Daily Prayer

The Birth of Isaac

¹ The Lord kept his word and did for Sarah exactly what he had promised.² She became pregnant, and she gave birth to a son for Abraham in his old age. This happened at just the time God had said it would.³ And Abraham named their son Isaac.⁴ Eight days after Isaac was born, Abraham circumcised him as God had commanded.⁵ Abraham was 100 years old when Isaac was born.⁶ And Sarah declared, “God has brought me laughter. All who hear about this will laugh with me.⁷ Who would have said to Abraham that Sarah would nurse a baby? Yet I have given Abraham a son in his old age!”

Gen 21:1-7 (NLT)

The time has passed by so quickly, Lord. Another Advent has been observed – another Christmas is right around the corner – and another year has almost slipped away. During the struggles of these past many months I have felt so old and alone; as if my better days were just memories, and the years ahead will be cold ones, just as the winter days of now.

Then the stories come back to me, again and again; flooding my mind with the awe that is you, and I am comforted. As long as I have breath – as long as I have the strength to rise up to a new morning each day – I also carry within my spirit the knowledge that you can still work your yearnings for me, through me. Until my final heartbeat, I am never too old to live and speak your Word, which is the wisdom of the ages. I am never too feeble to walk the paths you have laid out before me. I am never too frail to sing your praises for all to hear, and to be an example to the world of the truth of your love – your compassion – your mercy, for all peoples, everywhere.

As the ageless angels before me, I too continually sing out again your praises:

“Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.”

Luke 2:14 (NLT)

Rev. Michael Kirchhoff

based on Genesis 21:1-7