P.R.A.Y
PAUSE
REJOICE & REFLECT
ASK
YIELD
Personal Worship
John continues writing on what it looks like to not fall prey to false teachers and what the solution is for those that are walking in the light.
Together we will pray (P.R.A.Y.) each day – ‘P’: Pausing to be still as we come into the presence of the Lord. ‘R’: Rejoicing as we remember who our God is and what He has done, and Reflecting on His word. ‘A’: Asking God to help us and others. And ‘Y’: yielding to His will in accordance with His word.
As I come before you to pray, I still my thoughts and quiet my mind. I seek to make you the center of my focus.
Prayer of Approach
Lord, as I enter into your presence, I wait expectantly to hear from you today. Fill me with your Spirit and illuminate what you have for me. Let my heart trust that you are the God who meets with his people and you will meet with me at this moment.
We choose to rejoice in the power of God’s Word, with all his people in the Book of Titus…
For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people.
Titus 3:3-8
Today we are reflecting on the words of John in 1 John 2:26-27, where we read:
I write these things to you about those who are trying to deceive you. But the anointing that you received from him abides in you, and you have no need that anyone should teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about everything, and is true, and is no lie—just as it has taught you, abide in him.
1 John 2:26-27
Satan is all about counterfeiting. All he has are lies, so his only hope is deception. We fight deception by knowing and applying truth in our lives. Christ anointed us with the Holy Spirit to do exactly that. When we walk with him and ask for his help he is faithful to give it. Here are five practical tests to see if something is deception from the devil or the truth from God.
Jesus, I ask that you would anoint me with the Spirit of Truth today. I ask that you would reveal the places of my heart where I would rather live in deception than in truth.
Reflection Questions:
1) Where in my life is it easier for me to stay in deception than enter into truth?
2) Do I test everything that comes my way or have I become passive?
3) What do I use to test what I believe in?
Lord, would you protect your children around the world from the lies? Would you give us the discernment and ability to seek and root out any false teachers with big and small platforms? Protect the purity of your Church worldwide, so that the truth of the gospel can be proclaimed.
As I read the passage again slowly, I listen for anything that You would say to me in it. Help me see how to position my life in order to yield to your word…
I write these things to you about those who are trying to deceive you. But the anointing that you received from him abides in you, and you have no need that anyone should teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about everything, and is true, and is no lie—just as it has taught you, abide in him.
1 John 2:26-27
Yielding Prayer
Jesus, I surrender to your Spirit today. I yield the pride that says I don’t need anyone but me. Humble me that I am prone to fall for the lies of the devil. Bind Satan and his many deceits in my life. Give the strength to overcome the evil one today that I may walk in the light of fellowship with you.
Yielding Promise
And now, as I move into the day ahead, the Lord who loves me reminds me in Matthew 28…
And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Matthew 28:18-20
Closing Prayer
Lord God, almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ my Lord. Amen.1
1Divine Hours, Phyllis Tickle