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
Now when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked. But others said, “We will hear you again about this.” So Paul went out from their midst. But some men joined him and believed, among whom also were Dionysius the Areopagite . . . . (Acts 17: 32-34)
Reflection
The apostle Paul often experienced rejection. The mockery of some Athenians was mild compared to the arrests, beatings, imprisonments, and interrogations he faced elsewhere. Yet not all rejected Paul’s words. Among those that believed was Dionysius the Areopagite.
Today, the first street south of the Acropolis is named for St. Dionysius. Two thousand years after Paul’s visit to Athens, his patient love for and reasoning with a difficult people continues to touch the city. What history, influence, or legacy will we leave in the places we visit?
Praying for Greece
Pray today for Greek Bible College. Its leaders, faculty, and students celebrate graduation in coming weeks, honoring young evangelical Christians responding to God’s call to minister, pastor, teach, and witness to the good news of God’s love. Pray that Christ will direct them.
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.
