daily reading 1.2 (Romans 1:5–7)

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 1:5–7

• Through him we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all the Gentiles, ⁶ including you who are also called by Jesus Christ.
• ⁷ To all who are in Rome, loved by God, called as saints. 
• Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Helpful notes on Romans 1:5–7 

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

For yourself pray:

• That by his Son, through his Spirit, God works in you a more obedient heart toward him

For others pray:

• That God spreads the good news of the kingdom of the Son he loves on the island of Tonga

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

• Psalm 2 (YouTube, duet, "Blessed are all who take refuge in him")