Day 21 Praying Our Way to Pentecost

DAY 21
Saturday, May 21, 2022

Psalm 115:1
Not to us, Lord, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness.

Scripture Insights
When I was fifteen years old, the walls and shelves of my bedroom displayed my glory. I had trophies, ribbons, and awards. Today, our social media walls are filled with photos of accomplishments, opinions, and selfies to highlight our glory. This seems harmless, but big problems can develop with an accumulation of human-centered glory—it is self-seeking, limited, and temporary.
Psalm 115 starts with a repeated cry, “Not to us, Lord, not to us.” The writer expresses a deep feeling of resistance to humans being the focus of glory. The writer may be thinking of a corrupt king, a fame-seeking celebrity, or even the pride of his or her own heart. Who should get glory? Only the Lord! Only the Lord is truly loving and faithful. God’s glory is appropriately vivid in our Lord Jesus Christ, who faithfully loved with sacrifice and servant leadership.
It’s been two thousand years, but humans are still in awe of Jesus’s humble yet radiant glory! Today, we lay our trophies and selfies down and worship the only one whose glory is unlimited and eternal.

Today’s Prayer
God, we thank you for the glory of your love and faithfulness! We fix our eyes on you and not on the glory of any human. As your glory illuminates our lives, help us to walk in your humble ways today.

Prayer Journal Reflections
What is the Holy Spirit saying to you today about the Lord’s protection, direction, and revelation for your life and the life of the church?
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—David Mowry, District Superintendent, Northwest