Daily Prayer for April 9
I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him. John 14:18-21, NIV Lord our God, dear Father in heaven, we are gathered in your presence through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Reveal to us our Savior Jesus Christ. May the Savior be revealed to us; otherwise in our need we will never come through. Grant that at this late hour for the world we may see him as he is, and through him and through the kingdom that he brings we may be lifted above the troubles of our time. Strengthen our hearts every day, and fill us with joy because you guide everything on earth as in heaven; in the end you will give us the victory that belongs to the kingdom you have founded. May we be comforted through all eternity in this kingdom, a kingdom far greater and more glorious than all the kingdoms of the world. Amen. Recent articles on Plough Why Self-Denial? Dietrich Bonhoeffer Self-denial is not individual acts of self-torment or asceticism. Read now Ora et Labora: The Benedictine Work Ethic William P. Hyland Benedict of Nursia, the father of Western monasticism, teaches us to fuse prayer and work. Read now Comfort for the Godforsaken Cameron Coombe Jürgen Moltmann knew where to point those feeling abandoned by God, not least a student in a mental health crisis at the other end of the earth. Read now Dancing with Neighbors Tessa Carman Saying no to certain kinds of tech makes more room for living. Read now An Easter Letter Heinrich Arnold A Bruderhof pastor’s message to his communities calls each of us to wake up to what God is doing in our world. Read now
Today’s Verse – 1 Corinthians 15:1
Now, brothers, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. —1 Corinthians 15:1 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… The pure Gospel of Jesus Christ is our hope, salvation, and foundation for faith. The first century apostles passed on this Gospel to early believers as eyewitnesses of Jesus. Many backed up their testimony with their lives. We must regularly remind ourselves of this early faith centered on Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:1-7). With such a pure and clear Gospel, we can joyously live the words of the old hymn, Rock of Ages: “Nothing in my hands I bring, Simply to Thy Cross I cling.” We take our stand with the apostle Paul when he stated to the Corinthians: For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, and then to the Twelve. After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers and sisters at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born (1 Corinthians 15:3-7). My Prayer… Almighty and Precious Father, I love you. I cannot begin to thank you enough for your love and grace, which you displayed so powerfully to me in Jesus. I know the basis of my hope and the foundation on which I build my life is the Gospel of your dear Son. Thank you for giving me something so simple, steadfast, and sure based on the eyewitness testimony, people willing to back up their words with their lives. In Jesus’ name, I thank you. Amen. All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.
08 Apr 2025
May the Lord speak to us over and over again, and may we share testimony after testimony of His wondrous works with our children and all who care to listen, to eradicate any unbelief. May there be overwhelming evidence of the existence of Jehovah and of His love for us. Psalm 78:1-7.
Today’s Verse – Philippians 4:7
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. —Philippians 4:7 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… What can genuinely guard our hearts? What can authentically protect our minds? Did you know God wants his peace to guard our hearts and minds? That’s the apostle Paul’s promise to us in this passage. If we present our requests to God, always with thanksgiving, God’s peace is more significant than any explanation, it transcends our ability to comprehend it, and it will stand sentry over our hearts and minds. Do you want an example of how this is true? Look at the book of Job. All that befalls him. All that wounds him. Yet, still, he doesn’t become hard of heart or go insane. What is the key to his survival? His ongoing conversation with the LORD — his open recognition of the LORD’s presence. Job will not relinquish his relationship with God no matter how badly he hurts, how much he is confused, or how badly he is ridiculed. Amid all of his life’s uncertainties, losses, and wounds, Job holds onto God’s presence (Job 19:25-26). My Prayer… Father, I need you and the peace of your abiding presence. Wounds pierce my heart, but I don’t want my heart to become hardened and callused. At times, my mind is so confused that I fear I may lose my rationality. Dear Father, I trust that as I cling to Jesus and speak openly with you about my life and your grace, I believe you will bless me with your peace and protect my heart and mind from destruction. Thank you, dear Father, for the reminder that even as I struggle with my troubles, I also need to thank you for all the good things you have done to bless my life in my walk with you! In Jesus’ name, I pray thank you. Amen. All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.
07 Apr 2025
There is a measure of unbelief today that is driven by various factors. There are those who are discouraged and feel that God has forgotten them. There are those without a reference point to a balanced Christian way of life. There are those who have never heard the good news. Luke 11:29-32.
Today’s Verse – Philippians 4:6
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. —Philippians 4:6 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… Anxiety is worrying about things that we cannot control and worrying over things that we cannot remove from our thoughts. Anxiety dominates and controls a passive mind and a troubled heart, filling both with doubt, fear, and dread. The truth is clear. Anxiety cannot be removed; it must be replaced. We replace our anxieties by giving our concerns and worries to the LORD, trusting him to care for us. Then, as we thank him for what he has done and what he is doing in our lives, we replace those concerns and worries with a genuine sense of his presence through our thanksgiving. As a result, our confidence in his future for us can return to us, leading to even more reduction of anxiety and a greater anticipation of joy. My Prayer… Father, I know you love me. You have done so much to bless and save me. I deliberately place the worries and concerns of my heart in your hands… (Let’s each take a moment and specifically mention what burdens our hearts today and give them to the Father.) Father, I also want to thank you for the many ways you have blessed me over my life… (Let’s specifically mention blessings we have received from God). Now, dear Father, please fill my heart with your Spirit and my mind with the sense of your presence and peace. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen. All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.
Today’s Verse – Philippians 4:5
Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. —Philippians 4:5 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… Extravagant over-reaction! That’s what we’re programmed to seek and to display in our modern world of sound bytes, social media “likes,” and the over-hyped cult of personality. But gentleness, the moderating grace amid chaos and conflict, is vital to bringing God’s peace to conflict-laden churches, families, relationships, and our troubled world. How can we be gentle? How can we restrain from over-reacting to the wounds, offenses, and slights that come our way? The LORD is near! He is our vindication. He is our example. He is our comfort. He is our hope. He is our strength. He is near. We are not alone and our destiny, reputation, and value are not up to us others to decide. He claims us! We are his, and, he is near. My Prayer… O LORD, my Father God, please be ever near me as I seek to be your person of character and gentleness in the middle of the chaos and conflict around me. I ask that your presence be made known and that my character reflect that presence in all that I do and say, especially with gentleness. In Jesus’ name and for his sake, I pray. Amen. All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.
Today’s Verse – Philippians 4:4
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! —Philippians 4:4 Thoughts on Today’s Verse… Sometimes, the squabbles among church folk can discourage us and lead us to lose sight of our incredible blessings in God’s family. We have many reasons to rejoice in the LORD. Let’s not lose sight of those reasons, especially when those around us get caught up in pettiness, division, and rivalry. Let’s not let discouragement, grief, or danger wear us down and make us lose our joy. Our joy is in Jesus, an eternal, glorious, and victorious joy . Let’s remember our hope is in our resurrected Jesus, our LORD and ever-present Savior. Paul wants us to know that it is time to reclaim our joy! Video Commentary… ToGather Worship Guide | More ToGather Videos My Prayer… Father, thank you for the joy I have in knowing Jesus. I rejoice in the salvation you have brought me through his death and resurrection. With joy, I anticipate the day of glorious celebration when he returns to share your glory with me and all those who long for his coming. Even in my darkest moments of despair, I thank you for the flame of hope and the assurance of victory that sustains my deep and abiding joy of being your child. In the name of my Savior, the LORD Jesus, I rejoice as I pray. Amen. All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.
04 Apr 2025
Faith in God and belief in the gospel of Salvation should help us be a reflection of Christ. When we look in the mirror, what do we see? May we keep growing in His image and likeness. Genesis 5:1-2.
Daily Prayer for April 4
Then John gave this testimony: “I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him…I have seen and I testify that this is God’s Chosen One.” John 1:32, 34, NIV Our Father in heaven, as your children may we truly receive something from you to bring our lives into a living bond with you. Grant that we may overcome everything harmful and evil. May it be given to us to help that your kingdom may come closer and closer, that your will may be done, and Jesus Christ, your Son, may be recognized as the light of the world for the salvation of all people and their deliverance from all evil. Protect us and grant that your Spirit may remain with us. Amen. Recent articles on Plough Kim Min-Ki’s Songs for Everyone Chungyon Won A legendary Korean songwriter gave his people a common language of resistance and hope. Read now What I Learned Tagging Along to My Parents’ Work Stephen G. Adubato As a child, observing my parents on the job demystified their work and, I see now, shaped me in several beneficial ways. Read now The Coming of the King Laura E. Richards In this short Easter story, some children prepare for the arrival of a king and receive someone quite different. Read now Rediscovering Pope John Paul II Nathan Beacom Twenty years after his death, it’s a good time to take a fresh look at the legacy of a remarkable man. Read now The Thin Brown Line Steve Guthrie Can the police ensure public safety? G. K. Chesterton’s Father Brown suggests the responsibility might lie elsewhere. Read now