P.R.A.Y
PAUSE
REJOICE & REFLECT
ASK
YIELD
Personal Worship
We turn to Paul and the Spiritual Gifts.
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 my time with you, would you meet with me? I desire to know you more. Through your Word and prayer, let me experience who you are. Fill me with your Holy Spirit now.
I choose to rejoice, with all God’s people, in the powerful promise that God gives us in Psalm 96…
Declare his glory among the nations,
his marvelous works among all the peoples!
For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised;
he is to be feared above all gods.
Psalm 96:3-4
As you read the passages below, ask the Lord to cause a word or phrase to stand out to you.
Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. For to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills.
1 Corinthians 12:4-11
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 there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. For to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills.
1 Corinthians 12:4-11
Paul reminds us that spiritual gifts come from the same Spirit and are given by God’s grace, not personal achievement. Though the gifts differ, their purpose is unified: the common good of the body of Christ. No gift is accidental, and no believer is overlooked—the Spirit distributes gifts intentionally and wisely according to God’s will. This passage calls us away from comparison and pride and toward gratitude and faithful obedience. When we yield to the Spirit, our gifts become instruments of God’s love, power, and wisdom in the lives of others.
Lord, I ask to receive whatever you have for me. I trust you and who you are. Fill me with your Spirit!
Lord, I ask that you would pour out your Spirit on your people. Awaken the sleepers in the midst of the Church and ignite the fire within their souls. Meet with your people uniquely and powerfully in this season. Let us see your hand at work!
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 there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. For to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills.
1 Corinthians 12:4-11
Yielding Prayer
Holy Spirit, I acknowledge that every gift I have comes from you. Free me from comparison, pride, or fear, and teach me to use what you have given for the good of others and the glory of God. I yield my abilities, my opportunities, and my desires to your will. Distribute my life as you choose, and let everything I do reflect your wisdom and love.
Yielding Promise
And now, as I move into the day ahead, the Lord who loves me reminds me in Luke 11…
If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!
Luke 11:13
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