daily reading 1.3 (Romans 1:8–10)

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 1:8–10

• First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you because the news of your faith is being reported in all the world.
• ⁹ God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in telling the good news about his Son— that I constantly mention you, ¹⁰ always asking in my prayers that if it is somehow in God's will, I may now at last succeed in coming to you.

Helpful notes on Romans 1:8–10 

For yourself pray:

• That you become more intentional and regular in prayer for others

For others pray:

• That God gives healing to those starting the new year in the hospital, getting chemo, etc.

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

• Psalm 3 (YouTube, duet, "You answered, oh, you answered.")