Saturday, August 8, 2026

Opening Scripture

“When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command locusts to devour the land or send a plague among my people, if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place.” 2 Chronicles 7:13-15

Opening Prayer

Sweet hour of prayer! Sweet hour of prayer! That calls me from a world of care, and bids me at my Father’s throne make all my wants and wishes known. In seasons of distress and grief, my soul has often found relief, and oft escaped the tempter’s snare by thy return, sweet hour of prayer! Sweet hour of prayer! Sweet hour of prayer! Thy wings shall my petition bear to Him whose truth and faithfulness engage the waiting soul to bless. And since He bids me seek his face,
believe His word, and trust His grace, I’ll cast on Him my every care, and wait for thee, sweet hour of prayer! Amen.

Daily Bible Reading

Luke 2:26-38

It had been revealed to (Simeon) by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.”

The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”

There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.

Reflection  

Thirty-three days after Jesus’ circumcision and naming ceremony, presumably in Bethlehem, eight days after his birth, Mary and Joseph brought their firstborn to Jerusalem (about 6 miles) to present Him to God and to bring an offering for Mary’s purification after childbirth. The fact that they brought a pair of doves indicates that they were too poor to afford a lamb.

“When the time came for the purification rites required by the Law of Moses, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord – as it is written in the Law of the Lord, ‘Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord’” (Luke 2:22-23).

Today’s passage picks up the story as the young couple brings their baby into the temple courts. Imagine their surprise when an old man steps forward and takes the infant out of His mother’s arms. Luke tells us that the man’s name is Simeon, and he was “righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Christ (Messiah).”

Simeon’s prayer is a joyful exaltation over the fulfillment of a long-awaited hope. He had been given divine insight into the child’s true identity. This was the promised Messiah! The Deliverer! He would be a Light to the Gentiles and the One who would set God’s people free!

Simeon’s words caused Mary and Joseph to marvel in amazement. Though they had each been told by an angel that their Son was the Messiah, they may not have comprehended the wide scope of His ministry – to the entire world, Gentiles as well as the nation of Israel.

Simeon further revealed to Mary, “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.” That is a lot to take in!

Jesus would literally change the course of human history. His life, death, and resurrection would eternally impact countless people, revealing their hearts and motives, bringing great joy and great sorrow. He will be opposed, but those who believe in Him will “rise.” Those who reject Him will “fall.” And, as His mother, Mary’s own grief will be like a sword piercing her soul.

Then there is dear Anna, an old widow who never left the temple, but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. Anna was a prophet from the tribe of Asher and, though Luke does not say it, she too must have received divine insight from the Holy Spirit about the identity of this baby.

The prayers of these two old saints are significant. Like so many of our long-time church members, they lived and served faithfully for many years, trusting God and looking forward to His promised redemption. More than we know, the work of God in this world is connected to the prayers of His people.

The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.

Flourishing Habit

Flourishing Christians

How gracious of the Lord to grant this tangible answer to both Simeon’s and Anna’s prayers. These two devout “saints” understood and believed the Old Testament prophecies that pointed to God’s deliverance of His people. The Spirit confirmed in their hearts that they would know Him when they saw Him.

Our Heavenly Father answers our sincere and appropriate prayers in different ways. Yes. No. Wait. I have something better planned.

Psalm 37:4 says, “Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” The more we delight in God – orienting our lives around Him, seeking first His kingdom and righteousness, understanding His purpose, finding joy in His good, pleasing, and perfect will – we want what He wants. Our desires will look more like His plans. Our prayers become more aligned with His intent.

As God’s children, we can have confidence that our Heavenly Father not only listens to, but also answers our prayers. His responses might not always look or feel like what we expect, but they are always rooted in His perfect wisdom. We can trust that He knows what is best for us. We can encourage each other to remain steadfast in prayer, knowing that every response from God has meaning and purpose.

Sometimes God answers our prayers immediately. Like Elijah’s prayer on Mount Carmel, there are occasions where God responds quickly and powerfully to our petitions. God always does the right thing at the right time for the right reason!

Sometimes God answers our prayers after a long delay. He sees what we do not see. He knows what we do not know. He is always at work accomplishing His perfect will. In those times, we must exercise patience and persistence with faith and trust.

Sometimes God answers our prayers in ways we do not recognize. When we have a specific “answer” in mind, we may not understand God’s gracious response in the moment. Often, it is only in hindsight that we perceive His reply.

Sometimes God answers our prayers with a simple, “no.” Our good and gracious Father loves us too much to give us what is detrimental to His perfect will for us. He knows much better than we do what is needed.

“This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us” (1 John 5:14).

“The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth” (Psalms 145:18).

Are you delighting in the Lord and seeking His kingdom and righteousness?

What are you praying for right now?

How are your prayers a reflection of your relationship with God?

“Work as if you were to live a hundred years, pray as if you were to die tomorrow.” Benjamin Franklin

You can do more than pray after you’ve prayed, but you can’t do more than pray until you’ve prayed!