Week 29 Day 3
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:
1 Timothy 2:1-4 CSB
First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, 2 for kings and all those who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. 3 This is good, and it pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
Reflect:
Sometimes it can be hard to pray for people or groups we don’t like. Take a political party that doesn’t line up with your values and beliefs. Now answer the following question honestly. When they make a statement or present a policy that you disagree with, how do you respond? Are you quick to right them off as idiots? That’s not how Paul is urging us to react in our passage; he says we should pray and intercede for them. Remember where Paul is coming from when he wrote these words. Nero was the emperor, and his resentment was growing towards Christians. Paul was keenly aware of the deteriorating political atmosphere. And what does he do? He urges prayer for the salvation of all men, but especially rulers. Praying for people we don’t necessarily like or agree with can be a hard thing to do at times. But if we’re going to be Christ’s Ambassadors, we’ve got to do it.
Respond:
Ask God to help you be more aware of your emotions today. When you’re watching the news or reading an article, and you feel your blood pressure begin to rise, stop! Use those feelings as a warning light that’s directing you to pray. And then pray—pray for that person or group; pray that they would come to the knowledge of Christ. Remember that our fight is a spiritual one. Your prayers matter!
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.