A television reporter covering the Vietnam War reported, ‘Today’s fighting in Vietnam is considered light, with the United States reporting just one casualty.’
A commentator later offered a counterpoint, saying, ‘The day might have been light for the conflict as a whole, but for that one person, it was a massacre.’
We, like the television reporter, may not be personally involved in the world’s struggles. We might not be living through war, hunger, unemployment, or economic instability.
However, we can use the lectionary pray for the multitudes who are living through difficult times.
Today’s lectionary: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/030925.cfm.
Reading I – Deuteronomy 26:4-10
After 400 years of oppressive slavery, the time came for God to act on behalf of His people.
They believed God’s actions were a response to the outcry of their pain.
We cried to the Lord, the God of our ancestors; the Lord heard our voice and saw our affliction, our toil, and our oppression.
The Lord brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm, with a terrifying display of power, and with signs and wonders (Deuteronomy 26:7-8).
God sees, knows, and hears the cries of the afflicted. Let us join them in prayer, asking God to show mercy in their circumstances.
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 91:1-2, 10-11, 12-13, 14-15
In the late 1800s, Jonathan and Florence Goforth served as Presbyterian missionaries in China. During a visit to their native Canada, Mrs. Goforth received a message on a slip of paper with the scripture verse, ‘No weapon formed against you shall prosper’ (Isaiah 54:17).
The Goforths’ return to China placed them squarely in the midst of the Boxer Rebellion. For several terrifying weeks, they fled for their lives, yet they emerged unscathed from the fierce rebellion.
The truth of God’s word from Isaiah resonated deeply with Mrs. Goforth, as she realized God’s forewarning and protection.
Isaiah and Psalm 91 are not magic words for protection. However, when the Holy Spirit reveals them as a promise to us, we can count on God’s activity on our behalf.
You who live in the shelter of the Most High,
who abide in the shadow of the Almighty,
will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress;
my God, in whom I trust.”
For he will deliver you from the snare of the hunter
and from the deadly pestilence;
he will cover you with his pinions,
and under his wings you will find refuge;
his faithfulness is a shield and defense.
For he will command his angels concerning you
to guard you in all your ways.
On their hands they will bear you up,
so that you will not dash your foot against a stone. (Psalm 91:1-4, 11-12)
When God reveals promises like these from the Bible, as He did with the person who gave Mrs. Goforth the scripture, we should definitely use them for ourselves and others.
Reading II – Romans 10:8-13
Romans 10 is often used to guide people to faith in Jesus, and rightly so. However, considering our focus on prayer for those in hardship, we should remember that ‘salvation’ can mean ‘delivered.’
For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; the same Lord is Lord of all and is generous to all who call on him.
For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Romans 10:12-13).
When we pray for those suffering today, let us trust God’s promise that He will hear our prayers and assist them in their time of need.
Verse Before the Gospel – Matthew 4:4b
“It is written,
‘One does not live by bread alone,
but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” (Matthew 4:4)
Gospel – Luke 4:1-13
When Jesus was tempted by Satan in the wilderness, He used scripture to resist the devil’s deception. At one point, Satan quoted Psalm 91 to try to tempt Jesus into testing the Father.
This example should warn us against misusing scripture by pulling individual passages out of context, either for personal application or in prayers for others.
I often describe prayer as more of an art than a science. We must be guided by the Holy Spirit as we use the Bible to pray for others.
When the Spirit directs us to a specific passage, we can confidently pray according to its meaning for the situation at hand.
If we err in our prayer, God can transform it to align with His will. Unlike Satan’s manipulative use of scripture, if our hearts are sincere, God will see our intentions and will overlook our imperfect words.
YouTube Discussion
Rudy Ross, Bruce Kirby, and I discussed the birth of Isaac and Esau in Genesis 25.
Real Voices 