Call to Prayer
O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise. (Psalm 51:15)
Glory be to God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit: as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Alleluia. Amen.
Scripture for the Day
So Paul, standing in the midst of the Areopagus, said: “Men of Athens, I perceive that in every way you are very religious.” (Acts 17: 22).
Reflection
Although we have no reason to believe St. Paul wandered among the imposing temples atop the Acropolis, he certainly saw them, as we do from down below. He “passed along and observed” many signs of religious devotion: idols, sanctuaries, temples. Religion was obviously very important in first-century Athens.
What prompted the ancient Athenians to build magnificent temples? Why did they invest so much of their lives and resources in acts of religious devotion? How are modern people, the Greeks we meet included, similar and different? What do we seek? Why do we hope in Christ?
Praying for Greece
Pray today for Pastor Giotis Kantartzis, pastor of First Greek Evangelical Church. Ask God to grant him wisdom as he proclaims the gospel, serves his church, mentors other pastors, and ministers to many throughout Athens.
The Lord’s Prayer
Concluding Prayers
Almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought us in safety to this new day. Preserve us with your mighty power, that we may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity, and in all we do direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
