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 9
Reflect:
Proverbs 9:6
6 Leave your simple ways and you will live;
walk in the way of insight.”
I love wisdom’s invitation to “leave your simple ways…walk in the way of insight.” The invite is to the simple, the naïve and gullible, the ones who need her attention the most. She is inviting them to come and dine at her table and live.
But did you notice the verse mentions two ways, the “simple ways” and the “way of insight.” Sadly, even though her invitation is clearly stated and easily understood, some prefer the old habits of their simple ways. They refuse to listen to her call.
I’m grateful for wisdom’s call in my life. See, I was just like the ones who wisdom is calling to in this Proverb. I was naive and gullible; I was lost and had no idea I was. But praise the Lord, wisdom’s call came at just the right time. It was a point of clarity for me and the first time I clearly saw the hopelessness of my simple ways. I said yes to wisdom and began to walk in the “way of insight.” It was 30 years ago this month that I placed my trust in Jesus Christ—the way the truth and the life—He is the only way to life. To say that my life has been changed is an understatement! In some ways I’m like, “Pinch me! I can’t believe all that God has done for me!” I have been transformed in some radical ways. When I think about the path I was on, I can’t help but shudder! The road I was on would have led only to destruction. I wouldn’t be married or have the children that I have. I would have missed the joy of watching my kids marry and now raise their own children as they walk with Jesus. Oh, it makes me want to shout “Halleluiah!”
Now hear me–I don’t want to give the impression that all is perfect. I can still be a “rock” at times, so I’m grateful for God’s grace to me. Know that there has been plenty of hard stuff to go through along the way. The difference has been that I didn’t have to walk it alone; I had Jesus and other believers to journey alongside. For this and so much more, I’m grateful!
Respond:
There are two ways to live: the “simple ways” or the “way of insight,” but only the “way of insight” leads to life. The good news is that Jesus is the way the truth and the life! He is the path of insight for us to follow. If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve already placed your trust in Jesus. Take time throughout the day to thank Him for His presence in your life. Thank Him for the new life He has given you. Be encouraged today! If you haven’t placed your trust in him, you can do it right now. Let Him sit on the throne of your life.
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 6:6
Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise.