READ Philemon 1
Paul urges Philemon to have mercy on his runaway slave, Onesimus, who has become
a Christian.

INSIGHT
If anyone is a servant of Christ, he or she cannot be a tyrant to others. Jesus taught forgiveness, compassion, and gentleness - not harshness, anger, and retribution. Paul urges Philemon to forgive, receive, and restore his runaway slave, Onesimus, as a brother in Christ, now that he has become a Christian. The fact that this letter has been preserved indicates Philemon’s favorable response. Service to Christ requires a forgiving spirit.

PRAYER
Thank and praise the Lord that what He requires of us is something we are able to give Him:
The Lord is great and highly praised
In the city of our God.  
His holy mountain, rising splendidly,
Is the joy of the whole earth.
Mount Zion — the summit of Zaphon —
Is the city of the great King.
God, within your temple,
We contemplate your faithful love.  
Like your name, God, so your praise
Reaches to the ends of the earth;  
Your right hand is filled with justice
(Psalm 48:1, 9-10).

Pause for praise and thanksgiving. Pray this confession to the Lord as you seek to keep your life free from sin:
Let the wicked one abandon his way
And the sinful one his thoughts;  
Let him return to the Lord,
So he may have compassion on him,
And to our God, for he will freely forgive
(Isaiah 55:7).

Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind, and pray this affirmation to the Lord:
The Lord is my light and my salvation —
Whom should I fear?  
The Lord is the stronghold of my life —
Whom should I dread?
(Psalm 27:1).

The Lord encourages us to come to Him with our concerns and desires. As you make your requests known to the Lord, include:

• Spiritual victory over temptation
• Opportunities to serve the Lord
• Whatever else is on your heart

Finally, offer this prayer to the Lord:
The Lord will protect you from all harm;
He will protect your life.  
The Lord will protect your coming and going
Both now and forever (Psalm 121:7-8).