P.R.A.Y
PAUSE
REJOICE & REFLECT
ASK
YIELD
Personal Worship
Today, we get a glimpse of Paul’s writings to Timothy, a young man.
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 come to you this morning, would you take what seems ordinary and by your power bring an extraordinary, supernatural response? You are the God of Resurrection, so meet with me now.
I choose to rejoice, with all God’s people, in the powerful promise that God gives us in Psalm 71…
O God, from my youth you have taught me,
and I still proclaim your wondrous deeds.
So even to old age and gray hairs,
O God, do not forsake me,
until I proclaim your might to another generation,
your power to all those to come.
Your righteousness, O God,
reaches the high heavens.
You who have done great things,
O God, who is like you?
Psalm 71:17-19
As you read the passages below, ask the Lord to cause a word or phrase to stand out to you.
Command and teach these things. Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching. Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you. Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress. Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.
1 Timothy 4:11-16
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?”
Command and teach these things. Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching. Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you. Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress. Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.
1 Timothy 4:11-16
Paul encouraged Timothy not to allow his youth to keep him from faithfully serving God. Instead, Timothy was to earn the respect of others by setting an example in every area of his life. His words, actions, relationships, faith, and purity were all meant to reflect Jesus. In the same way, our influence does not come only from what we teach but also from how we live. As we devote ourselves to Scripture, use the gifts God has given us, and carefully watch our lives, others can see the transforming power of the gospel through us. God calls each of us to continue growing so that our progress encourages those around us.
Lord, I ask that you show me what it looks like to devote myself to your Word in all areas of my life. Let it be the wellspring of my life.
Pray today for the parents of our students at BCS! BCS is unique in the fact that it is an outreach school. BCS teaches the good news of the gospel and all that Jesus has done, but you do not need to believe to send your children here! Pray that the Lord will meet with every person in the family this year!
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?
Command and teach these things. Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching. Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you. Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress. Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.
1 Timothy 4:11-16
Yielding Prayer
Father, I yield my words, conduct, relationships, faith, and purity to you. Help me use my gifts faithfully and live as an example of what your grace can accomplish.
Yielding Promise
And now, as I move into the day ahead, the Lord who loves me reminds me in Philippians 2…
Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.
Philippians 2:12-13
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