The book of Ruth
Chapter
1
1. In the days when the judges ruled, there was a famine in the land, and a certain man of Bethlehem in Judah went to live in the country of Moab, he and his wife and two sons.
(Book of Ruth Chapter 1 verse 1)
At times oh God my Father we need to take certain decisions that may result in our leaving our homeland. In my case, my parents emigrated from Malta to England where I and my elder sister were born. When the time had arrived according to Your Holy Will it was time for us to return back to Malta. Many times we are conditioned to venture from one place to another due to changes in our workplace or due to some unplanned event that goes in contrary to our fixed agenda. However You oh God my Father has the master plan of my life at hand and is constantly making the necessary updates as in the case of this man.
2. The name of the man was Elimelech and the name of his wife Naomi, and the names of his two sons were Mahlon and Chilion; they were Ephratites from Bethlehem in Judah. They went into the country of Moab and remained there.
(Book of Ruth Chapter 1 verse 2)
Oh God as in this chapter of the book of Ruth You choose simple and humble people as instruments by which You pass on Your messages to us. Elimelech as his name was a person who held God as his King and followed his commandments, while Naomi which signifies delight was a delight to her family who walked according to God's ways. This family is surely one that we are to seek to imitate for their positive values of bringing the pleasure to each other by having You oh God my Father as the light that is to be followed as individuals and even as a family. Amen.
3. But Elimelech the husband of Naomi died, and she was left with her two sons. 4. These took Moabite wives, the name of the one was Orpah and the name of the of the other Ruth. When they had lived there about ten years, 5. both Mahlon and Chillion also died, so that the woman was left without her two sons and her husband.
(Book of Ruth Chapter 1 verses 3 to 5)
Oh God, my Father, it seems that when You want us to totally depend on You for a particular reason or when You see an opportunity for us to grow, You remove our means of support. As in the case of Naomi, she was stripped of the support of her husband and two sons, so that she would take centre stage. Therefore when experiencing such a crisis, it is best to trust in You my, God and Father and focus not on the loss of the ones who have departed, but on the task that lies ahead, that in time You have been preparing us to fulfil. Amen.
6. Then she started to return with her daughters-in-law from the country of Moab, for she had heard in the country of Moab that the LORD had considered his people and given them food.
(Book of Ruth Chapter 1 verse 6)
Oh God, my Father You are so generous with humanity that You always provide in abundance, both from the material perspective meaning food for the body and even food for the soul. I pray that we also imitate You and always be ready to share with others when they are in need, even if such others are of a different skin colour or religion. The World is one big family we are all related in You. Today I pray for all people who for some reason or other had to leave their homeland in search of a land that welcomes them and gives them support.
Let us all join in this prayer for migrants and migration in one spirit and one family Amen
Prayer concerning immigration
2. The name of the man was Elimelech and the name of his wife Naomi, and the names of his two sons were Mahlon and Chilion; they were Ephratites from Bethlehem in Judah. They went into the country of Moab and remained there.
(Book of Ruth Chapter 1 verse 2)
Oh God as in this chapter of the book of Ruth You choose simple and humble people as instruments by which You pass on Your messages to us. Elimelech as his name was a person who held God as his King and followed his commandments, while Naomi which signifies delight was a delight to her family who walked according to God's ways. This family is surely one that we are to seek to imitate for their positive values of bringing the pleasure to each other by having You oh God my Father as the light that is to be followed as individuals and even as a family. Amen.
3. But Elimelech the husband of Naomi died, and she was left with her two sons. 4. These took Moabite wives, the name of the one was Orpah and the name of the of the other Ruth. When they had lived there about ten years, 5. both Mahlon and Chillion also died, so that the woman was left without her two sons and her husband.
(Book of Ruth Chapter 1 verses 3 to 5)
Oh God, my Father, it seems that when You want us to totally depend on You for a particular reason or when You see an opportunity for us to grow, You remove our means of support. As in the case of Naomi, she was stripped of the support of her husband and two sons, so that she would take centre stage. Therefore when experiencing such a crisis, it is best to trust in You my, God and Father and focus not on the loss of the ones who have departed, but on the task that lies ahead, that in time You have been preparing us to fulfil. Amen.
6. Then she started to return with her daughters-in-law from the country of Moab, for she had heard in the country of Moab that the LORD had considered his people and given them food.
(Book of Ruth Chapter 1 verse 6)
Oh God, my Father You are so generous with humanity that You always provide in abundance, both from the material perspective meaning food for the body and even food for the soul. I pray that we also imitate You and always be ready to share with others when they are in need, even if such others are of a different skin colour or religion. The World is one big family we are all related in You. Today I pray for all people who for some reason or other had to leave their homeland in search of a land that welcomes them and gives them support.
Let us all join in this prayer for migrants and migration in one spirit and one family Amen
Prayer concerning immigration
7. So she set out from the place where she had been living, she and her two daughters-in-law, and they went on their way to go back to the land of Judah.
(Book of Ruth Chapter 1 verse 7)
At times oh God You bring us with our back to the wall, which requires us to make decisions that were for a long time in our pending tray and take the necessary decisions. Oh God, I pray that during such moments we refer to You and not to our own agendas Amen.
8. But Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law, "Go back each of you to your mother's house. May the LORD deal kindly with you, as you have dealt with the dead and with me.
(Book of Ruth Chapter 1 verse 8)
Oh God, my Father You taught us that we are to do to others, what we wish others do to us. Naomi is a typical example of a person who lived this command to the fullest. Instead of not giving freedom to her daughters-in-law and keeping them with her as a means of emotional and financial support, in order to use them to provide for her well-being, she told them to go back to their homeland and seek a new life. May we all be likewise generous and loving Amen.
9. The LORD grant that you may find security, each of you in the house of your husband." Then she kissed them, and they wept aloud.
(Book of Ruth Chapter 1 verse 9)
Oh God, my Father, I pray that we find our security in You and not in humans, on whom one cannot rely, due to, the fact, that today they offer us security and tomorrow they place our lives at risk. Therefore our prayer is to be the one and only.
" I place my trust in You my God and Father Amen"
(Book of Ruth Chapter 1 verse 7)
At times oh God You bring us with our back to the wall, which requires us to make decisions that were for a long time in our pending tray and take the necessary decisions. Oh God, I pray that during such moments we refer to You and not to our own agendas Amen.
8. But Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law, "Go back each of you to your mother's house. May the LORD deal kindly with you, as you have dealt with the dead and with me.
(Book of Ruth Chapter 1 verse 8)
Oh God, my Father You taught us that we are to do to others, what we wish others do to us. Naomi is a typical example of a person who lived this command to the fullest. Instead of not giving freedom to her daughters-in-law and keeping them with her as a means of emotional and financial support, in order to use them to provide for her well-being, she told them to go back to their homeland and seek a new life. May we all be likewise generous and loving Amen.
9. The LORD grant that you may find security, each of you in the house of your husband." Then she kissed them, and they wept aloud.
(Book of Ruth Chapter 1 verse 9)
Oh God, my Father, I pray that we find our security in You and not in humans, on whom one cannot rely, due to, the fact, that today they offer us security and tomorrow they place our lives at risk. Therefore our prayer is to be the one and only.
" I place my trust in You my God and Father Amen"
10. They said to her; "No, we will return with you to your people." 11. But Naomi said, "Turn back my daughters, why will you go with me? Do I still have sons in my womb that they may become your husbands?
(Book of Ruth Chapter 1 verses 10 to 11)
Oh God, my Father, if humans know how to be loyal to humans, why don't we be loyal to You our God and Father? I myself am sorry for those moments such as this morning for my primary motivation was not to join You in prayers but to continue the tournaments on 'Need For Speed No Limits'. I am sorry for not being as loyal as usual. I pray that You help me in placing You as the top priority in my life above the material things of the world Amen.
12. Turn back, my daughters, go your way, for I am too old to have a husband. Even if I thought there was hope for me, even if I should have a husband tonight and bear sons, 13. would you then wait until they were grown? Would you then refrain from marrying? No, my daughters, it has been far more bitter for me than for you, because the hand of the LORD has turned against me."
(Book of Ruth Chapter 1 verses 12 to 13)
Oh God my Father when we are feeling depressed or deep down in our valley, of sins, the evil one plants in our minds such negative thoughts:
"Do it your way, turn back from following God!
"Following God has brought you much sorrow do it your own way I can help you!
"If you remain in this marriage that has brought you so much pain you will be destroyed, even God does not want you to lead such a life of stress, go your way and start again, give yourself a second chance you deserve it!
14. Then they wept aloud again, Orpah kissed her mother-in-law, but Ruth clung to her.
(Book of Ruth Chapter 1 verse 14)
Oh God, my Father may we always want to be with You and not leave You when a good opportunity comes our way. May we strongly desire and cling to You with force love and faith, so that nobody or anything may come in between us Amen.
15. So she said, "See, your sister-in-law has gone back to her people and to her gods; return after your sister-in-law,"
(Book of Ruth Chapter 1 verse 15)
Oh God my Father at times it may appear that following the crowd, and being like others is the right choice or the right course of action to take. However, this is not always the best solution. Some people do things without knowing the reason why they are doing it such as going to Church on Sunday. In order to be accepted by others, they follow the crowd and go to Church, not because of a wish to be with You but in order to be like others. Have mercy on us my God and Father and help us to be driven by love and faith in our relationship with You. Amen.
16. But Ruth said, "Do not press me to leave you or to turn back from following you! Where you go, I will go; where you lodge, I will lodge; your people shall be my people, and your God my God, 17. Where you die, I will die-there will I be buried. May the LORD do thus and so to me and more as well, if even death parts me from you!"
(Book of Ruth Chapter 1 verses 16 to 17)
Oh God my Father, the prayer of Ruth is also my prayer. I pray that nobody or no person may come in between us and even think or try separating me from You Amen. I promise to go where You want me to go, do whatever You want me to do, even if this goes against my will. I pledge total submission to You and Your Holy Will Amen. My only request is that You show me the way Amen.
18.When Naomi saw that she was determined to go with her she said no more to her.
(Book of Ruth Chapter 1 verses 18)
Oh God my Father as in the case of Naomi You never refuse or deny anybody who wishes to follow You. You are always ready to welcome us even if we are hardened sinners, for You have compassion and understanding. You know our strong points and You know our weak points. Thank You for being whom You are and as You are Amen.
19. So the two of them went on until they came to Bethlehem. When they came to Bethlehem, the whole town was stirred because of them; and the women said, " Is this Naomi?"
(Book of Ruth Chapter 1 verses 19)
Oh God, my Father Bethlehem would be more stirred by Your birth in the years that followed this episode in the life of Ruth and Naomi. As in the case of Naomi You were born but many people, later on, did not recognise You. I pray oh God my Father that others will observe the difference in myself since I hope that others will notice that I have a relationship with You Amen.
20. She said to them, "Call me no longer Naomi, call me Mara for the Almighty has dealt bitterly with me.
(Book of Ruth Chapter 1 verse 20)
Oh God, my Father the tests and trials of life may either challenge or test us, or they might make us irritable and defensive or negative in our attitude. Today I would like to pray for that extra boost of encouragement and motivation to keep on going Amen.
21. I went away full but the LORD has brought me back empty; why call me Naomi when the LORD has dealt harshly with me, and the Almighty has brought calamity upon me?"
(Book of Ruth Chapter 1 verse 21)
Oh God, my Father there was a time in my life when I felt really full of life and happy, the password I used to have was also happy, but now You have permitted me to become empty. It could be that I was full with things that were not according to Your own will such as an extreme focus on my previous work, and now You have given me this new situation so that I can start again and place my entire trust in You. I pray that You help me in coping with this period of desolation, I believe that when the time comes You will deliver me out of this situation Amen.
22. So Naomi returned together with Ruth the Moabite, her daughter-in-law, who came back with her from the country of Moab. They came to Bethlehem at the beginning of the barley harvest.
(Book of Ruth Chapter 1 verse 22)
Oh God my Father You make things happen or events to take place at a time which You consider as being the right time and the right place. You brought Naomi and Ruth back to Bethlehem at a time when Ruth could easily find work and support both herself and her mother-in-law. I pray that I always learn to respect Your timing and never again take important decisions which determine my future and that of my family without being a hundred percent sure that it is Your will to make the change Amen.
Oh God my Father I would like to end this chapter with the following prayer:
Oh God my Father You have all the answers to my questions, You are the answer behind the answer. Even though many times I do not understand why things are happening, which in truth I may not need to know why they are happening, however, all the time You are in control and will always be there to guide me in my ways. I pray that You help me to accept what I cannot change or understand and may Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven Amen.
(Book of Ruth Chapter 1 verse 14)
Oh God, my Father may we always want to be with You and not leave You when a good opportunity comes our way. May we strongly desire and cling to You with force love and faith, so that nobody or anything may come in between us Amen.
15. So she said, "See, your sister-in-law has gone back to her people and to her gods; return after your sister-in-law,"
(Book of Ruth Chapter 1 verse 15)
Oh God my Father at times it may appear that following the crowd, and being like others is the right choice or the right course of action to take. However, this is not always the best solution. Some people do things without knowing the reason why they are doing it such as going to Church on Sunday. In order to be accepted by others, they follow the crowd and go to Church, not because of a wish to be with You but in order to be like others. Have mercy on us my God and Father and help us to be driven by love and faith in our relationship with You. Amen.
16. But Ruth said, "Do not press me to leave you or to turn back from following you! Where you go, I will go; where you lodge, I will lodge; your people shall be my people, and your God my God, 17. Where you die, I will die-there will I be buried. May the LORD do thus and so to me and more as well, if even death parts me from you!"
(Book of Ruth Chapter 1 verses 16 to 17)
Oh God my Father, the prayer of Ruth is also my prayer. I pray that nobody or no person may come in between us and even think or try separating me from You Amen. I promise to go where You want me to go, do whatever You want me to do, even if this goes against my will. I pledge total submission to You and Your Holy Will Amen. My only request is that You show me the way Amen.
18.When Naomi saw that she was determined to go with her she said no more to her.
(Book of Ruth Chapter 1 verses 18)
Oh God my Father as in the case of Naomi You never refuse or deny anybody who wishes to follow You. You are always ready to welcome us even if we are hardened sinners, for You have compassion and understanding. You know our strong points and You know our weak points. Thank You for being whom You are and as You are Amen.
19. So the two of them went on until they came to Bethlehem. When they came to Bethlehem, the whole town was stirred because of them; and the women said, " Is this Naomi?"
(Book of Ruth Chapter 1 verses 19)
Oh God, my Father Bethlehem would be more stirred by Your birth in the years that followed this episode in the life of Ruth and Naomi. As in the case of Naomi You were born but many people, later on, did not recognise You. I pray oh God my Father that others will observe the difference in myself since I hope that others will notice that I have a relationship with You Amen.
20. She said to them, "Call me no longer Naomi, call me Mara for the Almighty has dealt bitterly with me.
(Book of Ruth Chapter 1 verse 20)
Oh God, my Father the tests and trials of life may either challenge or test us, or they might make us irritable and defensive or negative in our attitude. Today I would like to pray for that extra boost of encouragement and motivation to keep on going Amen.
21. I went away full but the LORD has brought me back empty; why call me Naomi when the LORD has dealt harshly with me, and the Almighty has brought calamity upon me?"
(Book of Ruth Chapter 1 verse 21)
Oh God, my Father there was a time in my life when I felt really full of life and happy, the password I used to have was also happy, but now You have permitted me to become empty. It could be that I was full with things that were not according to Your own will such as an extreme focus on my previous work, and now You have given me this new situation so that I can start again and place my entire trust in You. I pray that You help me in coping with this period of desolation, I believe that when the time comes You will deliver me out of this situation Amen.
22. So Naomi returned together with Ruth the Moabite, her daughter-in-law, who came back with her from the country of Moab. They came to Bethlehem at the beginning of the barley harvest.
(Book of Ruth Chapter 1 verse 22)
Oh God my Father You make things happen or events to take place at a time which You consider as being the right time and the right place. You brought Naomi and Ruth back to Bethlehem at a time when Ruth could easily find work and support both herself and her mother-in-law. I pray that I always learn to respect Your timing and never again take important decisions which determine my future and that of my family without being a hundred percent sure that it is Your will to make the change Amen.
Oh God my Father I would like to end this chapter with the following prayer:
Oh God my Father You have all the answers to my questions, You are the answer behind the answer. Even though many times I do not understand why things are happening, which in truth I may not need to know why they are happening, however, all the time You are in control and will always be there to guide me in my ways. I pray that You help me to accept what I cannot change or understand and may Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven Amen.
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