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 25
Reflect:
Proverbs 25:16-17
16 If you find honey, eat just enough—
too much of it, and you will vomit.
17 Seldom set foot in your neighbor’s house—
too much of you, and they will hate you.
Today’s proverb is a very practical one about relationships. Relationships are important. We need deep, meaningful relationships, lifelong relationships. In fact, we were designed by God to live life in community with others. But here’s the catch: to have healthy relationships, we’ve got to maintain some healthy tensions. Samuel Johnson, a writer of English literature in the 18th century, said, “If a man does not make a new acquaintance as he advances through life, he will soon find himself alone. A man, sir, must keep his friendships in a constant repair.” Sam’s words are wise, and ones we should strive to live by. So how do we do this?
I think the answer is found in our proverb. Honey is terrific, but if you eat too much, you’ll be sick to your stomach. The same is true with friends! Good, faithful friendships are absolutely a pleasure, but if you’re always at your friend’s house, it won’t be long before you begin to wear out your welcome! Just like honey, your friends will soon become sick to their stomachs. Rather than being filled with joy when they see you, they’ll soon hate to see you coming.
One of the simplest things we can do to maintain good relationships is to be careful not to wear out our welcome. There’s a tension we’ve got to maintain. We want to keep from visiting too much and being a nuisance, but at the same time, visit enough so that they’ll value our presence. This is the tension. You’ll have to pay attention to your relationships and adjust as needed.
Respond:
Thank God for the relationships He’s given you. Ask Him to help you maintain a healthy balance. And make it your goal not to “wear out your welcome.”
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 16:9
In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.
Sometimes people, even life-long friends, avoid a welcome by using the oft too used excuse of how busy they are. No matter how busy I am, if it has been a few weeks I will reach out and inquire of them. I do this because it is a nice reprieve from busyness, which helps me keep my sanity; and because my heart needs the connection. Most of the time I am not asked how my family or I, or my husband, are doing, and I will admit to you as one of my pastors, that it hurts my heart. But I have always believed it is important for those I love to know I remember them and they are important to me.