Wednesday - The Letter of James (James 2:8-13)

Welcome to Daily Prayer.

Today we remember that mercy triumphs over judgment.

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

Father, we humble ourselves and draw near to you today.

Wake us up to the things that matter to you.

We set aside the need for control and look to you for life.

You are the good shepherd.

We trust that if we're lacking, you are working to bring us to wholeness.

Oh Lord, inspire us to see, to hear, and to act on the wisdom of your Word.

A Scripture reading from James 2:8-13:

If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, "Love your neighbor as yourself," you are doing right. But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers. For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it. For He who said, "You shall not commit adultery," also said, "You shall not murder." If you do not commit adultery, but do commit murder, you have become a lawbreaker. Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.

A prayer of adoration:

Father, thank you for your mercy.

We are all lawbreakers and guilty without you.

No one could stand before you if we were judged based on our works.

We magnify your mercy and celebrate the atoning sacrifice of Jesus that forgives and cleanses us.

You have not treated us as our sins deserve.

We celebrate the revelation you've given us of yourself: "The Lord, the Lord, merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness." (Ex. 34)

Thank you for the fountain of mercy that is available.

Thank you for the river of life that flows through every open heart that's been given to Christ.

We rejoice in your forgiveness and the way of freedom.

You have given us your Word and Spirit, and for that, we adore you.

A prayer of confession and trust:

Lord, forgive us for minimizing and excusing our sins as less significant than others.

Forgive us for our hypocrisy.

We have inappropriately taken the judge's seat.

Lord, we want to live in the mercy seat.

Forgive us for closing off our hearts to others, and our forgetfulness of our need for forgiveness and mercy.

Today we trust in the good news of the Gospel, and the triumph of the cross.

Your undeserved mercy has triumphed over our deserved judgment.

A prayer of intercession:

Holy Spirit, help us be on guard against partiality and favoritism.

Help us to speak and act as those who live under the law of freedom.

Help us to welcome every visitor in our lives with dignity.

Let there be a powerful spirit of reconciliation that flows through us.

Lord, restore marriages. Restore families.

Show us how You want us to be part of Your reconciling work in our homes, in our neighborhoods, in our workplaces.

Keep hate and evil far from us, and let us be quick to listen and love.

A moment of reflection:

Lord, is there someone in my life that I've dishonored or treated as less valuable that you want me to honor or you want me to go humble myself before?

As we listen to the passage again, let's humble ourselves and receive this Scripture as an invitation to a life of mercy:

"If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, "Love your neighbor as yourself," you are doing right. But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers. Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment."

And now, our weekly verse to memorize and embrace:

James 2:8: "If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, 'Love your neighbor as yourself,' you are doing right."

A closing prayer:

Lord, you've shown us the way.

"Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy."

Teach us to abide in the vine and remain in the mercy stream.

Teach us to always love and never give up hope.

In the name of Jesus,

Amen.