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 26
Reflect:
Proverb 26:12
12 Do you see a person wise in their own eyes?
There is more hope for a fool than for them.
Wow! Think about what this proverb is saying. We’ve read a lot about the fool; remember how they’re described? They are described as lacking good judgment, they are seen as stupid, dull, and shameless. They are definitely not an example for the wise to follow. Yet this proverb makes clear, there is more hope for the fool, than someone wise in their own eyes! Being prideful—that’s the vice here— ought to scare us. Why? Because at least a fool can learn from their mistakes. But a person filled with pride, oh my, that’s a scary place to be. You see, they’re too “wise” to listen to wisdom and, in the end, will suffer because of their own folly.
We don’t want to follow either type of person—the fool or the prideful! If you haven’t seen it yet, there is a close connection between the wisdom of God and humility. You see, humility starts with a healthy fear of the Lord—this is the right perspective for us to maintain.
Humility, not pride—that’s the quality of a truly wise person! Look at what Paul writes, “Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.” (Colossians 3:12 NLT) Paul was describing the new nature believers were to put on; humility is one of the character qualities we’re to be clothed in. We put these new garments on by first humbling ourselves before the Lord. Remember, the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom—and it starts with a humble and contrite heart!
Respond:
Pray David’s prayer: 1Bend down, O Lord, and hear my prayer; answer me, for I need your help. 2Protect me, for I am devoted to you. Save me, for I serve you and trust you. You are my God. 3Be merciful to me, O Lord, for I am calling on you constantly. 4Give me happiness, O Lord, for I give myself to you. 5O Lord, you are so good, so ready to forgive, so full of unfailing love for all who ask for your help.” (Ps. 86:1-5 NLT)
Ask God to help you put away any prideful thoughts or attitudes you may have today. Ask Him to give you the right perspective. Ask Him to clothe you in Christ!
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:
Proverbs 4:7-9
Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding. Esteem her, and she will exalt you; embrace her, and she will honor you. She will set a garland of grace on your head and present you with a crown of splendor.”