Here are the Bible Book(s)/Chapter(s) to read each day this week. Note that the readings are based on the New American Bible. 

Day 324 – Sunday, May 11

2 Corinthians Chapters 6-9

Read 2 Corinthians 7:5-7 again.

Titus’ visit to Paul in Macedonia encouraged Paul to keep his spirits up.

Read Luke 14:12-14 and ask God to give us the courage to reach out to people we know, and to people we don’t yet know, who would be blessed by a word of encouragement from us.

Do you remember a phone call, email or a visit from someone that came to you when you needed encouragement? Is there someone, or some group of people, you can encourage today? 

Day 325 – Monday, May 12

2 Corinthians Chapters 10-13

Read 2 Corinthians 11:22-28 again.

Think about how much Paul and other followers of Christ have worked and, at times, suffered to keep the Christian faith alive. What do their efforts mean to us today and to the importance of our relationship with God?

Ask God to use us to support and appreciate all people who are currently suffering for the faith.

When you look into the eyes of a Church leader, fellow parishioner or family member, do you ever see the suffering Christ?

Day 326 – Tuesday, May 13

Galatians Chapters 1-6

Read Galatians 1:11-2:14 again. In this passage Paul wrote down part of the story of his journey of faith.

Ask God to put us on the paths of people who can be encouraged by learning about our faith experiences and to give us just the right words to speak from heart to heart.

Have you ever written down the story of how your faith has developed up until now? Sharing your story could ignite or strengthen the faith of a friend, family member or stranger.

Day 327 – Wednesday, May 14

Ephesians Chapters 1-6

Read Ephesians 5:21-33 again.

In this passage what does Paul say that a wife’s duty is towards her husband? What does Paul say that a husband’s duty is towards his wife?

Ask God to bless husbands and wives with marriages showing mutual love and respect.

Whether you are married or not, is there anything you can do differently in your relationships with others to act with more self-control and respect towards the other person and not react with uncontrolled emotion?

Day 328 – Thursday, May 15

Philippians Chapters 1-4 and Colossians Chapters 1-2

Read Philippians 4:4-7 again.

Spend a few minutes giving thanks to God for various blessings. Then ask God to deepen our awareness and appreciation of how much we have already been blessed, especially when we are in trying circumstances.

Why do you think that thanking God is important? Do you spend time giving thanks to God when you pray?

Day 329 – Friday, May 16

Colossians Chapters 3-4 and 1 Thessalonians Chapters 1-3

Read Colossians 4:1-6 and 4:10-11 again.

Paul was a prisoner for many years, but this did not stop him from continuing to serve the Lord.

Read Matthew 25:35-40. Ask God to bless prison ministry programs and to let us know if we are being called to help people in prisons, whether these prisons are physical or emotional.

What have been the darkest and loneliest experiences in your life? Are you able to help people who are going through similar experiences now?

Day 330 – Saturday, May 17

1 Thessalonians Chapters 4-5 and 2 Thessalonians Chapters 1-3

Read 1 Thessalonians 2:13 and 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12 again.

In these verses Paul wrote about the word of God being at work in those who believe and about his prayer that the name of Jesus be glorified in them.

Ask God to help us to become aware of how very near God is to us.

Take a few moments to think about the word of God being at work in you. What kind of work do you imagine it is doing?