Tuesday - The Letter of James (James 1:21)

Welcome to Daily Prayer.

This week, we are continuing our journey as a church body through the book of James. Today, we are in chapter 1, verses 21.

Before we begin, let's take a quiet moment to draw near to the Lord.

We now open our heart and our soul to you, Lord. We desire to hear and receive from you in your holy word today. We love you.

A scripture reading from James 1:21:

"So get rid of all filth and evil in your lives, and humbly accept the word God has planted in your hearts, for it has the power to save your souls."

A prayer of confession.

Lord, we come humbly before you today and sit quietly at your feet. We confess that there are times we still give in to our old, sinful ways, and times we are tempted by the desires of this world. We are your sheep that belong to you, but there are times we are led astray.

Often, we may pray, "Lord, take this sin away from my life or this temptation," but we see in the words of James an invitation to lay it down, to take the initiative.

Jesus, you call us to deny ourselves and to take up our cross and follow you. Holy Spirit, help us to exert our own will to turn away from evil. We trust that you are conforming us to the image of Jesus as we choose your ways.

A prayer of intercession:

Lord, I want my heart and life to be the good soil your Word is planted in—a seed that bears 20, 40, 60, and 100-fold. We thank you that your Word is living and active.

Purify our hearts that we may receive your words of truth and words of correction over our lives. Would our church family be a people that truly honor, believe, and obey the wonderful word of God?

A moment of reflection:

Lord, is there anything in my life that is standing in the way between me and you--a wrong perspective, maybe a lie, or just worldly cares that are choking out your precious word that has the power to free me and to see you more clearly? Show me, Holy Spirit.

"So get rid of all filth and evil in your lives, and humbly accept the word God has planted in your hearts, for it has the power to save your souls."

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 from the words of our Savior:

"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God." Purify my heart, Jesus. I want to see you.