MAY 15 - NAOMI, RUTH, & ORPAH
READ Ruth 1
A Jewess, Naomi, and her two daughters-in-law lose their husbands.
INSIGHT
In Ruth, we see one of the most stirring examples of loyalty in the Bible. In spite of
Naomi’s urgings to the contrary, Ruth stays with her, looking not for personal fulfillment
or material comfort but longing merely to maintain the relationship with one whom she
loves. This loyalty comes from a pure heart, and it is not surprising that it extends not
just to Naomi but also to the Lord. In stark contrast to Samson, Ruth’s selflessness
leads to beauty, fulfillment, and seeking the good of others. We should take instruction
for our own lives and live as Ruth, not as Samson.
PRAYER
Because we can have the beauty of the Lord in our lives, give thanks and praise:
Let the name of the Lord be blessed
Both now and forever.
From the rising of the sun to its setting,
Let the name of the Lord be praised.
Who is like the Lord our God —
The one enthroned on high,
Who stoops down to look
On the heavens and the earth?
He gives the childless woman a household,
Making her the joyful mother of children
Hallelujah! (Psalm 113:2-3, 5-6, 9).
Pray this confession to the Lord as you seek to keep your life free from sin:
Lord, you do not withhold your compassion from me.
Your constant love and truth will always guard me.
For troubles without number have surrounded me;
My iniquities have overtaken me; I am unable to see.
They are more than the hairs of my head,
And my courage leaves me (Psalm 40:11-12).
Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind. Now pray this affirmation to the Lord:
Truly I tell you, anyone who hears my word
And believes him who sent me has eternal life
And will not come under judgment
But has passed from death to life (John 5:24).
As you make your requests known to the Lord, pray for:
Offer this closing prayer to the Lord:
Now to him who is able to strengthen you
According to my gospel
And the proclamation about Jesus Christ,
According to the revelation of the mystery
Kept silent for long ages
To the only wise God, through Jesus Christ —
To him be the glory forever! Amen (Romans 16:25, 27).
A Jewess, Naomi, and her two daughters-in-law lose their husbands.
INSIGHT
In Ruth, we see one of the most stirring examples of loyalty in the Bible. In spite of
Naomi’s urgings to the contrary, Ruth stays with her, looking not for personal fulfillment
or material comfort but longing merely to maintain the relationship with one whom she
loves. This loyalty comes from a pure heart, and it is not surprising that it extends not
just to Naomi but also to the Lord. In stark contrast to Samson, Ruth’s selflessness
leads to beauty, fulfillment, and seeking the good of others. We should take instruction
for our own lives and live as Ruth, not as Samson.
PRAYER
Because we can have the beauty of the Lord in our lives, give thanks and praise:
Let the name of the Lord be blessed
Both now and forever.
From the rising of the sun to its setting,
Let the name of the Lord be praised.
Who is like the Lord our God —
The one enthroned on high,
Who stoops down to look
On the heavens and the earth?
He gives the childless woman a household,
Making her the joyful mother of children
Hallelujah! (Psalm 113:2-3, 5-6, 9).
Pray this confession to the Lord as you seek to keep your life free from sin:
Lord, you do not withhold your compassion from me.
Your constant love and truth will always guard me.
For troubles without number have surrounded me;
My iniquities have overtaken me; I am unable to see.
They are more than the hairs of my head,
And my courage leaves me (Psalm 40:11-12).
Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind. Now pray this affirmation to the Lord:
Truly I tell you, anyone who hears my word
And believes him who sent me has eternal life
And will not come under judgment
But has passed from death to life (John 5:24).
As you make your requests known to the Lord, pray for:
- Faithfulness with your talents
- Your state and local leaders
- Your activities for the day
Offer this closing prayer to the Lord:
Now to him who is able to strengthen you
According to my gospel
And the proclamation about Jesus Christ,
According to the revelation of the mystery
Kept silent for long ages
To the only wise God, through Jesus Christ —
To him be the glory forever! Amen (Romans 16:25, 27).