Daily Prayer for the Lord's Day, March 9, 2025: Mark 12:38-44
38 And in his teaching he said, “Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes and like greetings in the marketplaces 39 and have the best seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at feasts, 40 who devour widows’ houses and for a pretense make long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation.”
41 And he sat down opposite the treasury and watched the people putting money into the offering box. Many rich people put in large sums. 42 And a poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which make a penny.a] 43 And he called his disciples to him and said to them, “Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the offering box. 44 For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.” (Mark 12:38-44, ESV)
Prayer: Our God in heaven, we give you praise and offer our feeble words of thankfulness for your many mercies given to undeserving creatures of dust. You have blessed us with many good things in this life, and we know we deserve none. You have given us homes, cars to drive, food and clothing, and warm beds to sleep in. You have given us the means to earn our daily bread and relatively good health so we can accomplish the various tasks you have for us each day. We know that we do not deserve any of these things. We also know that we do not deserve the kindness you displayed through the work of the Lord Jesus Christ. For our sake, he became poor so that we might be rich. For our sakes, he was despised and rejected by men that you might accept us. Out of your eternal love, you were pleased to crush your beloved Son so we would not incur your just wrath and eternal judgment. We are rich, indeed! We confess to you, our Father, that we often forget to thank you for your many blessings.
We often behave like spoiled children who take your care and protection for granted. Please forgive us for our lack of gratitude. We also confess that we are frequently turned aside by frivolous things, spending our time and money on things that will not satisfy us. We confess our failure to pursue your kingdom. We confess that we often store treasures in this life and fail to store treasures in heaven. We know that our hearts are the problem. We know that we need the eternal Spirit to renovate and reform the blackness of our hearts. Please help us, Lord! Please give eternal desires and help us to use the resources you graciously provide for the sake of your kingdom and the gospel of the Lord Jesus. Please help us to serve others with the abundance of our wealth. Please help us advance your Son’s glory by using our time, money, and gifts for his glory. We know we are often selfish, and we repudiate such an attitude. Please change us for the good of your glory we ask and pray through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Scripture Meditation: Mark 12:38-44