The Pastor’s Corner

NOTE: I am starting a new segment of "The Daily Prayer" each Monday that will reproduce the published prayers of John Calvin. In most cases, the source of the prayer will be given (if available).

Prayer: Grant, Almighty God, that since thou art pleased kindly to invite us to thyself, and hast consecrated thy word for our salvation, O grant that we may willingly, and from the heart, obey thee, and become so teachable, that what thou hast designed for our salvation may not turn to our perdition; but may that incorruptible seed by which thou doest regenerate us into a hope of the celestial life so drive its roots into our hearts, and bring forth fruit, that they name may be glorified; and we may be so planted in the courts of thine house, that we may grow and flourish, and that fruit may appear through the whole course of our life, until we shall at length enjoy that blessed life which is laid up for us in heaven, through Christ our Lord. -- Amen.
(From Everyday Prayer with John Calvin, written by Donald McKim, p, 18)

Meditation for the day taken from Everyday Prayer with John Calvin, written by Donald McKim:

Scripture: Matthew 9:27-30

The narrative is brief, but the lesson deep. Here in this passage is the encounter of the Savior and two blind men who merely cry out to the Lord for mercy. First, note the simplicity of their faith. They simply cry out for mercy. Is that what all men, everywhere, need? Whatever the circumstance, all men are in dire need of the mercy of the Lord. Because of our miserable and fallen condition, not a single breath can be taken without the condescending love of God the Father upon his creatures. The state of these men is merely highlighted by the gospel writer as those who are blind. We do not know how long they suffered under that malady. We do know it was real -- real enough to cause them to cry for help from the only one who can bring it. Second, note the urgency of their faith. They "came to him." We tend to run to so many things in this life for relief, yet the blind men run to the Lord, and as they did so, crying out to him, they were heard. The Lord did not reject them but listened to their cry for help and saw their faith.

Prayer: Almighty God, you who are majestic and holy and has spoken in days of old by the prophets and now by your Word, we thank you for condescending to us and revealing yourself to your creatures. Though we are creatures of dust, and though our first parents rebelled against you, you determined to demonstrate your great love for us in giving us the seed of the woman that would crush the head of the serpent and reverse the effects of the Fall. You brought forth your Son through your marvelous work, born in the fullness of time, born to a woman, born under the law. In him, we have redemption and satisfaction for our sins. We praise your name today because you did not leave us in our miserable condition. You have brought us out of darkness to behold you. Freed from our prison, we are now able, by your Spirit, to accomplish our purpose for living: to glorify you in all that we do. Father, we know that we fall short of your glory. We mourn indwelling sin and actually transgressions. Forgive us and renew in us a great love for you. Please grant us a willing spirit that we would watch and pray lest we fall into temptation. We thank you for your kindness in forgiving us through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Prayer: Our Father, too often, our prayers are prayerless. So often, in our prayers, we fail to trust you and believe your promises for us. Therefore, we often go through the motions and check the box indicating that we did pray when, in fact, we didn't. Our hearts wander in our times of prayer. Our minds run to and fro and then ask you things that are not agreeable to your will. We spend too much time asking you for things instead of thanking you and praising you. Forgive us, Father, for being so shallow in those holy moments in your presence. We know that your Word teaches us to pray, and it tells us to pray for things that are agreeable to your will. It also teaches us to cast our burdens and cares before you and ask you what we desire. Please help us to pray with earnest zeal being willing to accept your providence for us. Please grant us a willing mind and heart to receive all that we need and nothing more from your hand. We pray these things in the name of the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Prayer: Our most sovereign, holy, and gracious God, we thank you for the enjoyment of another Lord's day with your people in worship to you. We heard your voice through the preaching of your Word, and now, as we reflect on that which we heard, we pray that your Spirit would grant us the mercy and grace we need to do that which we have heard. Too often, we are like the church of old that did not listen to you as you spoke through your prophet to them. They were stiff-necked and rebellious and suffered the due consequence of their error. We do not want to be like them. We desire to hear and do what you have told us because you are worthy of our love and obedience. We long to be as holy as is possible for sinners. Please help us, Lord. Please continue to conform us more and more into the image of your Son. We pray all these things in His name. Amen.

Prayer: Our God in heaven: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, we praise your name and thank you for revealing yourself to your people who you called a holy nation and a people for your own possession. We thank you for helping us with our weaknesses. We are a forgetful people and need to be shown signs and wonders that display your glory and greatness. As your church traversed the wilderness in the days of old, you gave them the pillar of fire and the cloud to guide them. As they crossed the Jordan, you commanded that stones of remembrance be erected on the river's western shore. Through these signs, you remind your people of your kindness to deliver them from sin and misery and bring them to a safe and prosperous land. Today, you give us the sign of your sacraments, and through them, we are again reminded of your love and covenant faithfulness as you exalted your Son and through him secured a people and gave great promises to them. Please help us, Father, to remember and to lay hold of these gifts that we might glory in you and praise you and walk with you. Forgive us for going astray and grant us more of your Spirit to live and serve you. We pray these things in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, the exalted One. Amen.