Daily Bible Reading

God’s Word of Prayer Introduction Habakkuk 3:1-19: Habakkuk’s prayer in this concluding chapter begins with a request for the LORD to be merciful to the people of Judah. His prayer then continues with a description of the LORD’s presence and power in the world. Habakkuk is overwhelmed by the LORD’s awesome power, which makes him […]

God’s Word of Prayer Introduction Habakkuk 2:1-20: The LORD offers Habakkuk a vision of justice, saying that the Babylonians will be punished according to the way they have treated others. This vision is borne out by history: the Babylonians destroyed Jerusalem in 586 B.C. and stole the treasures of Israel’s temple. Yet by 539 B.C., […]

God’s Word of Prayer Introduction Habakkuk 1:1-17: The words of the prophet Habakkuk come from near the end of the seventh century B.C., at a time when the Babylonians were in power. Habakkuk was deeply disturbed by the violence and injustice in the land of Judah, and today’s reading records a prayer-filled conversation between the […]

God’s Word of Prayer Introduction Daniel 10:1—11:1: Today reading is the first part of the conclusion to the book of Daniel and Daniel’s final vision. The opening verses (2, 3) describe how Daniel has spent three weeks in mourning, abstaining from rich food, meat, and wine. An angel delivers a message to Daniel about future […]

God’s Word of Prayer Introduction Daniel 9:20-27: Following up yesterday’s reading about Jeremiah’s prophecy, the angel Gabriel appears to Daniel and explains that the seventy years are really seven times seventy, or 490 years, the time set by God to free the people from sin and evil. The “Awful Horror” (verse 27) probably refers to […]

God’s Word of Prayer Introduction Daniel 9:1-19: This prayer follows two of Daniel’s visions. These visions show God’s control of historical events and provide hope for those who remain faithful in times of persecution. Upon reading Jeremiah’s writings foreseeing Jerusalem’s 70-year ruin (see Jeremiah 25:11; 29:10), Daniel fasts and wears sackcloth. In this passage, he […]

God’s Word of Prayer Introduction Psalm 141: Today’s reading is a psalm in the wisdom tradition with the writer asking God to keep him on the right path and to keep him from wanting to do wrong (verse 4). The writer also asks for God’s protection, praying that the traps that have been set for […]

God’s Word of Prayer Introduction Psalm 132: Today’s reading is considered a “royal psalm” that celebrates David and his descendants as God’s anointed rulers. As a song used in worship, the psalm also celebrates the reason people made pilgrimages to the Temple in Jerusalem (Zion), God’s chosen home (verse 13). Scripture Reading In Praise of […]

God’s Word of Prayer Introduction Luke 18:1-14: Today’s reading includes two parables. The first teaches about being persistent in prayer, and the second about approaching God in prayer with a humble heart. Scripture Reading The Parable of the Widow and the Judge 1Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to teach them that they should […]

God’s Word of Prayer Introduction Luke 11:1-13: In response to a request from one of the disciples, Jesus teaches his followers to pray. He reveals the fatherhood of God to his disciples and the limitless capacity of God’s love, faithfulness, generosity, compassion, and care. Scripture Reading Jesus’ Teaching on Prayer (Matthew 6.9-13; 7.7-11) 1One day […]