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
Those who conducted Paul brought him as far as Athens, and after receiving a command for Silas and Timothy to come to him as soon as possible, they departed. (Acts 17:15)
Reflection
St. Paul was the first Christian the Bible records as visiting Athens. He was simultaneously amazed and provoked by what he saw. As he walked through the marketplace, talked with Athenians, and stood under the shadow of the Acropolis, the Lord encouraged, guided, and inspired him to faithful Christian witness and ministry.
As we begin our travels today to Athens, we join a long line of believers that have visited this significant city. What will amaze us? What will trouble us? How will the Lord bless us in our walking, talking, learning, and ministering?
Praying for Greece
Pray today especially for our group. Ask the Lord for safety as we travel, for health and strength of body, for openness of hearts, for success in assembling everyone together in Athens in high spirits for the two weeks ahead.
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.
