daily reading 1.1 (Romans 1:1–4)

5-days-a-week through Romans and the letters Paul wrote from Rome in 2024


Our opening prayer for this week:

Make us, O God, ashamed of sin,
and give its power no place;
but not ashamed that we have been
adopted by your grace.

Make us ashamed of every flaw
in hearts which you lay bare;
but not ashamed, if your pure law
is clearly written there:

Ashamed of all our loveless words
which hurt or wound or maim,
but not ashamed to be the Lord's
and speak your holy name.

Make us ashamed to use our hands
as selfish tools of greed;
but not ashamed of your commands
to serve our neighbour's need.

So when our God is fully known
and all his power acclaimed,
when heaven and earth and hell bow down
we shall not be ashamed,

For Christ, our Brother and your Son
Has taken all our shame.
For giving us his Spirit, too,
All glory to your name. Amen.


Romans 1:1–4

  • Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called as an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God— 2 which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures— 
  • 3 concerning his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who was a descendant of David according to the flesh 4 and was appointed to be the powerful Son of God according to the Spirit of holiness by the resurrection of the dead.
Helpful notes on Romans 1:1–4 

an early copy of the first verses of Paul's letter to the Romans



For yourself pray:

  • That God guides you and guards you in 2024

For others pray:

  • That God in Christ blesses your congregation in this new year with new harmony and new energy by his Spirit

A psalm to listen to and ponder, as time allows:

  • Psalm 1 (YouTube, duet, "Oh the joy, the joy, the joy of those who delight in the law of the Lord") 


  


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