Week of October 26th, 2025
Week of October 26th, 2025
Sunday, October 26, 2025
Readings: Jeremiah 14:7–10, 19–22; Psalm 84:1–7; 2 Timothy 4:6–8, 16–18; Luke 18:9–14
Reflection:
Jeremiah confesses the sins of the people and pleads for mercy, trusting that God alone can bring healing and rain to a parched land. The psalmist finds strength not in pride or power, but in dwelling close to God’s heart. Paul, nearing the end of his life, testifies that God’s presence has been his true defense and deliverance. And in Jesus’ parable, a humble tax collector’s prayer—“God, be merciful to me, a sinner”—opens the way to righteousness. Real strength comes from knowing our need of grace and standing in it with gratitude.
Question for Reflection:
Where might humility invite me to rely more deeply on God’s mercy instead of my own effort?
Prayer:
Merciful God, teach me the strength of humility. Let your grace be my confidence and your mercy my song.
Today’s Intention:
Pause once today to confess a weakness, and thank God for meeting you there with mercy.
Monday, October 27, 2025
Readings: Psalm 84:8–12; 1 Samuel 2:1–10; 1 Peter 4:12–19
Reflection:
Hannah’s song celebrates a God who reverses human power—raising the lowly and humbling the proud. Peter urges believers not to be surprised by suffering but to entrust themselves to a faithful Creator. The psalmist prays for God’s favor, recognizing that a single day in God’s presence outweighs a thousand elsewhere. Strength rooted in humility allows us to face hardship with grace and to trust that God’s justice and mercy will prevail.
Question for Reflection:
When have I found unexpected strength through humility or surrender?
Prayer:
God of reversals, lift me when I am low and humble me when I am proud. Teach me to find my strength in your mercy.
Today’s Intention:
Respond to one challenge today with quiet trust instead of defensiveness.
Tuesday, October 28, 2025
Readings: Psalm 84:8–12; Daniel 5:1–12; 1 Peter 5:1–11
Reflection:
King Belshazzar’s pride leads to his downfall when he fails to honor God. Peter counsels humility, reminding believers that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. The psalmist rejoices in the blessings of those who walk uprightly. Real strength is not in domination or self-assurance, but in living under God’s hand—trusting that the mighty are brought low and the humble are lifted up.
Question for Reflection:
What does it mean for me to “humble myself under God’s mighty hand”?
Prayer:
Humble Savior, free me from the illusion of control. Teach me to rest in your power and your timing.
Today’s Intention:
Practice humility by listening deeply before speaking.
Wednesday, October 29, 2025
Readings: Psalm 84:8–12; Daniel 5:13–31; Matthew 21:28–32
Reflection:
Daniel interprets the writing on the wall, declaring God’s judgment on arrogance. In Jesus’ parable, a son who once refused to obey eventually does what is right—showing that repentance matters more than appearances. The psalmist celebrates the goodness of walking blamelessly before God. True strength lies not in image or position but in the courage to turn back to God with honesty and humility.
Question for Reflection:
What “turning back” might God be inviting me to make today?
Prayer:
Faithful God, when my heart grows proud or resistant, call me back to humility and obedience.
Today’s Intention:
Admit one mistake today quickly and freely, without excuse.
Thursday, October 30, 2025
Readings: Psalm 32:1–7; Proverbs 15:8–11, 24–33; 2 Corinthians 1:1–11
Reflection:
Proverbs reminds us that wisdom grows through humility and reverence for God. Paul, comforted in his afflictions, finds strength in the prayers and compassion of others. The psalmist rejoices in forgiveness, knowing that confession opens the door to joy. Strength comes when we no longer hide our faults but bring them to God, finding freedom in mercy and renewal in community.
Question for Reflection:
Where do I need to confess or open up to experience freedom and grace?
Prayer:
God of compassion, lift the weight of what I hide. Let your mercy free me to live in honesty and peace.
Today’s Intention:
Be transparent with someone you trust about something that’s been heavy on your heart.
Friday, October 31, 2025
Readings: Psalm 32:1–7; Job 22:21–23:17; 2 Peter 1:1–11
Reflection:
Job longs to find God amid suffering, yet his integrity keeps him seeking. Peter calls believers to grow in virtue—faith, self-control, endurance, and love—so they may stand firm. The psalmist celebrates the peace that comes through forgiveness and trust. Real strength is not found in understanding every mystery but in clinging to goodness and grace when answers are hidden.
Question for Reflection:
How can I stay faithful when God seems silent or distant?
Prayer:
God of mystery, when I cannot find you, help me trust that you are near. Strengthen me to keep walking in your ways.
Today’s Intention:
Persevere in one good habit or practice, even if it feels fruitless.
Saturday, November 1, 2025
Readings: Psalm 32:1–7; Isaiah 1:1–9; John 8:39–47
Reflection:
Isaiah laments a people who have turned from God, yet a remnant remains by grace. Jesus challenges his listeners to live as true children of God—not by heritage or pride, but by hearing and obeying truth. The psalmist knows that honesty before God brings protection and gladness. Real strength is moral clarity—the courage to face truth, confess wrongs, and live from mercy rather than status.
Question for Reflection:
What does it mean for me to live as a true child of God in humility and truth?
Prayer:
God of mercy, cleanse my heart from false pride. Let my life reflect your truth and grace.
Today’s Intention:
Choose integrity over image in one small decision today.