Eternal Flame

This week, we’re focusing on prayer as we reflect on Jesus’ example and commandments, praying through selected verses from John and Exodus. As I mentioned in Monday morning’s podcast/newsletter keep in mind as you read that all Scripture, though not always binding, is inspired by God and vital for teaching and spiritual growth.

You shall command the people of Israel that they bring to you pure beaten olive oil for the light, that a lamp may regularly be set up to burn.

— Exodus 27:20

Praying Through the Bible

Lord,

Here is my oil, take it.
Burn it upon this lampstand.
This oil is sin and shame,
The most common of all commodities,
Let it burn away.

Here is my oil, take it.
Burn it upon this lampstand.
This oil is my worship to you,
May my heart ever produce it,
and may it rise as a pleasing fragrance before you,
Let that passion burn forever,

Here is my oil, take it.
Burn it upon this lampstand.
These are my earthly desires,
I have no need of them, for they have been replaced,
As they burn, let others cast theirs to join them.
Let it burn away.

Here is our oil, take it.
Burn it upon this lampstand.
This is the eternal faith,
Which belonged to our fathers,
Which at times has lessened,
But has never run dry.
Let it catch alight in the hearts of men.

Here is my oil, take it.
Burn it upon this lampstand.
This is the last of it,
I have nothing else to offer.
This oil is my life,
Take it, and burn away all of its impurities,
Take it, and transform its ugliness,
Take it, and give me yours in its place,
Take it, and take my new life with it, it is yours,
Let my life burn bright, as an example of your goodness.

Amen

Today’s Readings

John 12, Psalm 31, Exodus 27-29, 1 Chronicles 4:11-15

Recommended Media

Last year, I sat down to write an article I’d been planning for behind the scenes for at least a year. It didn’t take that long because of the research, but because of my preconception that it wouldn’t change much. I felt convicted after a few conversations with other writers, and a few days later, I hit send. That article has gone on to become my sixth most popular article of all time, and I have received more feedback than I could possibly have hoped for. What was the article on? The book of Leviticus. In the months since, I’ve seen this book rise to the forefront of conversation and attention for many pastors and lay-persons alike. This article from

Cut for Time

by Chris Nye is just the latest example of that. I highly recommend you read the article below. We will be in the book of Leviticus later this year, so use this as an opportunity to get excited ahead of time!

Why does Leviticus matter and how can we read it?