Daily Prayer for December 23
May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and in his grace gave us unfailing courage and a firm hope, encourage you and strengthen you to always do and say what is good. 2 Thessalonians 2:16–17, TEV Lord our God, our Father in heaven and our Father on earth, our Lord and our Ruler, we thank you that to this very day you have guarded and guided us and delivered us from great need. We praise you with hearts full of hope as we continue on our pilgrimage. For Christmas Day is coming with its message of hope that we may somehow bring honor to you in spite of all hindrances, mistakes, and sin, in spite of all death and the horror of dying. We know that you hold us in your hands. With your help we can look ahead, and again and again we may take a small step forward and live to the praise and honor of your name. So be with us now and bless us. Amen. Recent articles on Plough Keeping Christmas Henry van Dyke There is something better than observing Christmas for a day or twelve days, and that is keeping Christmas. Read now Where God Enters Meister Eckhart If the eternal birth does not happen in me, what does it profit me? Read now The Time Is Fulfilled Eberhard Arnold Christmas did not come as the successful result of any human effort. It came as a miracle. Read now The Busted Bean Maureen Swinger Follow an old school bus’s transformation into a space for coffee and camaraderie. Read now Celebrate Advent with Children Julie Kilcur The church’s liturgical traditions remind us that we don’t need to innovate. Advent is a great time to start forging meaningful memories. Read now
Daily Prayer for December 22
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:4–7, NIV Dear Father in heaven, let your joy be always in us, your children. Let your joy bring light and peace to our lives, no matter what happens around us. May we serve you in joy, aware of your peace at all times, so that something of this peace may go out from us to grieving hearts and to regions of the world that are in darkness. Father in heaven, how many unhappy people look up without knowing where to find help! But you will come to them. We beseech you, come to those who mourn, and let them find joy and trust for their redemption in Jesus Christ. Amen. Recent articles on Plough Where God Enters Meister Eckhart If the eternal birth does not happen in me, what does it profit me? Read now The Time Is Fulfilled Eberhard Arnold Christmas did not come as the successful result of any human effort. It came as a miracle. Read now The Busted Bean Maureen Swinger Follow an old school bus’s transformation into a space for coffee and camaraderie. Read now Celebrate Advent with Children Julie Kilcur The church’s liturgical traditions remind us that we don’t need to innovate. Advent is a great time to start forging meaningful memories. Read now The Great Floodtide of the Spirit Johann Christoph Blumhardt We are dehydrated people and since we need the Spirit, God will give it again. Read now
Daily Prayer for December 21
He received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain. 2 Peter 1:17–18, NIV Lord Jesus Christ, to you we may lift our eyes, for you have broken free from our world of death and live in the glory of life, and you offer your life to us on earth. Let the power of your life be revealed today in us and in many others who want to celebrate Christmas. Send your Spirit to move our hearts so that we hear, see, experience, and understand what you and your gift of eternal life truly mean for us. So watch over us in these days and strengthen us in faith. Shed the light of your grace over us and within us. Protect us as your disciples. Lead us into communion with our Father in heaven and into community with you, O Jesus Christ, for all eternity. Amen. Recent articles on Plough The Time Is Fulfilled Eberhard Arnold Christmas did not come as the successful result of any human effort. It came as a miracle. Read now The Busted Bean Maureen Swinger Follow an old school bus’s transformation into a space for coffee and camaraderie. Read now Celebrate Advent with Children Julie Kilcur The church’s liturgical traditions remind us that we don’t need to innovate. Advent is a great time to start forging meaningful memories. Read now The Great Floodtide of the Spirit Johann Christoph Blumhardt We are dehydrated people and since we need the Spirit, God will give it again. Read now Let Children Play Peter Gray In an age of high-pressure childhoods, free play is more necessary than ever. Read now
Daily Prayer for December 20
This is the one about whom it is written: “I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.” Matthew 11:10, NIV Lord our God, thank you for bringing us into glorious day. Let the rays of your grace, the grace of Jesus Christ, shine into our hearts so that we are truly born of the Spirit and serve you as your children at all times, also when hard days come. Through your might and your revelation pry us loose from all earthly things. Pry us loose from worries and from pleasures. We are your children, O Lord God. We come before you, our Father in heaven, and you will accept us so that we may be a people who prepare the way for you. May all the words you speak be a blessing to us and make us joyful in expectation for the day of Jesus Christ, which has begun in power and glory and will bring power and glory when all is fulfilled according to your merciful and perfect decree. O God, your children entreat you, “Accept us. Hear us. Set the light aflame in our hearts for the coming of your great day!” Amen. Recent articles on Plough The Busted Bean Maureen Swinger Follow an old school bus’s transformation into a space for coffee and camaraderie. Read now Celebrate Advent with Children Julie Kilcur The church’s liturgical traditions remind us that we don’t need to innovate. Advent is a great time to start forging meaningful memories. Read now The Great Floodtide of the Spirit Johann Christoph Blumhardt We are dehydrated people and since we need the Spirit, God will give it again. Read now Let Children Play Peter Gray In an age of high-pressure childhoods, free play is more necessary than ever. Read now We’re Alone Together Caitrin Keiper A review of Edwidge Danticat’s new essay collection, We’re Alone. Read now
Daily Prayer for December 19
When the Lord brought us back to Jerusalem, it was like a dream! How we laughed, how we sang for joy! Then the other nations said about us, “The Lord did great things for them.” Indeed he did great things for us; how happy we were! Psalm 126:1–3, TEV Dear Father in heaven, we hope in you and in your promise, which we hold in our hearts as our most precious possession. Protect us when times grow hard. May your Spirit come. May your Spirit constantly reveal your Word and give your promise to the hearts of many so that they may share in the hope, the faith, and the struggle for the great day. On that day we will be allowed to rejoice, exulting with all people because your salvation comes for the whole world. Amen. Recent articles on Plough The Great Floodtide of the Spirit Johann Christoph Blumhardt We are dehydrated people and since we need the Spirit, God will give it again. Read now Let Children Play Peter Gray In an age of high-pressure childhoods, free play is more necessary than ever. Read now We’re Alone Together Caitrin Keiper A review of Edwidge Danticat’s new essay collection, We’re Alone. Read now How Math Makes You a Better Person Frederick K. S. Leung Across cultures, I found that math can be more than mere problem-solving. Read now Your Guardian Angel Is Always Present Bernard of Clairvaux With angelic protection, you will walk on the asp and the basilisk; you will trample the lion and the dragon underfoot. Read now
Daily Prayer for December 18
Praise awaits you, O God, in Zion; to you our vows will be fulfilled. O you who hear prayer, to you all men will come. Psalm 65:1–2, NIV Lord our God, our Father, out of reverent silence comes the praise that is due to you, O God in Zion. It is right for us to praise you and to keep our promises to you. People everywhere shall come to you, for you answer prayer. Protect us your children in the task you have given us. Watch over us so that we can serve you in the right way and receive from you the gifts we need in order to go toward your kingdom and witness to your name. Help us on every step of the way. May our lives be entrusted to your hands, and may we always find our strength in you, our God and Savior. Amen. Recent articles on Plough Let Children Play Peter Gray In an age of high-pressure childhoods, free play is more necessary than ever. Read now We’re Alone Together Caitrin Keiper A review of Edwidge Danticat’s new essay collection, We’re Alone. Read now How Math Makes You a Better Person Frederick K. S. Leung Across cultures, I found that math can be more than mere problem-solving. Read now Your Guardian Angel Is Always Present Bernard of Clairvaux With angelic protection, you will walk on the asp and the basilisk; you will trample the lion and the dragon underfoot. Read now Trumpet Man Robert Lee Williams A mystery man sporting a salt-and-pepper afro blew a golden trumpet in the prison yard. His tune took me back to the streets. Read now
Daily Prayer for December 16
The Sovereign Lord has given me a well-instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary. He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being instructed. Isaiah 50:4, NIV Lord our God, we thank you for giving us the task of serving you in the name of your servant, Jesus Christ, for letting each of us have a part in carrying out your will. Keep us true to this service. We want to be faithful, always listening to you, for you open our ears and help us know your will and respond to it. Be with us in these days. Strengthen your love and compassion in all hearts. May the life of Jesus Christ gain greater and greater power in all people on earth. Amen. Recent articles on Plough How Math Makes You a Better Person Frederick K. S. Leung Across cultures, I found that math can be more than mere problem-solving. Read now Your Guardian Angel Is Always Present Bernard of Clairvaux With angelic protection, you will walk on the asp and the basilisk; you will trample the lion and the dragon underfoot. Read now Trumpet Man Robert Lee Williams A mystery man sporting a salt-and-pepper afro blew a golden trumpet in the prison yard. His tune took me back to the streets. Read now Tell an Old Story for Modern Times Lisabeth Button A Bruderhof teacher applies lessons from her mentors and Homer in her classroom and beyond. Read now A Failsafe Cure for Loneliness Johann Christoph Arnold If we look at what we can give to others, our loneliness will evaporate. Read now
Daily Prayer for December 15
A voice cries: “In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain.” Isaiah 40:3–4, RSV Lord our God, open our ears and our hearts so that we hear you speaking and can follow the voice that cries out to us. May we be a people who prepare the way for you. Grant each of us strength to give up everything at the right moment and to realize, “The way to my heart should be leveled too. It should be straight and level all around me and in the whole world.” The light is now shining for us in Jesus Christ, and through him we want to find strength and help, to the glory of your name. Through hearing his voice we will find help. Help will be very near to us, and the mighty hand of the Lord Jesus will be over us in every need. For this he came. We can believe in his help, and we long for it. Hear the inmost longing of each one of us, and make us part of your people so that we may keep hope in our hearts and serve you on earth. Praise to your name, O Father in heaven, that you have put us on earth and that we can draw strength from the One who fights and is victorious, Jesus Christ. Amen. Recent articles on Plough How Math Makes You a Better Person Frederick K. S. Leung Across cultures, I found that math can be more than mere problem-solving. Read now Your Guardian Angel Is Always Present Bernard of Clairvaux With angelic protection, you will walk on the asp and the basilisk; you will trample the lion and the dragon underfoot. Read now Trumpet Man Robert Lee Williams A mystery man sporting a salt-and-pepper afro blew a golden trumpet in the prison yard. His tune took me back to the streets. Read now The Reluctant Goddess and the Roasted Hogs Lisabeth Button A Bruderhof teacher applies lessons from her mentors and Homer in her classroom and beyond. Read now A Failsafe Cure for Loneliness Johann Christoph Arnold If we look at what we can give to others, our loneliness will evaporate. Read now
Daily Prayer for December 14
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and for ever. Hebrews 13:8, RSV Thank you, Father in heaven, for gathering us together and opening a door which can be entered by all who are like children. You open the door for all who have the childlike hope that you are carrying out your purpose, that in the midst of the ruin and sin of world history, life remains, the life of the Lord Jesus Christ, life for all the world. No one can destroy this life, which will soon gather power until all people see him, Jesus Christ, who for the salvation of humankind is the same yesterday, today, and in all eternity. Amen. Recent articles on Plough Your Guardian Angel Is Always Present Bernard of Clairvaux With angelic protection, you will walk on the asp and the basilisk; you will trample the lion and the dragon underfoot. Read now Trumpet Man Robert Lee Williams A mystery man sporting a salt-and-pepper afro blew a golden trumpet in the prison yard. His tune took me back to the streets. Read now The Reluctant Goddess and the Roasted Hogs Lisabeth Button A Bruderhof teacher applies lessons from her mentors and Homer in her classroom and beyond. Read now A Failsafe Cure for Loneliness Johann Christoph Arnold If we look at what we can give to others, our loneliness will evaporate. Read now For Such a King Kelsi Folsom Don’t be surprised to find politically subversive messages in Gian Carlo Menotti’s classic children’s opera Amahl and the Night Visitors. Read now
Daily Prayer for December 13
I will give you a new heart and a new mind. I will take away your stubborn heart of stone and give you an obedient heart. I will put my spirit in you and will see to it that you follow my laws and keep all the commands I have given you. Ezekiel 36:26–27, TEV Lord our God, may our lives be awakened, for you send your Spirit to blow through heaven and earth and you stir everything to life. May we long for your Spirit’s prompting. Grant that we not be overpowered by evil and sin. May we be born anew to be fighters for the highest good on earth, which leads into heaven. Hear the prayers of all people far and near who are sighing for the Savior. We pray for them all as we pray for ourselves, and you will hear our prayer. You will send power to lift up their hearts and souls so that there may be a great throng of your joyful people on earth. In spite of all the misfortune, adversity, and danger in the world, there will be a people exulting from one end of the earth to the other, a people trusting in you and sure of victory through the great grace you give in answer to our prayers. Amen. Recent articles on Plough Trumpet Man Robert Lee Williams A mystery man sporting a salt-and-pepper afro blew a golden trumpet in the prison yard. His tune took me back to the streets. Read now The Reluctant Goddess and the Roasted Hogs Lisabeth Button A Bruderhof teacher applies lessons from her mentors and Homer in her classroom and beyond. Read now A Failsafe Cure for Loneliness Johann Christoph Arnold If we look at what we can give to others, our loneliness will evaporate. Read now For Such a King Kelsi Folsom Don’t be surprised to find politically subversive messages in Gian Carlo Menotti’s classic children’s opera Amahl and the Night Visitors. Read now Book Tour: Of Gods and Ghosts Phil Christman Reviewing Lake of Darkness by Adam Roberts, All Things Are Full of Gods by David Bentley Hart, and Concerning the Future of Souls by Joy Williams. Read now