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MEDITATION:

Written by John Piper, a contemporary theologian, pastor, and educator.

I long for God to be glorified in our pursuit of holiness and love. But God is not glorified unless our pursuit is empowered by faith in his promises. And the God who revealed himself most fully in Jesus Christ, who was crucified for our sins and raised for our justification, is most glorified when we embrace his promises with joyful firmness because they are bought by the blood of his Son. God is honored when we are humbled for our feebleness and failure, and when he is trusted for future grace. So unless we learn how to live by faith in future grace, we may perform remarkable religious rigors, but not for God’s glory. He is glorified when the power to be holy comes from humble faith in future grace. Martin Luther said, “[Faith] honors him whom it trusts with the most reverent and highest regard, since it considers him truthful and trustworthy.” The trusted Giver gets the glory. My great desire is that we learn how to live for God’s honor. And that means living by faith in future grace, which, in turn, means battling unbelief in all the ways it rears its head.

PRAYER:

Written by Basil the Great (330-379) of Caesarea, an influential theologian and pastor. He was one of the Cappadocian Fathers. This is a prayer from the Coptic Liturgy of St. Basil.

O Lord our God,

you are great, eternal,

and wonderful in glory.

You keep your covenant and promises

for those who love you

with their whole heart.

You are the Life of all,

the Help of those who flee to you,

the Hope of those who cry to you.

Cleanse us from our sins,

secret and open,

and from every thought displeasing to your goodness.

Cleanse our bodies and souls,

our hearts and consciences,

that with a pure heart and a clear soul,

with perfect love and calm hope,

we may venture confidently

and fearlessly to pray to you;

through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.