A Prayer to Worship Like the Shepherds - Your Daily Prayer - December 23
Your Daily Prayer
Audio By Carbonatix
By Christine F. Perry, Crosswalk.com
A Prayer to Worship Like the Shepherds
By Christine F. Perry
Bible Reading:
"Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them." - Luke 2:20 NKJV
Listen or Read Below:
Imagine going about your day, making sure you or your family is fed, ensuring your house is in order, attending to things that are broken, and being interrupted by an angel informing you of something the Lord is doing in your town. This is what happened to the shepherds. Luke 2:8-14 gives us more context:
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger. Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
It would be scary, exciting, and unbelievable all wrapped up in one moment. Shepherds were the outcasts of society. They were lowly and of humble means. It wasn't a glorious job. It took patience, as sheep are skittish and dumb. It took courage to fend off predators. It took wisdom and foresight to find pastures where their sheep could eat in peace and safety. The last thing these shepherds were expecting was an angel to come to them.
Yet, see how they responded in verses 15-16:
When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.
It then says that after the shepherds saw Jesus, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child.
You may be wondering what this means for us today, and what we can learn from shepherds.
First, the shepherds were where they usually were – living out in the fields. Friends, wherever you are, God is there, too. Psalm 139:7-8 says, “Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence? If I ascend into heaven, You are there; If I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there.” Many of us think we have to be in a certain school, job, or vocation for God to meet us. The truth is God is everywhere and always at work. The question is, are we looking for Him?
Second, the shepherds didn’t do anything out of their regular routine. They simply went about their tasks – keeping watch over their flocks by night. I think many of us believe we have to be in the ministry, hold a degree, be healthy, have a family, or be single for God to use us. The truth is, God can use you right now where you are! We can all pray for one another, and God delights in hearing His children pray.
Third, the shepherds obeyed immediately, and it evoked praise! Obedience brings joy! Their response was immediate. They found Mary, Joseph, and Jesus. Because they did, they left glorifying and praising God.
I want us to remember that it’s not always about doing or being somewhere new. Maybe this holiday season, you’re caring for an aging parent or a sick child. Perhaps you’re single and wondering if you will ever spend a holiday with a significant other. Maybe your life has recently fallen apart, and you’re trying to rebuild. Wherever you are, the Lord is there, and He is waiting to meet with you.
“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31.
Do laundry for the glory of God. Clean your house to the glory of God. Work hard for the glory of God. Every single thing you do, you can do for the glory of God, and that, my friends, is worship!
Let's Pray:
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you that You are everywhere and You can use everyone. Thank You that You’re intimately acquainted with all our ways. Thank You that You are good and You do good – even in the challenging seasons of life.
Father, please open our eyes to see how You are working in our midst. Help us to live fully where we are and to do all things for your glory, honor, and praise. We love you. Help us to worship You in spirit and in truth, in love and in deed. Thank You for sending Jesus to be our Savior. If you did nothing else, You have already done enough. Please help us to live with eternity in mind and help us to share, as the shepherds did, the good news of You!
Amen!
Discuss today’s devotional with others in the Your Daily Prayer thread on the Crosswalk Forum.
Photo Credit: © Getty Images/Andry Djumantara
Christine is just a lady who was given the gift of being raised in an incredible family. For reasons unknown to her, God has blessed her with an amazing life full of beautiful friendships, remarkable experiences, and a love from Him that is completely underserved. She desires to encourage others and share hope as we journey through the highs and lows of life. Christine is the author of How I Met Peace and For the Weary Life Traveler, a 31-day devotional. Check out more of Christine's work at her website: Learning to be fearless and her Patreon.
Related Resource: What If God’s Heart Toward You Is Kinder Than You Think?
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