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 27
Reflect:
Proverbs 27:21
21 Fire tests the purity of silver and gold,
but a person is tested by being praised. (NLT)
Pride is the vice addressed in this proverb. We’ve read about the pitfalls of pride multiple times already in the last several months. “Pride is the mother hen under which all other sins are hatched,” said C.S. Lewis. Pride—self-centeredness—is at the heart of most of our vices. Our pride puts us rather than God, at the center of our universe; it stands in opposition to God.
Silver and gold are refined and tested by being subjected to extreme heat in a crucible or furnace. The impurities rise to the top where they can be removed and discarded. This heat tests and refines the metals, revealing their level of purity. In the same way, praise from others can act as a “crucible” to test us. The way in which we respond to praise reveals the condition of our hearts. If we gloat and puff ourselves up, this reveals an arrogant heart, but if we accept praise with modesty and humility, this reveals a humble heart.
Pride makes us want to look good in the eyes of others, but in reality, pride always makes us look small. Pride allowed to go unchecked is a slippery slope that leads to other sins. Ask God to help you walk in humility, have the right view of yourself in relation to God and others, and act accordingly. Don’t think too highly (or too lowly) of yourself but be honest and realistic about who you are. As a follower of Christ, you are a child of God! Humility can be one of our greatest friends.
Respond:
Determine today to adopt the same attitude as Christ: “Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross.” (Philippians 2:5-8 NLT)
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 16:13
Kings take pleasure in honest lips; they value the one who speaks what is right.