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 28
Reflect:
Proverbs 28:14
14 Blessed is the one who always trembles before God,
but whoever hardens their heart falls into trouble.
There are two ways to live described in this proverb—one is a life that trembles before God, the other rebelliously shakes their fist at God. The one that trembles before God is blessed. The word blessed is characterized by happiness and the sense of being highly favored. You can think of it as experiencing the divine grace of God in your life. Now compare the one who shakes their fist at God and hardens their heart towards Him. What do they get? Trouble! Their stubborn defiance only brings misery, distress, and wickedness, resulting in great loss and misfortune.
The proverb is warning us against defiance towards God! Our pridefulness and self-centeredness harden us towards God and others. It leads us to become insensitive to what God is doing in our lives, and then it’s all downhill from there. Listen to how those with a hardened heart are described in Romans: 5 Because of your hardened and unrepentant heart you are storing up wrath for yourself in the day of wrath, when God’s righteous judgment is revealed (Romans 2:5). So, what’s the remedy for a hardened heart? It’s the fear of the Lord! A genuine recognition of our broken and helpless state before God. Stopping and repenting of our stubborn defiance is what puts us on the right path.
Respond:
As you think about this proverb, maybe the Lord has revealed ways you’ve hardened your heart toward God. If that’s so, would you commit to stopping and letting go of your rebellion? If the answer yes, now take time to thank God for the forgiveness that is only found in Christ Jesus.
Maybe you’re one who is currently walking in a healthy fear of the Lord, then praise God for His kindness and mercy towards you! Standing in awe of God, reverently, and fearfully, is what reorients our hearts back to God.
Worship the Lord today! Let Psalm 95 guide your worship and adoration. Come and sing for joy to the LORD…shout aloud to the Rock of your salvation…with thanksgiving, praise him with music and song…bow down in worship…kneel before the LORD your Maker; for he is your God and you belong to him and are under his care. (Psalm 95:1-2,6-7a)
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.”