daily reading 1.4 (Romans 1:11–13)

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 1:11–13

• For I want very much to see you, so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you, ¹² that is, to be mutually encouraged by each other's faith, both yours and mine.
•  ¹³ Now I don't want you to be unaware, brothers and sisters, that I often planned to come to you (but was prevented until now) in order that I might have a fruitful ministry among you, just as I have had among the rest of the Gentiles. 

Helpful notes on Romans 1:11–13 

For yourself pray:

• That you give someone this week the good news of Christ that a) you have, but that b) you owe to that person

For others pray:

• That God makes your pastor(s) truly encouraging to your congregation this year, and vice versa

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

• Psalm 4 (YouTube, soloist with cello and guitar, "He will answer when I call.")