As we begin the fall season, let’s continue to share these Daily Bible Readings from Sacred Space as we continue our spiritual journey together.
Sept. 1: Luke 4: 38-44
As we read of Jesus’ healing ministry, let us pray for God’s healing presence to be with us and all those in need.
Sept 2: Luke 5: 1-11
Jesus says, “Do not be afraid.” What do I fear at the moment? I lift up those fears in my prayers today.
Sept 3: Luke 5: 33-39
Today I pray for greater reconciliation between the Jewish and the Christian faiths and look for ways to work for greater harmony between them.
Sept 4: Luke 6: 1-5
I pray to make decisions based on the priorities that Jesus taught.
Sept 5: Mark 7: 31-37
I pray that I, too, may have my eyes opened and my ears unstopped, as the man in this story of Jesus’ healing did.
Sept 6: Luke 6: 6-11
As I read of Jesus curing the man with the withered hand, I pray to have a compassionate heart when faced with human suffering.
Sept 7: Luke 6: 12-19
Jesus prayed before he chose his twelve apostles. When I am making decisions, I pray to ask for the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Sept 8: Matthew 1: 1-16, 18-23
This passage helps us remember that God is with us through it all, through times of defeat and difficulties, as well as when things are going well.
Sept. 9: Luke 6: 27-38
This text is one of the most extraordinary passages ever written! It utterly reverses human thinking about enemies and forgiveness. It spells out the way God goes about things, holding nothing against us despite all our failings. My world can be transformed if I take Jesus seriously. My task it to live on a higher level of loving, called to go beyond loving my neighbor as myself, beyond loving only those who love me. I am to love my enemies, do good to them, pray for them, wish them well!
Sept 10: Luke 6: 39-42
As I read this teaching of Jesus, I pray to see when I am critical and judgmental, and ask for forgiveness.
Sept 11: Luke 6: 43-49
Jesus speaks of the good treasure of the heart—the presence of God’s Spirit in my heart!
Sept 12: Mark 8: 27-35
To Jesus’ question, “Who do you say that I am?” Peter responds, “You are the Messiah.” Jesus is a suffering Messiah and discipleship is costly, Jesus teaches.
Sept 13: Luke 7: 1-10
As the man did in this story, I pray to show faith, trust, and humility—even when it is least expected.
Sept 14: John 3: 13-17
“God so loved the world that he gave his only Son…” Let us show our thanksgiving for God’s great love by showing in our lives that Jesus is our way, our truth, and our life.
Sept 15: John 19: 25-27
As was true of Mary, in times of deep suffering, O God, help my sorrow to be illuminated by faithful trust and compassionate love.
Sept 16: Luke 7: 36-50
Jesus understands the deeper meaning of the woman’s actions. Help me not to judge others too quickly, but rather be charitable in thought about others.
Sept 17: Luke 8: 1-3
Here we read of Susanna and Joanna, who were among Jesus’ disciples. We give thanks for all the quiet and lesser-known disciples who have been faithful through the years.
Sept 18: Luke 8: 4-15
God is like the sower in this story. God never stops giving and does not count the cost. God is generous, extravagant. Joy and gratitude well up in me and I thank God for such goodness to me.
Sept 19: Mark 9: 30-37
Jesus endured all that the world threw at him and responded to it with great love. Jesus reveals that suffering and death are linked solidly to life after death. Evil plays out its role and is finally encompassed by eternal life and joy. God has the last word: divine love conquers all.
Sept 20: Luke 8: 16-18
As Jesus’ disciples we are called to live in light and truth, no matter what the cost. Lord, when the wick of my lamp flickers and fades, strengthen its beam and let me be again a light-bearer, a beacon of hope to all I daily encounter.
Sept 21: Matthew 9: 9-13
How inclusive and compassionate Jesus is in his ministry! He has come for all people, without exception, and especially the weak and the vulnerable, the sick and the sinner. Lord, help me become more like you in thought, word, and deed. Make me large-hearted.
Sept 22: Luke 9: 1-6
Jesus teaches his disciples to trust God to provide all that they need and to live with trust, expectation, and thanksgiving.
Sept 23: Luke 9: 7-9
Recall the words of Jesus, “I do not call you servants any longer…I have called you friends.” Let us give thanks for such a friend!
Sept 24: Luke 9: 18-22
Let us give thanks to God for the depth of the love he has shown through Jesus’ Passion, death, and resurrection. We pray that thanksgiving for such a love as this will always fill our hearts.
Sept 25: Luke 9: 43b-45
Lord, when things go badly wrong and I am discouraged, remind me of your Passion. Help me to continue, knowing that you have radically defeated the evil of the world from the inside.
Sept 26: Mark 9: 38-43, 45, 47-48
Discipleship is not some personal privilege to be jealously guarded. We have no monopoly on Jesus. Appreciation of the good deeds done by others is essential. In his kingdom, power-seeking and rivalry have no place; they are obstacles and causes of scandal. You call me to be a stepping stone for others, not a stumbling block.
Sept 27: Luke 9: 46-50
I review my ways of thinking about who is “in” and who is “out.” What does being like a child mean to me?
Sept 28: Luke 9: 51-56
Help me, Jesus, to follow you in humility, to seek your way. Let the logic of my head be tempered by the compassion of your heart.
Sept 29: John 1: 47-51
Today I pray with the Psalmist, “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.”
Sept 30: Luke 19: 1-12
Jesus said, “Let your first words be, Peace to this house!” He said that peacemakers are blessed because they are children of God. I pray that I may not be deaf to this call to be a peacemaker in this violent and intolerant world.
