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: Proverbs Chapter 13
Reflect:
Proverbs 13:9
9 The light of the righteous shines brightly,
but the lamp of the wicked is snuffed out.
Reflection: Remember that throughout Proverbs, we’ve seen the contrast between those who walk in wisdom or folly. Proverb 13:9 is showing us the same thing. “’Light’ is a metaphor for life energy, and when the lamp of the wicked is extinguished, it signifies at least removal of well-being if not death itself.” (Longman)
It’s easy to think, “Yeah, light is a metaphor, I got it.” and then move on. But don’t do that. Think for a moment about what light is referring to or how it is being used metaphorically.
The righteous person is a light; a life that shines brightly; a life that rejoices; a life that illuminates the darkness. So, a righteous person is one who brings life and truth to the world around them. They stand in contrast to those who walk in darkness.
When this proverb was written, tents were lit at night by a lamp filled with oil. The light it provided was needed if people were to see at night. The light provided was essential and if the light were to go out, it would be pitch dark.
The light was one of Jesus’ favorite metaphors. It was easy for people to connect with their lives. Light is meant to shine, to illuminate, to give direction.
Look at what Jesus said in Matthew 5:14-16 about living as a light:
“You are the light of the world. A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket, but rather on a lampstand, and it gives light for all who are in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.”
Just like Jesus’ disciples, we’re to be an extension of his light to the ends of the earth! Our lives are to shine brightly with the love of Christ!
Respond:
Determine today to walk in the light of righteousness.
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 Week’s Scripture Memory:
A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.