P.R.A.Y
PAUSE
REJOICE & REFLECT
ASK
YIELD
Personal Worship
We end the week in gratitude that every good thing comes from God.
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
Father, as I come before you now, I quiet my heart and turn my attention to you. Thank you for your presence and for the gift of your Word. Open my eyes to see your truth, open my ears to hear your voice, and open my heart to receive what you want to speak today. Remove distractions and stir my spirit to listen with faith and respond with obedience. May this time with you draw me closer, deepen my love for you, and shape me more into the image of Christ.
I choose to rejoice, with all God’s people, in the powerful promise that God gives us in Psalm 37…
Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Psalm 37:4
As you read the passages below, ask the Lord to cause a word or phrase to stand out to you.
Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.
James 1:16-18
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?”
Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.
James 1:16-18
It is interesting that James leads with not being deceived regarding the good things of life. That means we are often deceived about where things come from. Ultimately, every good and every perfect gift comes from God. Our lives should be characterized by overwhelming gratitude. All of this is rooted in a God who never changes.
Lord, I ask that you make me someone for whom gratitude flows out of. Let me see that every good and perfect gift comes from you.
Lord, we come to you with humble hearts, asking you to awaken what has grown cold. Breathe life into dry bones and renew our love for you and for one another. Ignite a holy fire within us, that your name would be honored in our homes, our churches, and our world. Turn our eyes from sin and draw us back to your presence. Revive us, O God, that we may live for your glory again. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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?
Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.
James 1:12-15
Yielding Prayer
Lord, I praise you that you never change. Forgive me for doubting your character at times. Let me see that everything that is good and perfect comes from you. Fill me with your Holy Spirit.
Yielding Promise
And now, as I move into the day ahead, the Lord who loves me reminds me in Philippians 1…
And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.
Philippians 1:6
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.