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 13
Reflect:
Proverbs 13:13
13 Whoever despises the word brings destruction on himself,
but he who reveres the commandment will be rewarded. (ESV)
I think the ESV captures verse 13 well. Some translate the Hebrew word dabar as “instruction,” but dabar is literally translated “word.” The second line of the proverb clarifies the first line for us with the word “commandment.” The imagery used in the proverb is of a father speaking to his son, verbally giving him instruction—a command. I think if we’re not careful, we can read this proverb and miss the bigger picture… yes, it’s the father giving instruction to his son, but where does that instruction come from? The Torah—the Word of God. The authoritative words of the father are an extension of God’s commands. With all this in mind, let’s look at the proverb again—13 Whoever despises the “word” brings destruction on himself, but he who reveres the commandment will be rewarded.
Do you revere the word of God? That’s a great question. We might be quick to say yes, but let’s dig a little deeper and see if our actions back up our claim. Do you give more than just a passing glance or a token look at God’s Word? Do you study it, meditate on it, and let it shape you into the man or woman that God has called you to be? That, my friend, is what the proverb is getting at.
Remember, God is the one that created you, knows you, and loves you. Who better to listen to than God! Think about that, He loves you so much that He has given you His word in written form to guide you and teach you. He’s not left you on your own to figure life out. In fact, He has given us Jesus to save us and show us how to live our new life found in Him. The Bible, God’s Word, reveals Jesus to us!
Listen, you would never jump in your car and start driving to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee without first getting directions, would you? No! You’d tell Siri, “Get directions to Pigeon Forge.” You’d probably look at which route was the best way to travel, and then you’d pay attention to your phone and follow the instructions, turn by turn until you ended up in Pigeon Forge. The principle found in the proverb is true when it comes to following God’s word—His commandments. If you fail to follow His leading, you’ll never make it to your destination. His Word will lovingly guide us if we are willing to listen.
Respond:
Thank God for His Word to us.
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 12:11
Those who work their land will have abundant food, but those who chase fantasies have no sense.