A prayer based on Matthew 1:1-17.

<aside> 🙏🏻 Our faithful God, We praise You that You are absolutely trustworthy; That the promises You make to people, You really do keep. You promised King David, that one of His offspring would rule from his throne for ever. Through Isaiah we learn that this child will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace; that His reign would be marked by righteousness and justice. You also promised Abraham that from the great nation which his family would one day become, would be a Son who will bring blessing to all the nations on earth; who would undo the curse that came upon humankind at the Fall when sin entered the world, by bringing lost people back into relationship with their Creator. Thank You that these promises were kept with the announcement that the Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is the son of David and the son of Abraham; that Jesus is this righteous King and Rescuer.

We recognise that this relationship with You that Jesus makes possible is not something we deserve. We have all rebelled against You, the God who is just and holy and who must punish sin. We are all sinners. Even the great king David was a sinner too, committing adultery with Uriah’s wife, and orchestrating his death. How we all need Jesus to save us. For His death on the cross to take the wrath our sins deserve so that we can receive the blessing of being in relationship with You.

Thank You He will if we have repented and put our trust in Him, because He has promised that He will save all who do this. Jews and Gentiles. Men and women. Not just the good guys – those who have shady pasts as well – prostitutes and murderers and adulterers and those who come from the wrong part of town with messed up parents.

Thank You that no matter who we are and where we are from and what we have done, He can be our Saviour if we believe in Him.

Help us, by Your Spirit to trust in the King You have sent to save us. Help us, by Your Spirit to follow the King You have sent to save us, by obeying everything He has commanded. Especially help us, by Your Spirit, to take the news to people of all nations and of all backgrounds, that the King You have sent to save sinners is here, and that He will save all who ask Him to. Forgive us for so often faltering and failing to do this. Thank You that because of Your love and faithfulness You will. Give us a fresh awareness of this today we ask. In the Name of Jesus.

Amen.

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