Week 26 Day 5
I. Prayer to enter the Lord’s presence:
Be still for a moment. “Lord, I give the day that is now past to you. It is yours. I give the day that is to come to you; help me to see where you are working and to join you there. Speak to me during these moments. I commit them and myself to you.”
II. Prayer of Confession:
“Lord, you are faithful to forgive me and cleanse me of my sin when I confess it to you. I confess my sin(s) of ______________. Thank you for forgiveness.” (1 John 1:9)
III. Prayer of Thanksgiving:
Choose to be thankful, speak out loud of what God has done.
“Thank you, Father, for _________________. Fill my heart and my mouth with gratitude throughout this day.”
IV. Scripture Reflection
Read
“Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.” Luke 16:10
Reflect
This principle from Jesus is one of his teachings that not many would even try to refute. It is obvious by experience. In our own lives if someone cannot be trusted with small things we are not likely to trust them with things that have great consequence. Throughout Scripture we see God looking for people with a certain kind of life direction. Not perfection in every action but a settled life direction. He wants us to BE people who are learning to joyfully and habitually DO what he wants done.
Respond
There is no neutral place or time in your life. Everywhere, all the time…you are being “formed” into a certain “shape.” God desires that you be formed in the image of Jesus. Your part in that is to say “yes” to the many shaping opportunities that come your way each day. Forgive someone. Act against a mood and be kind instead. Turn your eyes and mind from impurity. Speak a kind word. The opportunities today to be shaped into the image of Christ are numerous. Make the most of those opportunities.
V. Prayer for others:
Pray specifically for the concerns of your life and the lives of others.
VI. Prayer of commitment:
“Lord God, I commit to love you with all my heart and with all my soul and with all my strength and with all my mind and to love my neighbor as myself. Empower me today to love you and others with everything that I am.” (Luke 10:27)
This Month’s Scripture Memory:
Philippians 4:4-8
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things.