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 24
Reflect:
Proverbs 24:26
26 An honest answer
is like a kiss on the lips. (NIV)
An honest, straightforward answer is desired above all, even if the truth may risk offending. No matter how hard it is to hear, the truth shows real affection for the one spoken to. When we speak the truth to one another, it’s as though we’re saying, “You matter to me, and I want to honor your life by speaking truthfully.” Honesty is such a beautiful thing; the teacher describes it as “a kiss on the lips.”
Think of a groom kissing his bride on their wedding day. Think about the affection the bride and groom have for one another. The teacher says the right word spoken at the right time is like this bride and groom—it’s a beautiful thing! Honesty, from ourselves and those around us, is something we all long for and when we experience it, we’re refreshed and encouraged.
As Christ-followers, we’re to speak the truth in love; there should be no corrupt or foul talk coming out of our mouths. Instead, our words should be like beautiful gifts that are meant to encourage others. (see Ephesians 4:15 and 4:29)
Respond:
Think hard about the words you use today, take them captive, and bring them into obedience to Christ. Jesus said that He is the way, and the truth, and the life (see John 14:6); as we follow Him, let’s speak the truth in love.
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 19:21
Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.