This week, we’re focusing on prayer as we reflect on Jesus’ example and commandments, praying through selected verses from John and Exodus.

For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you.

— John 13:15

Praying Through Scripture

Lord Jesus,

Help us today to follow your example:To love one another, as you have loved us.To feed the hungry, and welcome the stranger,as though we were feeding and welcoming you.To humble ourselves like servants to one another,Washing one another’s feet, serving on bended knee.Forgiving others, as you have forgiven us,Taking up our cross daily, as you did on the road to Golgotha,Denying ourselves, and following you.

You have made us holy, as you are holy,With that in mind, let us also be obedient,As you were obedient to your father.

Coming down from heaven, not to execute your own willBut in service of the will that send you to us.Let us give up our lives for you,Teach us to give up our lives for our friends.This is love.

As you spent time with the father,Withdrawing to wildernesses and quiet places,Let us pray.

As you spoke with the nations,and sent others to do so after you,Guide us in how to makes disciples near and far,Baptising them in the name of the Father,and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

As you came to establish the kingdom of God and His righteousnessShow us how to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness

For the hour comes, and now is, when your true worshippers shall worship.We will worship the Father in spirit and in truth.Make us into vessels of worship for the Father.

Amen

Today’s Readings

John 13, Psalm 32, Exodus 30-32, 1 Chronicles 4:16-20

Recommended Media

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ajNqR0e65U

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dusktilldawn.substack.com

This week, we’re focusing on prayer as we reflect on Jesus’ example and commandments, praying through selected verses from John and Exodus. As I mentioned in Monday morning’s podcast/newsletter keep in mind as you read that all Scripture, though not always binding, is inspired by God and vital for teaching and spiritual growth.

You shall command the people of Israel that they bring to you pure beaten olive oil for the light, that a lamp may regularly be set up to burn.

— Exodus 27:20

Praying Through the Bible

Lord,

Here is my oil, take it.Burn it upon this lampstand.This oil is sin and shame,The most common of all commodities,Let it burn away.

Here is my oil, take it.Burn it upon this lampstand.This oil is my worship to you,May my heart ever produce it,and may it rise as a pleasing fragrance before you,Let that passion burn forever,

Here is my oil, take it.Burn it upon this lampstand.These are my earthly desires,I have no need of them, for they have been replaced,As they burn, let others cast theirs to join them.Let it burn away.

Here is our oil, take it.Burn it upon this lampstand.This is the eternal faith,Which belonged to our fathers,Which at times has lessened,But has never run dry.Let it catch alight in the hearts of men.

Here is my oil, take it.Burn it upon this lampstand.This is the last of it,I have nothing else to offer.This oil is my life,Take it, and burn away all of its impurities,Take it, and transform its ugliness,Take it, and give me yours in its place,Take it, and take my new life with it, it is yours,Let my life burn bright, as an example of your goodness.

Amen

Today’s Readings

John 12, Psalm 31, Exodus 27-29, 1 Chronicles 4:11-15

Recommended Media

Last year, I sat down to write an article I’d been planning for behind the scenes for at least a year. It didn’t take that long because of the research, but because of my preconception that it wouldn’t change much. I felt convicted after a few conversations with other writers, and a few days later, I hit send. That article has gone on to become my sixth most popular article of all time, and I have received more feedback than I could possibly have hoped for. What was the article on? The book of Leviticus. In the months since, I’ve seen this book rise to the forefront of conversation and attention for many pastors and lay-persons alike. This article from Cut for Time by Chris Nye is just the latest example of that. I highly recommend you read the article below. We will be in the book of Leviticus later this year, so use this as an opportunity to get excited ahead of time!

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dusktilldawn.substack.com

This week, we’re focusing on prayer as we reflect on Jesus’ example and commandments, praying through selected verses from John and Exodus.

His disciples did not understand these things at first, but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things had been written about him and had been done to him.

— John 12:16

Prayer

Lord,

How many times, and in how many ways did you make yourself known to your people, casting our doubts and fears before you, but they did not hear it. Disciples, Kings, Judges, Prophets, Priests, and all peoples, they heard but did not understand. Now in these days, you have made yourself known through your son.

And yet they still do not hear.

You have been glorified, and our hearts are now mesmerised by that glory,As we gaze upon you again this morningbring to mind those evidences of your splendour.Those things that were written,All those things which you have done.

Give us faith for those miracles you have yet to do,Tales of which are known only to you,but have yet to be written in the annals of earth.

Amen

Today’s Readings

John 12, Psalm 31, Exodus 27-29, 1 Chronicles 4:11-15

Recommended Media

I have three journals in my eye line right now, along with another dozen or so scripture journals, most of which are largely empty. That isn’t to say that journalling is boring, or unhelpful, just that it can be daunting at times—…and buying journals is a hobby all of its own.

This video talks about benefits and uses of journals, through stories of journalling throughout history, as well as his personal journey.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2HCmv6aDYbQ&list=WL&index=10

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dusktilldawn.substack.com

This week, we’re focusing on prayer as we reflect on Jesus’ example and commandments, praying through selected verses from John and Exodus. As I mentioned in this morning’s podcast/newsletter keep in mind as you read that all Scripture is inspired by God and vital for continual spiritual sustenance.

“The glory of the Lord dwelt on Mount Sinai, and the cloud covered it six days. And on the seventh day he called to Moses out of the midst of the cloud.”

— Exodus 24:16

Praying Through the Word

Yahweh,

The whole universe speaks of your glory,

The Sun and Moon obey youas they rule the sky by night and day,The waters and the storms follow your commands,And yet you have deemed it right, at times,to fall upon particular places, to make yourself known to us.

Now, your glory dwells in us.Like a devouring fire, which consumes our sin,and like a thick cloud full of your power.

Lead us to follow your commands, as does the earth,As do the sun, and moon, and stars,as the storm did before the disciples’ eyes.

Move our hearts to contribute our small gifts to your great kingdom.Not seeking to build our own fragile kingdoms on earth,But your great kingdom on earth as it is in heaven.

Amen

Today’s Readings

John 11, Psalm 30, Exodus 24-26, 1 Chronicles 4:6-10

Recommended Media

https://www.ravenswritingdesk.co.uk/p/dont-finish-that-book

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dusktilldawn.substack.com

This week, we’re focussing on prayer. Many of this week’s readings touch upon Jesus’ example, his commandments to us, and the way he calls us to follow him. This is something we need help with every day, and so rather than spend time expounding on these passages, we’ll pray through a verse or a portion of them, and then I encourage you to go and read them yourself. This week’s readings are primarily from the book of John, or the book of Exodus, but keep in mind while you read that these are both from God. The commandments in the Old Testament may not be binding on us, but they are informative and important. As Paul once wrote to his disciple Timothy:

“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”

— 2 Timothy 3:16–17

“Jesus wept.”

— John 11:35

Let’s Pray

Praying Through Scripture

Lord Jesus,

I have wept,How many times have I wept,For my sin, and for those committed against me,In grief and in anguish, and for lessons learned too late.

Your tears inspire joy in the midst of my sorrows,

That you have cried, pouring out the most pure form of raw emotion,Is yet another example of the image to which we are being conformed.

Help us today, help me today, to weep more readily,To rejoice more readily, to give both to you, your providence, your timings,and trust the saviour who wept for a lost friend, whom he would shortly see again.

Amen

Today’s Readings

John 11, Psalm 30, Exodus 24-26, 1 Chronicles 4:6-10

Recommended Media

https://www.ravenswritingdesk.co.uk/p/seconds

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dusktilldawn.substack.com

In his right hand he held seven stars, from his mouth came a sharp two-edged sword, and his face was like the sun shining in full strength.

— Revelation 1:16

The book of revelation is magnificent. Throughout the Bible we get these rare glimpses past the veil of heaven’s door, where those present transcend time and space altogether.

If we are to understand this book, the answer isn’t to demystify it. We shouldn’t seek to try and tie events or images in Revelation to the past, present, or future in an attempt to uncover more grounded explanations of the text. Instead, we need to remystify ourselves.

There is, of course, much for scholars to draw out from this book, but while they do that, let’s just wonder at it for a moment. Before we dig ourselves, we should stop to observe, to take in the full scope of the task ahead of us. Most importantly, we need to pay attention to the one who gave us this message in the first place.

Who is this who holds stars in his hand? Whose speech is so sharp that it has become itself a sword, and with a face that outshines the brightest sun?

How does John respond?

When I saw him, I fell at his feet like a dead man. He laid his right hand on me and said, “Don’t be afraid. I am the First and the Last, and the Living One. I was dead, but look—I am alive forever and ever, and I hold the keys of death and Hades.

Revelation 1:17–18

This hand that held stars now holds onto John. This most blessed friend whom Jesus loved on earth, and for whom he died. John saw a glimpse of this before, but now he sees Jesus in his fulness.

Do you see him? Can you push past the desire to wrap your head around this, and instead have your mind warped and changed by the possibility of such splendiferousness! This is our Jesus. He is the first and the last. The Living One. Dead but now fully alive.

How glorious is our God!

Let’s pray.

Praying through the Bible

Lord,

Help me to see you today.You hold me in your right hand,you hold your church close,just as you held John.

When John saw you,He fell at your feet like a dead man.O how I wish I could have fallen beside him,How glorious will that day be,When finally I see you face to face.

You have said: “Don’t be afraid.” — so, purge me of all ungodly fear.I am the First and the Last — eternal, yet you humbled yourself and came to us.and the Living One — in whose life we now live, who called us to himself!You were dead, but look—you are alive forever and ever!

You alone hold the keys of death and Hades.I trust you Lord, to do justly with your people,to open doors that seem locked away forever,for if you can open heaven’s gates to me,what could possibly be beyond your power?

Amen

Today’s Readings

Revelation 1:9-16

Psalm 28

Exodus 18-20

Genesis 2

Recommended Media to Start Your Day

The language of remystification I used in this piece was drawn from the work of Malcom Guite. Although I have since lost the video in which he used this word, I’d love to introduce you to him here all the same. If anyone alive has met an Ent in person, it might well be Guite.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SGuiM8zjiXU

Grace and Peace,

Adsum Try Ravenhill

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dusktilldawn.substack.com

The Lord is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you,O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you.

— Psalm 9:9–10

Verses like these leave me awestruck.

Why?

Because I know how true they are.

My strength is finite and my weakness infinite, the Lord remains steadfast forever. In the midst of many sagas of weakness in my life, I have awoken in the halls of our Stronghold, the Lord. Bruised, beaten, and afraid, a great fear of God has overcome me, and promised that there is no force on earth as great and as powerful as he.

For all those who trust in the Lord, who know to call upon the name of Jesus, we will never be lost or forsaken. For he always sees us, always knows our hearts, and surrounds us with his strength when the final remnants of our own disappears.

I don’t know what you’re going through right now, but whatever it may be, fall upon the mercy of God. Whether a mess of your own making or a circumstance out of your control, bring it to the Lord in prayer today.

Let’s pray.

Praying through the Bible

The Lord is a stronghold for the oppressed,A stronghold in times of trouble.We who know your name put our trust in you,for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you.

I sing praises to the Lord, who sits enthroned in Zion!

Be gracious to me, O Lord!See my affliction, for you do not forget the cry of the afflicted.You are the one who lifted me up from the gates of death,How much more may I trust you in this life and the next!

I rejoice in your salvation.

Amen

Today’s Readings

John 10

Psalm 27

Exodus 15-17

Recommended Media to End Your Day

I’ll write poetry again.Not today, no, not today,Perhaps tomorrow?

Claire does though, and every poem of hers I read is a reminder of the power of verse. Read her latest piece, Maps of Belonging, and find out why.

https://lanternsinthedark.substack.com/p/maps-of-belonging-a-poem

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dusktilldawn.substack.com

What does it mean to be known?

How do you quantify that?

As with many words, we’ve cheapened its use over the past century, and so we’ll often hear people talk about knowing things or people that they have no connection with whatsoever. On the flip side, we recognise some other kinds of knowledge that go beyond this. When we talk about knowing someone biblically it confers a level of intimacy reserved for marriage. That seems to be our spectrum then, right?

Where does Jesus’ knowledge fit? He says:

“I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep.”

— John 10:14-15

I would suggest that if fake knowledge is a 1, and biblically knowing someone is a 10, we cannot even calculate the value of God’s knowledge. He knows every hair on our head, he knew us before the universe began, and he has searched even the depths of our hearts.

No one on earth could ever know us so well, and yet he has gone a step further! Not only does he know us, but he has made himself known to us too.

Let’s pray.

Praying through the Bible

Good Shepherd,

You know your own, and you have counted me as one of them,I know you, I have seen your works, and have felt your joy in my heart.I know the depths of love you have for me, help me to dive yet deeper into them.

As the Father knows you, so do you know the Father;Father, Spirit, Son, Holy Trinity,Be with me, and I with you.

Let me never cease wondering at the generosity of your perfect love,That you would lay down your life for your friends,and that you have counted me among them.

Amen

Today’s Readings

* John 10

* Psalm 27

* Exodus 15-17

Recommended Media to Start Your Day

Earlier this week I headed to Oxford for my monthly visit. In this article for my main newsletter, The Raven's Writing Desk, I muse on the various reasons I go there so often. I hope you will find it helpful.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dusktilldawn.substack.com

“Tell all the congregation of Israel that on the tenth day of this month every man shall take a lamb according to their fathers’ houses, a lamb for a household.”

— Exodus 12:3

This morning we talked about taking our testimonies to the world around us, but what about those we share our lives with? What about our families, our children, our churches?

As we read through the first five books of the Bible this year, we’ll read about various traditions, feasts, and festivals that were given by God for the upbuilding of his people. As we go further into the Bible, we find our forefathers using stones, songs, and writings to do the same.

Psalm 9 puts it like this:

“Sing praises to the Lord, who sits enthroned in Zion!

Tell among the peoples his deeds!”

— Psalm 9:11

Tradition has an ugly side. If it grows stale, if it becomes empty and if no one knows the depth of history that sits behind it, it can be detrimental to our spiritual health. You can probably name a dozen traditions I’ve never even heard of that fit this bill. That’s not that kind of tradition I’m talking about here. Passover was meant to download the memory of God’s faithfulness into the minds of future generations. It was a part of the people’s worship to God, and that’s something worth retrieving. Building a habit of sharing testimonies in and between households is a powerful tool for fortifying faith among God’s people.

Why not do so now. Send a text, turn to the person next to you, or instead of reading a story to your son this evening, tell him about a time that God worked in or through your life.

With that in mind, let’s pray.

Praying through the Bible

Lord,

Bring to mind the times when my life has been redeemed for your glory,All those times when you saved me, and saved those around me.

Thank you for sparing my life, for sending your son,For your blood, your love, your kindness,Thank you that we don’t need to provide sacrifices,As you have done that once and for all,But don’t let me forget the benefits of traditions and habits,Which lift my eyes up to you,And call others to look upwards alongside me.

Amen

Today’s Readings

* John 9

* Psalm 26

* Exodus 12-14

“The descendants of Jehoiakim: Jeconiah his son, Zedekiah his son; and the sons of Jeconiah, the captive: Shealtiel his son, Malchiram, Pedaiah, Shenazzar, Jekamiah, Hoshama and Nedabiah; and the sons of Pedaiah: Zerubbabel and Shimei; and the sons of Zerubbabel: Meshullam and Hananiah, and Shelomith was their sister; and Hashubah, Ohel, Berechiah, Hasadiah, and Jushab-hesed, five.”

— 1 Chronicles 3:16-20

Recommended Media to End the Day

Yesterday, Mrs R shared a recommendation all about why women stopped wearing hats all of a sudden! That begs the question though… why did men stop? Are there similar reasons, or very different factors involved? I say all of this whilst wearing a flat cap… does that make me on trend or behind the times? You decide!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0vRvv-HUjnU&embeds_referring_euri=https%3A%2F%2Fdusktilldawn.substack.com%2F

Grace and Peace,

Adsum Try Ravenhill

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dusktilldawn.substack.com

Sitting in your usual spot by the road, you hear a group of disciples speaking with their Rabbi. They’re talking about you. They’re fascinated by your blindness, what was it that caused it? Was it your sin, or your parents?

What do you think? Whose fault was it?

The Rabbi, gives a response you could never have hoped for. You were made blind so that the works of God may be displayed in you. But how?

Before You even know what’s happening, the Rabbi has stooped down, covered your eyelids in some kind of paste, and commanded you to wash yourself in a nearby pool. As you wash the dusty mixture away from your eyes you look down at the pool, the water now muddied between your fingers.

You’ve been healed, in a moment. All glory be to God, who could possibly deny his work in your life this day.

Except they do. They start to poke holes in your story. They confront your parents, who do little to dissuade them, they prod their fingers in the direction of the great man who did this. They press and press until they come to the very same decision the disciples did.

They answered him, “You were born in utter sin, and would you teach us?”And they cast him out.

— John 9:34

Once we were blind, but now we see.

I’ve met countless Christians throughout the years with stories just like this, they were healed of their sins, shame, and sometimes even physical and mental ailments, and when they shared this good news with others they met nothing but rebuke. The man would go on to follow Jesus himself, and so did these friends of mine too.

Years later, after many had followed a similar path, Peter said this:

“But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honour Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defence to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behaviour in Christ may be put to shame.”

— 1 Peter 3:14–16

The truth is that as we share the gospel with those around us, some of the seeds we scatter will fall on hard ground. What do we do when this happens? We brush ourselves down, and we carry on. I know what it is like to be scorned and beaten down for my faith, but I also know the joy of seeing faith blossom in the heart of a new believer. I would take dozens of the former just to get one hint of the latter. What’s more, sometimes the former becomes the latter. That is truly wondrous to behold. Keep that in mind as we pray together today.

Let’s pray.

Praying through the Bible

Lord,

We were born in utter sin,and yet, you have called us.We have been cast out by the world,and yet we are to teach?Give us strength, dedication,and heal us of any blindness in our lives today.

When we suffer for righteousness’ sake,Bless us, Lord, and wipe away all of our fears,let not our hearts grow troubled, but rather,let them honour Christ the Lord as holy,

Prepare us even today to make a defence,Remind us of the truth of the gospel,bring to mind testimonies of your goodness,plant our feet on the rock of our salvation.

To anyone who asks us for a reason for the hope that is in us,May we do so with gentleness and respect,In good conscience,So that when we are slandered,Which we surely will be,Their shame would bear witness to your steadfast love in us.Turn that shame to joy, Lord, by calling them immediately towards yourself.Let them not linger long in that place, but instead, lead them to the Way.

Amen

Today’s Readings

* John 9

* Psalm 26

* Exodus 12-14

“The descendants of Jehoiakim: Jeconiah his son, Zedekiah his son; and the sons of Jeconiah, the captive: Shealtiel his son, Malchiram, Pedaiah, Shenazzar, Jekamiah, Hoshama and Nedabiah; and the sons of Pedaiah: Zerubbabel and Shimei; and the sons of Zerubbabel: Meshullam and Hananiah, and Shelomith was their sister; and Hashubah, Ohel, Berechiah, Hasadiah, and Jushab-hesed, five.”

— 1 Chronicles 3:16-20

Recommended Media to Start Your Day

A splendid video about a Swedish inventor and his plethora of self-built houses:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GYtPRuLbJCg&embeds_referring_euri=https%3A%2F%2Fdusktilldawn.substack.com%2F

Grace and Peace,

Adsum Try Ravenhill

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dusktilldawn.substack.com