Be Attentive to His Leading
Psalm 72:1-7 (NLT)
Give your love of justice to the king, O God,
and righteousness to the king’s son.
Help him judge your people in the right way;
let the poor always be treated fairly.
May the mountains yield prosperity for all,
and may the hills be fruitful.
Help him to defend the poor,
to rescue the children of the needy,
and to crush their oppressors.
May they fear you as long as the sun shines,
as long as the moon remains in the sky.
Yes, forever!
May the king’s rule be refreshing like spring rain on freshly cut grass, like the showers that water the earth. May all the godly flourish during his reign. May there be abundant prosperity until the moon is no more.
May the king’s rule be refreshing like spring rain on freshly cut grass, like the showers that water the earth. May all the godly flourish during his reign. May there be abundant prosperity until the moon is no more.
In today’s scripture lesson, King Solomon lays down a lengthy list of petitions to God in prayer. He prays for wisdom, so that he can judge the people with justice. He particularly uplifts his role in defending the poor and needy. He asks God for peace and prosperity in the land until the moon is no more.
King Solomon surely sought the best for God’s people in his prayer, didn’t he? Isn’t what King Solomon asked for in his prayer what God asks of us? Doesn’t God want us to show justice and help those in need?
Doesn’t he encourage us to be peacemakers in this world even when those around us are in strife?
The season of Advent can overwhelm us with worldly distractions and busyness as we prepare for the birth of Christ. We lose track of what is truly of value to God. Let’s put down the wrapping paper and baking sheets for a moment and redirect our attention to what matters to God.
Spend some time in prayer with God. Ask him to direct your attention to someone in your life to whom you can help bring justice and peace. If you are attentive to his leading, he will guide your work.
Prayer: God of Justice and Mercy, we humble ourselves before you. Lead us to whom we may show your saving grace in our lives. Guide our steps as we follow your call. Amen.
King Solomon surely sought the best for God’s people in his prayer, didn’t he? Isn’t what King Solomon asked for in his prayer what God asks of us? Doesn’t God want us to show justice and help those in need?
Doesn’t he encourage us to be peacemakers in this world even when those around us are in strife?
The season of Advent can overwhelm us with worldly distractions and busyness as we prepare for the birth of Christ. We lose track of what is truly of value to God. Let’s put down the wrapping paper and baking sheets for a moment and redirect our attention to what matters to God.
Spend some time in prayer with God. Ask him to direct your attention to someone in your life to whom you can help bring justice and peace. If you are attentive to his leading, he will guide your work.
Prayer: God of Justice and Mercy, we humble ourselves before you. Lead us to whom we may show your saving grace in our lives. Guide our steps as we follow your call. Amen.
Crystal Welsh, Warwood UMC, Wheeling, WV, crystal_welsh@comcast.net, Northern District United Women in Faith President, Certified Lay Speaker
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