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 19
Reflect:
Proverbs 19:16
16 Keep the commandments and keep your life;
despising them leads to death. (NLT)
Wisdom’s way is the best path we could take in the long run, both physically and spiritually. The one who despises God’s command is choosing to live recklessly and carelessly, which only leads to death.
Look at what the Psalms tell us about the Lord’s instructions: “The instructions of the Lord are perfect, reviving the soul. The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The commandments of the Lord are right, bringing joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are clear, giving insight for living. Reverence for the Lord is pure, lasting forever. The laws of the Lord are true; each one is fair. They are more desirable than gold, even the finest gold. They are sweeter than honey, even honey dripping from the comb. They are a warning to your servant, a great reward for those who obey them.” (Psalms 19:7-11 NLT)
Did you see the benefits of walking with the Lord? In case you didn’t, let me point them out to you. They…
- revive the soul.
- make the simple wise.
- bring joy.
- give insight.
- are clear and last forever.
- are true and fair.
- are more desirable than gold.
- are sweeter than honey.
- serve as a warning and a safeguard.
- offer great rewards for those who obey them.
When you read them listed out like this, you see how foolish it is to walk a different path. Yes, there is only one path that leads to life, and that life is found in Jesus. “A thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come so that they may have life and have it in abundance.” (John 10:10 CSB)
Respond:
Pray this prayer: Lord, thank you for giving me life through Christ Jesus! I want to walk in His ways, in His wisdom. Please help me embrace your Word and teach me your statutes. Help me understand the meaning of Your instructions so that I can meditate on Your wonders.
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 20:1
Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise.