Week 43 Day 1
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
Romans 12:1 Therefore, brothers and sisters, in view of the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your true worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God. (Christian Standard Bible)
Reflect
In the first eleven chapters of Paul’s letter to the church at Rome he outlined the essence of the gospel.
Our problem: sin
God’s solution to our problem: Salvation
Our purpose: Sanctification (become like Christ)
Our hope: God’s Sovereignty: God’s purposes will prevail
Now, beginning in chapter twelve he begins to give the “life application” of the Gospel truth. The shift begins with the word “therefore” and is centered on the phrase “God’s mercies.” “God’s mercies” sums up the gospel. The word is plural, in Christ we have been shown God’s mercies. His mercy to pursue us. His mercy to forgive us. His mercy to transform us. All his mercies are summed up in the single word…gospel. The “good news” that Jesus died, Jesus rose, Jesus will return.
Respond
It is common for us to feel like we are entitled to God’s love. God is the “adult” we are the “children”, he has to “put up” with us. However his forgiveness is a mercy not something he has to give. We are forever “at his mercy.” Today, you live “at his mercy.” Contemplate your utter dependence on God. Thank him for his mercy.
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:
Hebrews 12:1-3
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.