You have my heart. I want to be single-minded in my devotion to you today. You are the beginning and the end of my story, and I trust you with how you are writing it.

A Scripture reading from Matthew 7:24–27:

Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and floodwaters rise, and the winds beat against the house, it won't collapse because it is built on bedrock. But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn't obey is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. When the rains and the floods come and the winds beat against the house, it will collapse with a mighty crash.

A prayer of confession:

Lord, there is no wisdom apart from you. Your words are the beginning of wisdom. I do not want to be foolish. I confess my tendency to choose my own ways, or the ways of the world, and give in to foolishness.

Father, set my gaze on your Word. Let me see you in it, let me meet you in it. Let me read it and truly experience it with you, Holy Spirit. Don't let my heart drift away from your Word.

I acknowledge, Lord, that building a house on solid rock that stands the test of storms takes time. It takes energy, it takes focus and hard work. It would be easier to build a house quickly and cheaply, but it will not stand against the storms.

I choose today to believe you are at work in me building a firm foundation that will stand against the trials of life, and the temptations of the world, and the testing of the enemy. A soul can go through the fire only with you, Jesus. You have gone before me, and you go through with me now. Help me to remain steadfast on the rock.

A prayer of intercession:

Father, I lift up those right now in our church body who are walking through a difficult storm, or who are being tempted to give up and take the easy way out. Lord, strengthen our brothers and sisters today by your Word. Give them the grace to stand strong and to persevere in obedience and faith. You have a crown of life waiting for them.

Lord, may we as a community respond rightly to your teachings. Your words are where we find true life. May we refuse to be a people corrupted by the world's values and systems. Give us discernment to see clearly the difference between wisdom and foolishness. Oh Lord, make us a people who are wise in your eyes.

A moment of reflection:

Lord, I give you access to search my heart and mind. Will you show me today if there is any area where I am acting or thinking foolishly instead of receiving wisdom from you?

A scripture reading from Matthew 7:24–27:

Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and floodwaters rise, and the winds beat against the house, it won't collapse because it is built on bedrock. But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn't obey is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. When the rains and the floods come and the winds beat against the house, it will collapse with a mighty crash.

And now, our weekly memory verse:

James 1:22

"Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says."

A closing prayer:

Lord, I choose wisdom and obedience to your Word today. I want to live this day united to you. May my life be one that fulfills your Word. Amen.