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 31
Reflect:
Proverbs 31:8-9
8 Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves,
for the rights of all who are destitute.
9 Speak up and judge fairly;
defend the rights of the poor and needy.
Proverbs 31 is attributed to the mother of King Lemuel. In the first 9 verses, she warns her son to avoid the temptation of women and drink. These two, especially when combined, have led to the demise of many men. “In other words, she may be saying the equivalent of ‘Don’t act like those derelicts who drink to forget their [others] hardships. Act like the king you are.’ The king is the human representative of God, who protects the rights of those who lack power (the needy and the destitute).” (Longman) We may not be a king or a person of significant influence, yet we have a tremendous opportunity for impact in our own circles of influence. Lemuel’s mom’s warning holds true for us, too; we belong to Jesus, we are His representatives, so we need to act like it!
Respond:
As Christ’s ambassador, engage the battle and make the Gospel of Jesus the centerpiece of your life and all you do. Determine today to fight the good fight. As you go about today, set an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity.
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 16:3
Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.