Wednesday 4th February

Quiet your heart and mind. Consider placing your hands, palms up, in front of you. Release what is distracting and receive God’s gift. What does He have for you today?

“Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker;"

Psalm 95:6

Ponder: Jesus lovingly touched many and brought healing. Think of some Bible people Jesus healed.

Scripture

Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing. Look, your house is left to you desolate. For I tell you, you will not see me again until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.’

Matthew 23:37-39

First, think about your own life and relationship to God. Read the lament again and pay attention to what stands out for you. Read it again and open your heart for Jesus’ touch. Palms open to receive.

Broken-hearted prayer

When was the last time you prayed with a broken heart? Maybe it was earlier today; maybe it has been a while. I’ve prayed with a broken heart for family, for friends, for my city, and for nations. It can be discouraging, and I’m still waiting to see answers I’ve longed for. How about you?

This is Jesus’ last public prayer in the temple. His heart is to gather, to welcome, to protect. But the listeners, the nation, and even his closest friends will soon reject the invitation. Rejecting Jesus leaves heartbreaking desolation.

Jesus references Psalm 118, shouted by the crowds just days earlier as he entered Jerusalem, “Blessed is he who comes…" Yet even in the enthusiasm, there was no genuine welcome, no embrace of his invitation. They were not willing. They rejected the one who would become the cornerstone (Psalm 118:22-23).

A lament is Jesus’ final word in the temple. In the very place built to reveal the glory, invitation, and provision of God to his people. So when you and I pray, we can continue to pray realizing that God too has prayed broken-hearted prayers. For you. For me. For those we love. For his kingdom to come and his will to be done. Even when it looks like it is being rejected and refused.

Who or what are you lamenting in prayer? Hold fast to your lament for them, and like the compassionate Servant-King, long to see them be gathered. What is your prayer of lament today?

Brian Delamont, Executive Vice-President, Canada

Now ask God who you can pray this prayer for. What part of their suffering could you pray for? What truth could you pray into their life?

Kids’ Question: Jesus prayed a sad prayer; how does this help you to pray when you are sad about things?