Time with God

 

Gospel

Luke 6:12-16

Gospel Acclamation

We praise you, O God, we acclaim you as Lord; the glorious company of Apostles praise you.

12 Jesus went up to the mountain to pray, and he spent the night in prayer to God. 13 When day came, he called his disciples to himself, and from them he chose Twelve, whom he also named Apostles: 14 Simon, whom he named Peter, and his brother Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, 15 Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, Simon who was called a Zealot, 16 and Judas the son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.

Historical Background

This moment occurs early in Jesus’ public ministry, after growing tension with religious leaders over Sabbath observance and healing. Jesus retreats to a mountain—a traditional place of divine encounter in Jewish tradition (think Moses on Sinai).

Choosing twelve apostles echoes the twelve tribes of Israel, symbolizing a new spiritual foundation for God’s people. The men chosen were from varied backgrounds—fishermen, tax collectors, zealots—none were religious elites. Even Judas Iscariot, who would later betray Jesus, was included.

Theological Context

Jesus spends the entire night in prayer before making this pivotal decision. This models dependence on the Father and prioritizes spiritual discernment over human strategy.

The term “apostle” (Greek: apostolos) means “one who is sent.” These twelve were not just followers—they were entrusted with authority and mission.

The inclusion of Judas Iscariot reveals the mystery of divine choice. Jesus knew Judas would betray Him yet still chose him—an act of radical grace and sovereignty.

Learning Lessons

Major decisions should be bathed in prayer. Jesus didn’t rush—He retreated, listened, and waited.

The apostles weren’t perfect. Their calling wasn’t based on merit but on divine purpose. Like Judas, we may falter. Yet Jesus still invites, equips, and loves us.

Reflection for the Day

Today, pause and ask: What decisions am I making without prayer? Who in my life feels “unlikely” yet may be divinely chosen? Am I willing to be sent, even with my flaws?

Let Jesus’ example challenge your rhythm. Before the noise of the day, climb your own “mountain” and seek the father’s heart.

Poem

“The Mountain Called Me”

The mountain called me in the hush of night,

Where stars bore witness to prayer’s quiet fight.

No crowd, no clamor, just heaven’s breath,

As Jesus knelt and wrestled with death.

He named the twelve with trembling grace,

Each soul a story, each heart a place.

Even the traitor, chosen still—

A mystery wrapped in sovereign will.

Lord, call me too, though weak I stand,

Shape me gently with nail-scarred hands.

Let my yes be bold, my steps be true,

For I am one You’ve chosen too.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, 

You withdrew to pray, to listen, to align with the Father’s will. Teach me to do the same—to seek Your voice before I speak, to wait before I move, to trust that You see beyond what I understand.

You chose the twelve, knowing their strengths and sins. You chose Judas, knowing his betrayal. Yet Your love did not waver. Choose me again today, Lord. Not because I am worthy, but because You are merciful. Send me where You will. Shape me into one who reflects Your grace. And when I falter, remind me: You still choose me. 

Amen.

Pericope:

IV: The Ministry in Galilee

THE MISSION OF THE TWELVE

Luke 6:12-16

Reflection Source:

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Published

October 28, 2025, 5:57 AM

The Lord's Prayer

 

Gospel

Luke 11:1-4

Gospel Acclamation 

You have received a spirit of adoption as sons through which we cry: Abba! Father!

1 Jesus was praying in a certain place, and when he had finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray just as John taught his disciples.” 2 He said to them, “When you pray, say: Father, hallowed be your name, your Kingdom come. 3 Give us each day our daily bread 4 and forgive us our sins for we ourselves forgive everyone in debt to us, and do not subject us to the final test.”

Background

The Lord’s Prayer, also known as the Our Father, is one of the most well-known and cherished prayers in Christianity. It was taught by Jesus to His disciples as a model for how to pray. It appears in two forms in the New Testament: a longer version in the Gospel of Matthew (6:9-13) and a shorter version in the Gospel of Luke (11:2-4)12. The prayer incorporates elements of Jewish prayers and teachings, reflecting themes such as reverence for God, requests for daily sustenance, forgiveness, and deliverance from evil.

Liturgical Adaptation

Early Christian communities adapted the prayer from the Gospel texts and taught it to new converts. The version we use today includes a doxology (“For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen”), which was added early in Christian liturgical practice.

Didachē

The doxology is believed to have originated in the Didachē, a compilation of Christian teachings from the 1st or 2nd century. The Lord’s Prayer is used by most Christian denominations in their worship services. Despite theological differences, it serves as a unifying prayer for Christians around the world. Following the Second Vatican Council (1962-65), the doxology was added to the Roman Catholic Mass, reflecting a gesture of ecumenism and unity among different Christian traditions.

The Lord’s Prayer is recited in various forms of daily prayer, such as the Roman Catholic rosary and the Anglican daily office. It continues to be a model for personal and communal prayer, emphasizing key aspects of Christian faith and practice. 

Key Elements

Addressing God as Father: This signifies a personal and intimate relationship with God. 

Hallowed be Your name: Acknowledging the holiness and sanctity of God’s name. Start your day by acknowledging God’s holiness and greatness.

Your kingdom come, Your will be done: Expressing a desire for God’s reign and His will to be fulfilled on earth. In your decisions and actions, seek to align with God’s will and purpose.

Daily bread: Asking for God’s provision for our daily needs. Trust God to provide for your needs each day.

Forgiveness: Seeking God’s forgiveness for our sins and committing to forgive others. Practice forgiveness, both in seeking it from God and extending it to others.

Guidance and Protection: Asking for God’s guidance to avoid temptation and for protection from evil. Pray for strength to resist temptation and for protection from harm.

Our Father in heaven, so holy and true,

Your kingdom come, Your will we pursue.

On earth as in heaven, Your love we proclaim,

In every heart, we honor Your name.

Give us this day our daily bread,

Nourish our souls, by Your Spirit we’re led.

Forgive our trespasses, as we forgive,

In Your boundless grace, we learn to live.

Lead us not into temptation’s snare,

Deliver us, Lord, from every despair.

For Yours is the kingdom, the power, the glory,

Forever and ever, in Your wondrous story.

Amen.

Pericope:

V: The Journey to Jerusalem: Luke's Travel Narrative

THE LORD'S PRAYER

Luke 11:1-4

Reflection Source:

Conversation with Co-Pilot

Published:

October 08, 2025, 5:26 AM

October 09, 2024, 7:48 AM

Prayer to the Lord of the Sabbath

Lord Jesus, 

You declare Yourself as the Lord of the Sabbath, asserting Your divine authority and sovereignty. We recognize Your lordship in all aspects of our lives, and we bow before Your majesty with humble hearts.

Teach us the true purpose of the Sabbath, a time for rest and restoration, not a burden of rules. Help us find balance in our spiritual practices, drawing us closer to You, free from stress and strife.

You care for our physical and spiritual well-being, providing for us in times of need with Your boundless love. May we always remember that compassion and human need surpass strict adherence to the law.

Guide us to prioritize mercy and compassion, reflecting Your grace in our interactions with others. Let the spirit of the law shine brighter than the letter, as we seek a deeper understanding of Your will.

Open our hearts to spiritual growth and renewal, transforming us by the power of Your Holy Spirit. In Your wisdom, we find our true purpose and peace, and in Your love, we are made whole.

Amen.

Published:

September 06, 2025, 5:59 AM

September 07, 2024, 7:14 AM

Prayer for New Things

Lord Jesus, 

We come before You with open hearts, ready to embrace the new ways of thinking and living that You bring. Help us to understand that the new covenant of grace and truth cannot be contained within the old structures of the law.

Grant us the courage to let go of old habits and traditions that hinder our spiritual growth. Guide us on our spiritual journey of continuous renewal and open our hearts to the transformative work of the Holy Spirit.

May our relationship with You be genuine and deep, reflecting our inner transformation and love for You. Help us to understand that it’s not about merely following rituals, but about having a true and heartfelt connection with You.

Just as a new patch on an old garment would tear, teach us to be flexible and adaptable, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide us into new understandings and practices.

Let our relationship with You be marked by joy and gratitude. While there are times for fasting and repentance, help us to also celebrate the grace and love we receive through You.

Lord, we desire to live out our faith with authenticity and joy, always willing to be transformed by the new life You offer. In Your holy name, we pray.

Amen.

Published:

September 05, 2025, 5:36 AM

September 06, 2024, 6:20 AM

Prayer of Radiant Transformation

Gracious Father,

We stand before You, humbled by Your glory. Your radiant light transforms us, shaping us into vessels of grace. As Your handiwork, we reflect Your love to a broken world.

In the midst of earthly struggles—those fleeting shadows—we fix our gaze on eternity. For our true home is not bound by time or circumstance; it rests in the shelter of Your presence. We long for that celestial union, where Christ’s embrace awaits.

Guide us, O Lord, as we journey through life’s winding paths. May unity be our compass, stitching hearts together in compassion. Let us cling to Christ’s teachings—the ancient wisdom that pierces through noise and doubt. In faithfulness, we await our heavenly home, where tears are wiped away, and joy abounds.

Thank You for including us in Your eternal plan. May our lives echo Your grace, drawing others toward the light. And when the veil of mortality lifts, may we step into the fullness of Your love.

In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Source

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Published

August 24, 2024, 4:24 AM

Prayer of Surrender

Lord Jesus, our Savior and Redeemer,

In the quiet chambers of our hearts, we come before You, humbled and willing. You, who bore the cross, who suffered for our sake, teach us the way of surrender. As we reflect on Your life, we recognize that true service to You requires more than mere words—it demands a yielded heart.

We yield to Your purpose: In the footsteps of Christ, we walk. We share in His sufferings, knowing that through our trials, we become vessels for Your work. May our lives echo His example, submitting to Your divine plan. Let our purpose align with Yours, O God, as we seek to glorify You.

We surrender our will and desires: Break the chains of self-will that bind us. Just as Jesus prayed in Gethsemane, “Not my will, but Yours be done,” we echo those words. Our desires, our ambitions—we lay them down at Your feet. For in dying to self, we find true life. Transform our hearts, Lord, that we may bear fruit that reflects Your character.

We long for spiritual fruit: As a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, so let our lives be buried in Your grace. From this surrender, let love blossom—a love that extends beyond ourselves. Let kindness flow from our hands, compassion from our hearts, and faithfulness from our very being. May our lives be a fragrant offering, a harvest of Your goodness.

We yield to Your will: Guide us, O Lord, in the paths of righteousness. When storms rage and doubts assail, remind us that Your will is our anchor. Help us prioritize eternal perspectives over temporary concerns. In yielding, we find strength. In surrender, we discover purpose. In You, we live and move and have our being.

Lord Jesus, we yield to You—the Sower of our souls. May our lives bear abundant fruit, a testament to Your grace. Amen.

Source

Conversation with Copilot

Published

August 10, 2024, 7:45 AM

Prayer of Trust and Gratitude

Dear Heavenly Father,

In the depths of our brokenness, we find solace in Your compassion. You hear our cries, O Lord, even when life overwhelms us. Like sinking ships in deep waters, we reach out to You, knowing that Your ear is inclined to our desperate pleas.

In our trials, we turn to You, our refuge. When darkness surrounds us, we seek Your light. Help us trust in Your unwavering love, for Your compassion knows no bounds. You are the anchor that steadies our souls when the storms rage within.

And in our darkest moments, may we intentionally find reasons to praise You. Gratitude shifts our focus from pain to Your goodness. We thank You for the breath in our lungs, the beating of our hearts, and the hope that springs eternal.

May our lives be a hymn of praise, echoing Your love and grace. In unexpected ways, You work, weaving miracles in the ordinary. May we recognize Your hand at work, even when the path seems unclear.

Lord, deepen our faith, refine our hearts, and draw us closer to You. May we seek not just religious rituals, but a genuine relationship with You—a dance of trust, humility, and surrender.

In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Published:

August 03, 2024, 5:24 AM