Scripture:
But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds, we are healed.
– Isaiah 53:5
Read the passage through twice and think deeply about the words. Take each part of the verse and sit with it before God. Ask Him to speak to your mind and touch your heart. Jesus was pierced and crushed for your/our sin. Let that sink in. Resist the temptation to pass it over without experiencing grief. This knowledge is humbling and keeps us from thinking more highly of ourselves than we ought.
Prayer: Father, help me understand my sin. Forgive me also for the pain that my sin caused You. I want to understand the sacrifice You made for me in a clearer way this year.
Petition: For our church in Cuba. For the pastor, staff, and missionaries to be encouraged and strengthened in the Lord. For the families to be prosperous and free of oppression. For the ministries to be protected and for more people to come to know Christ.