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 20
Reflect:
Proverbs 20:18
18 Plans are established by seeking advice;
so if you wage war, obtain guidance.
A wise person knows the value of having healthy relationships that are built on trust and understands the pitfalls of doing life all alone. Terry has often said, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” In other words, if you want to succeed over the long haul, go with other people and don’t be afraid to let them into your life. Trusted friends, mentors, and advisors help us to slow down and act only after we’ve given a situation careful reflection and thoughtful preparation.
Listen, bad things generally happen when we act impulsively. This proverb challenges us to slow down and be wise in our decision making. One of the smartest things we can do when it comes to making decisions is to seek the counsel of a trusted friend or advisor.
A wise person is open to advice. In fact, the wise value input even if they don’t like the advice given. The wise understand that we can’t walk around as though we know it all, assuming we’ll figure life out on our own. But we can’t! Why? Because we’re limited in our personal information and cognitive ability. How much better it is to allow a trusted friend to come alongside as you determine a wise course of action!
Respond:
What kind of decisions are you facing today? Are you trying to go it alone, or are you willing to seek a trusted friend’s advice?
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 18:24
One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.