Sunday, January 18, 2026 (2nd Sunday after Epiphany)
Readings: Isaiah 49:1–7; Psalm 40:1–11; 1 Corinthians 1:1–9; John 1:29–42

Reflection
God’s power is revealed not through force or spectacle, but through mercy and self-giving love. Isaiah speaks of a servant called not for dominance, but to restore and gather. Psalm 40 celebrates a life shaped by trust and faithful listening rather than empty displays of strength. Paul reminds the Corinthians that they are sustained by grace, not achievement. When John points to Jesus as the Lamb of God, he names a power that absorbs the world’s brokenness instead of amplifying it. To behold the Lamb is to learn a different way of living—serving quietly, acting with mercy, and trusting that God’s love is already at work in the ordinary moments of our lives.

Question for Contemplation
Where might God be inviting you to choose mercy over control or recognition?

Prayer
Merciful God, help me recognize Your power at work in humility and love. Shape my life to reflect Your grace in quiet, faithful ways.

Intention for the Day
Look for one ordinary moment today where you can respond with mercy, patience, or gentle service.

Monday, January 19, 2026
Readings: Psalm 40:6–17; Exodus 12:1–13, 21–28; Acts 8:26–40

Reflection
God’s saving work often unfolds through obedience and trust in ordinary moments. The Passover marks liberation through faithful listening and decisive action, not through might or spectacle. In Acts, the Spirit leads Philip to an unexpected encounter that becomes a moment of mercy and new life. Psalm 40 reminds us that God desires attentive hearts more than ritual alone. Beholding the Lamb invites us to notice where God is already moving and to respond with willingness and compassion.

Question for Contemplation
Where might God be inviting you to respond with trust rather than certainty?

Prayer
God of deliverance, help me listen for Your leading and respond with faithful obedience.

Intention for the Day
Remain open to an unexpected conversation or interruption and treat it as a potential moment of grace.

Tuesday, January 20, 2026
Readings: Psalm 40:6–17; Isaiah 53:1–12; Hebrews 10:1–4

Reflection
God’s mercy is revealed through suffering love rather than force. Isaiah’s servant bears pain not to dominate, but to heal, foreshadowing a redemption rooted in self-giving. Hebrews reminds us that repeated sacrifices cannot bring fullness of life—only God’s gracious action can. Psalm 40 calls us to trust in a God who listens and saves. To behold the Lamb is to recognize that true power transforms through love.

Question for Contemplation
How might embracing vulnerability open space for God’s healing in your life or relationships?

Prayer
God of redemptive love, help me trust the power of mercy and compassion over control.

Intention for the Day
Practice gentle presence today, especially with someone who is struggling or hurting.

Wednesday, January 21, 2026
Readings: Psalm 40:6–17; Isaiah 48:12–21; Matthew 9:14–17

Reflection
God continually invites people into new ways of living. Isaiah calls the people to listen and follow a path that leads to peace and flourishing. Jesus challenges rigid expectations, reminding us that new life cannot be contained in old structures. Psalm 40 emphasizes delight in God’s way rather than mere habit. Beholding the Lamb means staying open to transformation and trusting that God’s grace often arrives in unfamiliar forms.

Question for Contemplation
Where might God be calling you to let go of an old pattern to make room for something new?

Prayer
God of renewal, give me openness to change and trust in the new life You offer.

Intention for the Day
Release one routine or assumption that may be limiting your openness to growth.

Thursday, January 22, 2026
Readings: Psalm 27:1–6; 1 Samuel 1:1–20; Galatians 1:11–24

Reflection
God meets human longing with compassion and purpose. Hannah’s honest prayer becomes the birthplace of hope, while Paul’s story reminds us that transformation often unfolds through grace rather than approval or status. Psalm 27 anchors this hope in trust, even amid fear. Beholding the Lamb encourages us to bring our deepest desires to God and trust that mercy is already at work.

Question for Contemplation
What longing or prayer have you been holding quietly before God?

Prayer
God who hears, receive my prayers and meet me with Your faithful love.

Intention for the Day
Name one honest prayer today and trust it to God without rushing the outcome.

Friday, January 23, 2026
Readings: Psalm 27:1–6; 1 Samuel 9:27–10:8; Galatians 2:1–10

Reflection
God calls people into purpose in unexpected ways. Saul is anointed quietly, while Paul affirms that the Gospel is grounded in grace rather than human credentials. Psalm 27 proclaims confidence in God’s guiding presence. Beholding the Lamb means trusting that God’s call rests on mercy, not merit, and that faithfulness often begins in hidden moments.

Question for Contemplation
How might God be affirming your calling apart from recognition or validation?

Prayer
Guiding God, help me trust Your call and walk faithfully in the path You set before me.

Intention for the Day
Act faithfully in one unseen or uncelebrated task today.

Saturday, January 24, 2026
Readings: Psalm 27:1–6; 1 Samuel 15:34–16:13; Luke 5:27–32

Reflection
God looks beyond appearances to the heart. David is chosen not for stature but for faithfulness, and Jesus calls Levi not for perfection but for transformation. Psalm 27 grounds this trust in God’s steady presence. Beholding the Lamb invites us to see ourselves and others through the lens of mercy, trusting that God delights in redeeming what the world dismisses.

Question for Contemplation
Whom might God be inviting you to see with fresh eyes of mercy?

Prayer
Merciful God, teach me to look beyond appearances and welcome Your transforming grace.

Intention for the Day
Extend grace to someone today—especially where judgment or dismissal might come easily.