Gracious Father, we are reminded that as royal priests, we are called to bear the extraordinary and life-giving blessing of intimacy with Christ. It is from this intimate relationship that all royal priestly attributes flow. 

As royal priests, we are reminded that we are called to bear the very likeness of Christ for his glory. 

Today, we are considering our call as royal priests to bear the burden of others for Christ’s glory. Lord Jesus, as we experience each day, bless us with your supernatural overflow to then yield your discerning eyes to see and ears to hear the heart-cry of those around us. We ask that we might have your wisdom liberally to determine what it means to bear the burden of those you place on our heart, the faith to make those steps, and an unrelenting spirit to intercede with solutions to care for their needs. 

We pray that when someone is burdened by falling into sin, that we might bear their burden by restoring that person humbly and courageously, yet gently. We pray with hope that they may turn to Christ as we speak the truth in love while always watching out that we might not be tempted. 

Lord Jesus, as your hands and feet, we ask that we might bear the burden of others as they encounter hunger; bless us with a compassionate spirit to give them something to eat. If they are thirsty, may we be quick to give them something to drink. If they are a stranger, may we overflow with hospitality and invite them into our homes. If they need clothes, bless us with your spirit to clothe them. If they are sick, may we never tire of looking after them. And if they are imprisoned, may we never forget to visit them. 

Father, not only give us your eyes and ears to hear the heart cry of those physically in need, but also those burdened with guilt, worry, sorrow, anxiety, and all other painful emotional burdens. 

Bless us with a spirit to come alongside them and help carry their burdens by standing with them with a heart of mercy and kindness to ease their burden. 

May we never faint as royal priests in our willingness to listen, pray, and point all to a hope found in Christ alone. 

In Christ,

Blessings!

I Peter 2:9
9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.

Matthew 25:34-40
34 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’

37 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’

40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

Galatians 6:2
2 Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

Matthew 11:28
“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.