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 28
Reflect:
Proverbs 28:3
3 A ruler who oppresses the poor
is like a driving rain that leaves no crops.
Rain is an interesting thing. When it comes down nice and steady at just the right time and in just the right amount, it waters our lawns, fills the lakes, nourishes the crops, and is crucial for producing an abundant harvest. Rain is life-giving! But get too much of it, and it can be devastating. Rather than being a blessing, the rain now becomes somewhat of a curse! Even as I write, hurricane Isaias is barreling up the East Coast, leaving a path of destruction. Streets are flooded, homes and businesses destroyed, it’s terrible! Forecasters warn that this is just the first storm in what is predicted to be a busy hurricane season.
Good leadership is desirable and important! Sound leadership can be a tremendous blessing, and that’s the point of this proverb. A weak or overbearing leader is like a tyrant—like that pounding rain that washes away the crop and leaves nothing in the field. We don’t need leaders like that; we need leaders who nourish, strengthen, and build up, leaders who work for the good of the people.
All of us lead in some form or fashion. As I think about the areas of leadership in my own life (Patty, my kids, grandkids, River, small group life), I want to lead well. As you think about your own leadership roles, I’m sure you want to do the same. As described in this proverb, I’d like to lead like that gentle summer rain in ways that are welcoming, refreshing, and nourishing. I want to lead well!
Respond:
Take some time and think about all the ways you’ve been given leadership. How are you doing at leading? Determine today to lead well! Follow Paul’s instruction to Timothy: “Set an example for the believers in speech, and conduct, and love, in faith, and in purity. (1 Timothy 4:12 CSB)
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.