P.R.A.Y
PAUSE
REJOICE & REFLECT
ASK
YIELD
Personal Worship
This week, we will see different reactions to the birth of Jesus, the Savior.
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, in the midst of the indifference of this world, would you let my worship be true? Let me see you for who you are and let me see me as I truly am. Fill me with your Spirit and meet with me.
I choose to rejoice, with all God’s people, in the powerful promise that God gives us in Psalm 72…
May all kings fall down before him,
all nations serve him!
For he delivers the needy when he calls,
the poor and him who has no helper.
He has pity on the weak and the needy,
and saves the lives of the needy.
From oppression and violence he redeems their life,
and precious is their blood in his sight.
Psalm 72:11-14
As you read the passages below, ask the Lord to cause a word or phrase to stand out to you.
Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.” After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.
Matthew 2:7-12
As I reread the passage, I reflect on the questions, “How is my life touched by this word?” and “How does this passage connect with my life?”
Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.” After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.
Matthew 2:7-12
Herod secretly calls the wise men, pretending that he wants to worship Jesus too. But his heart is full of fear, control, and opposition. The wise men, however, continue their journey until they find the child. When they see him, they rejoice exceedingly with great joy. Then they fall down, worship him, and offer their treasures.
The wise men were students of the Scriptures, and their gifts for Jesus show that. They bring gold in honor of a king, not just any king, but the King of Kings. They bring frankincense, because one of the scents that is burnt at the table of incense inside the Temple. The physical representation of people’s prayers rising to God. Last, but not least, the myrrh. A rather dark and foreboding gift to bring a toddler if you are the toddler’s mother. Myrrh was one of the burial incense of the day. A foretelling of what this young child will do with his life.
Lord, let me relinquish control to you today. Let my control be turned to worship and trust in you.
Lord, revive true worship in me and in your church. Remove shallow religion, hidden control, and half-hearted devotion. Fill us with exceeding joy in Christ, and teach us to bow before him as King.
As I read the passage for the final time, I listen to how the Lord is inviting me to respond to him. Where in my life do I need to yield in obedience to what he has for me?
Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.” After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.
Matthew 2:7-12
Yielding Prayer
Father, I yield my worship, my treasures, and my plans to Jesus. I do not want to use him for my purposes; I want to surrender to his. Lead me today in joyful obedience to the King who is worthy.
Yielding Promise
And now, as I move into the day ahead, the Lord who loves me reminds me in Psalm 16…
You make known to me the path of life;
in your presence there is fullness of joy;
at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
Psalm 16:11
Closing Prayer
Lord, enable me, by the power of the Holy Spirit, to love you today with all of my heart, soul, mind, and strength; and to serve you today, by loving and caring for others as I do my own self; and, to exalt you today, by telling the people in my world about the abundant and eternal life found only through faith in Jesus