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 121…
The Lord will keep you from all evil;
he will keep your life.
The Lord will keep
your going out and your coming in
from this time forth and forevermore.
Psalm 121:7-8
As you read the passages below, ask the Lord to cause a word or phrase to stand out to you.
Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you, for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.” And he rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed to Egypt and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet, “Out of Egypt I called my son.”
Matthew 2:13-15
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?”
Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you, for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.” And he rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed to Egypt and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet, “Out of Egypt I called my son.”
Matthew 2:13-15
After the wise men leave, an angel warns Joseph to flee to Egypt because Herod wants to destroy the child. Joseph obeys immediately, taking Mary and Jesus by night. Even in danger, God is not absent. He is guarding his Son, guiding Joseph, and fulfilling his Word.
Matthew tells us this happened to fulfill what the Lord had spoken: “Out of Egypt I called my son.” Jesus is retracing Israel’s story, but he will do what Israel could not. He is the faithful Son who comes to rescue his people. The danger is real, but God’s purpose is stronger than Herod’s violence.
Lord, give me obedience to heed you when you call. Teach me to obey quickly and without hesitation.
Lord, revive our trust in your providence. When we face fear, danger, or uncertainty, teach us to believe that you are still guarding your promises and guiding your people. Strengthen our obedience when the next step is costly.
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?
Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you, for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.” And he rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed to Egypt and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet, “Out of Egypt I called my son.”
Matthew 2:13-15
Yielding Prayer
Father, I yield my fear and hesitation to you. Make me quick to obey your Word, even when I do not understand everything ahead. Help me rest in Jesus, the faithful Son, and follow you with trust today.
Yielding Promise
And now, as I move into the day ahead, the Lord who loves me reminds me in Psalm 121…
I lift up my eyes to the hills.
From where does my help come?
My help comes from the Lord,
who made heaven and earth.
He will not let your foot be moved;
he who keeps you will not slumber.
Behold, he who keeps Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.
Psalm 121:1-4
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