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 28:6
6 Better the poor whose walk is blameless
than the rich whose ways are perverse.
What could be better than being rich? Being morally pure! It’s sad how culture’s message is, “Get as much money as you can, and then live the good life.” And it’s not just our generation who have espoused this idea but all ages, past and present. There’s this insatiable appetite to make as much money as possible. And it’s this appetite that leads people to compromise their character. Many have achieved great wealth and status, only to find out their lives are now train wrecks. I don’t have to list any of them; you know who they are. Just glance at the tabloids and they will tell you all about the dysfunction of the rich and famous. And what makes it even worse is that these tabloids take great pleasure in broadcasting the dysfunction and brokenness so they can line their pockets even more. Perversity is like a whirlpool sucking everything down in its path.
To be one whose walk is blameless is priceless! A person of high character, honesty, and integrity avoids the destructive path of perversity. Oh, it doesn’t mean that hard times and difficulties won’t come, but when they do, the person of integrity can weather them without compromising their morals. It is a wonderful thing to lay your head down at night, knowing you’ve not compromised your values.
Respond:
Don’t give in to culture’s pursuit of money at all costs. Riches don’t improve your standing with God. Wealth doesn’t save you, and it doesn’t enhance your character or wisdom. If you live for money, it will harden your heart. Choose to walk wisdom’s path. Walk with Jesus, and He will give you a level path to walk upon.
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 23:12
Apply your heart to instruction and your ears to words of knowledge.