Ohana Prayer 285 – Luke 13

6 Then he told this parable: “A man had a fig tree growing in his vineyard, and he went to look for fruit on it but did not find any.

7 So he said to the man who took care of the vineyard, ‘For three years now I’ve been coming to look for fruit on this fig tree and haven’t found any. Cut it down! Why should it use up the soil?’

8 “‘Sir,’ the man replied, ‘leave it alone for one more year, and I’ll dig around it and fertilize it.

9 If it bears fruit next year, fine! If not, then cut it down.’”

18 Then Jesus asked, “What is the kingdom of God like? What shall I compare it to?

19 It is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his garden. It grew and became a tree, and the birds perched in its branches.”

23 Someone asked him, “Lord, are only a few people going to be saved?” He said to them,

24 “Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to.

30 Indeed there are those who are last who will be first, and first who will be last.”

31 At that time some Pharisees came to Jesus and said to him, “Leave this place and go somewhere else. Herod wants to kill you.”

32 He replied, “Go tell that fox, ‘I will keep on driving out demons and healing people today and tomorrow, and on the third day I will reach my goal.’

33 In any case, I must press on today and tomorrow and the next day—for surely no prophet can die outside Jerusalem!

34 “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing.

Praise the Lord God who holds all things in wisdom, our Father God in heaven. Thank you for your protection, enabling us to go through a year of misfortune, suffering and many tragedies under your wings; we are not afraid to face the unrelenting pandemic in front of us. Today, tomorrow, and the day, we will rely on the Lord. Getting up in the morning, we start the year of

2021 with prayer: “Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.” We have hidden your word in our hearts that we might not sin against you. May we re-establish this year’s goals today and depend on your provision.

Holy Father, please forgive us. In your eyes, there is no difference among sins. We have all sinned, turned against you and strayed away from you. We have all fallen short of your glorious standard. We have to stand before your judgment seat at the end of the world. If we do not repent, we will face the terrible penalty for our sins.

Thank you Lord Jesus! You are the vine, we are the branches. You have promised: “Those who remain in you and you in them.” Your words are always in us. May you grant our hearts’ desires and make all our plans succeed. Help us keep your commands, stay in your love and love each other in the same way you have loved us.

Lord Jesus, we are willing be like you. Please help us willingly take up our cross, bear your yoke, learn from you and follow you closely. When facing the narrow gate, give us the courage to accept the mission and enter. The truth is, only a few can ever find it for the gateway to eternal life is very narrow and the road is difficult.

Thank you Holy Spirit! We take refuge in you. May we stay alert and be persistent in our prayers. We will take the sword of the Holy Spirit, which is the word of God, to open and cleanse our hearts. On the other hand, the word of God is sweeter than honey, even honey dripping from the comb; making the people who hear it feel refreshed, inspired and satisfied.

Holy Spirit please come into our hearts to work within us so that we can readily live out the spiritual virtues and bear the fruit of the Holy Spirit. May we grow in the knowledge of God, mature and bear fruit; using our lives as a living testimony and using our lips to witness and praise God with gratitude in our church and in our families. May all praises and glory be to our Lord.

We pray in the holy name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen!