Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28 (New International Version)
1 Jacob lived in the land where his father had stayed, the land of Canaan.
2 This is the account of Jacob’s family line.
3 Now Israel loved Joseph more than any of his other sons, because he had been born to him in his old age; and he made an ornate robe for him.
4 When his brothers saw that their father loved him more than any of them, they hated him and could not speak a kind word to him.
12 Now his brothers had gone to graze their father’s flocks near Shechem,
13 and Israel said to Joseph, “As you know, your brothers are grazing the flocks near Shechem. Come, I am going to send you to them.”
“Very well,” he replied.
14 So he said to him, “Go and see if all is well with your brothers and with the flocks and bring word back to me.” Then he sent him off from the Valley of Hebron.
When Joseph arrived at Shechem,
15 a man found him wandering around in the fields and asked him, “What are you looking for?”
16 He replied, “I’m looking for my brothers. Can you tell me where they are grazing their flocks?”
17 “They have moved on from here,” the man answered. “I heard them say, ‘Let’s go to Dothan.’”
So Joseph went after his brothers and found them near Dothan.
18 But they saw him in the distance, and before he reached them, they plotted to kill him.
19 “Here comes that dreamer!” they said to each other.
20 “Come now, let’s kill him and throw him into one of these cisterns and say that a ferocious animal devoured him. Then we’ll see what comes of his dreams.”
21 When Reuben heard this, he tried to rescue him from their hands. “Let’s not take his life,” he said.
22 “Don’t shed any blood. Throw him into this cistern here in the wilderness, but don’t lay a hand on him.” Reuben said this to rescue him from them and take him back to his father.
23 So when Joseph came to his brothers, they stripped him of his robe—the ornate robe he was wearing—
24 and they took him and threw him into the cistern. The cistern was empty; there was no water in it.
25 As they sat down to eat their meal, they looked up and saw a caravan of Ishmaelites coming from Gilead. Their camels were loaded with spices, balm and myrrh, and they were on their way to take them down to Egypt.
26 Judah said to his brothers, “What will we gain if we kill our brother and cover up his blood?
27 Come, let’s sell him to the Ishmaelites and not lay our hands on him; after all, he is our brother, our own flesh and blood.” His brothers agreed.
28 So when the Midianite merchants came by, his brothers pulled Joseph up out of the cistern and sold him for twenty shekels of silver to the Ishmaelites, who took him to Egypt.
Morning Prayer inspired by Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28
Heavenly Father, Creator of all things, as we gather before you on this new day, we thank you for the gift of life and the blessings that surround us. As we reflect on the story of Joseph, his trials, and your divine plan, we draw strength and inspiration from his faithfulness and trust in your purpose.
Lord, just as Joseph was chosen and loved by his father, we are reminded of your unconditional love for each of us. Help us to recognize and cherish the unique gifts you have bestowed upon us, and grant us the wisdom to use them for your glory and the betterment of others.
We pray for unity and harmony within our families and communities. Heal any seeds of jealousy, resentment, or hatred that may threaten to divide us. Teach us to celebrate one another’s successes and to support each other in times of difficulty, just as Joseph’s brothers struggled to understand your plan for him.
Lord, in times of uncertainty and wandering, guide our steps and direct our paths. When we feel lost, help us to seek your presence, knowing that you are always with us, ready to lead us through life’s challenges.
Grant us the courage to stand up for what is right, even when faced with adversity. Just as Reuben tried to rescue Joseph from harm, empower us to protect and defend those in need, standing as beacons of hope and compassion in a world that often seems indifferent.
Lord, help us to see the bigger picture, to understand that the trials we face are often part of a greater plan that we may not fully comprehend at the moment. Strengthen our faith and trust in your goodness, knowing that you are working all things together for our ultimate good, just as you did with Joseph’s life.
As we embark on this new day, may we embrace the challenges and opportunities that come our way with grace, knowing that you are our ultimate provider and protector. Give us the wisdom to discern your will and the courage to follow it, no matter where it may lead.
We offer this prayer in the name of your son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.