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 18
Reflect:
For October, I’d like you to simply read slowly through the entire proverb each day. Think about the verses that have stood out to you over this year, the things God has spoken to you about, and the wisdom that was revealed to you. Use this time as a summary review of our time together over the last nine months.
As you read the Proverbs, you’ll notice that they are comprised of different translations. My hope is that doing this will help you to read Proverbs afresh. Following the reading is a short prayer that sums up the proverb. God Bless!
Proverbs 18 (Modern English Version)
He who separates himself seeks his own desire;
he seeks and quarrels against all wisdom.
2 A fool has no delight in understanding,
but in expressing his own heart.
3 When the wicked comes, then comes also contempt,
and with dishonor reproach.
4 The words of a man’s mouth are as deep waters,
and the wellspring of wisdom as a flowing brook.
5 It is not good to favor the wicked,
or to turn aside the righteous in judgment.
6 A fool’s lips enter into contention,
and his mouth calls for flogging.
7 A fool’s mouth is his destruction,
and his lips are the snare of his soul.
8 The words of a talebearer are as wounds,
and they go down into the innermost parts of the body.
9 He also who is slothful in his work
is brother to him who is a great waster.
10 The name of the Lord is a strong tower;
the righteous run into it and are safe.
11 The rich man’s wealth is his strong city,
and as a high wall in his own conceit.
12 Before destruction the heart of man is haughty,
and before honor is humility.
13 He who answers a matter before he hears it,
it is folly and shame to him.
14 The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity,
but a wounded spirit who can bear?
15 The heart of the prudent gets knowledge,
and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.
16 A man’s gift makes room for him,
and brings him before great men.
17 He who is first in his own cause seems just,
but his neighbor comes and searches him.
18 The lot causes contentions to cease,
and keeps the mighty ones apart.
19 A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city,
and their contentions are like the bars of a castle.
20 A man’s stomach will be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth;
and with the increase of his lips will he be filled.
21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue,
and those who love it will eat its fruit.
22 Whoever finds a wife finds a good thing,
and obtains favor of the Lord.
23 The poor man uses entreaties,
but the rich man answers roughly.
24 A man who has friends must show himself friendly,
and there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
Respond:
Father, thank You for a community of like-minded people to walk alongside. Help me today not to isolate myself. I understand how important it is to have other believers in my life. Help me to keep my mouth pure; protect me from being the gossip. I know that death and life are in the power of the tongue. Teach me to guard my lips. May I always run to You, for You are a strong tower of protection for me. I pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
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 30:5
Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.