P.R.A.Y
PAUSE
REJOICE & REFLECT
ASK
YIELD
Personal Worship
We end the week with a firm command and reminder about the next generation.
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, I need your peace today. My hair is on fire and my soul is chaotic. I have come to meet with the God who created the universe and holds all things together. Remind me today of who you are and how you see me.
I choose to rejoice, with all God’s people, in the powerful promise that God gives us in John 16…
I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.
John 16:33
As you read the passages below, ask the Lord to cause a word or phrase to stand out to you.
Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.
1 Timothy 4:12
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?”
Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.
1 Timothy 4:12
We took time these last three weeks to examine our hearts and our responsibilities when it comes to the next generation. We end this series with a reminder to not despise them, which seems obvious, but it is natural to have all the differences to have a divide. The gospel breaks down that divide and calls us to do the same.
Lord, I ask that you give me a hope and optimism for the future. Not because of the circumstances, but because I know you love the next generation and you have amazing plans for them.
Throughout Pray First, which is the first 21 days of our season, you will receive a verse and prayer prompt as we seek the Lord together.
“Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.”
1 Peter 4:8-11
My Father, show me my heart for my Rio community. As I consider these words in prayer, show me where I have loved, where I have chosen hospitality, where I have used my gifts, and where I could do better, to bring you glory in your church…
As I read the passage for the final time, I listen for 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?
Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.
1 Timothy 4:12
Yielding Prayer
Lord, give me a heart and a passion to see the gospel go out to the kids in our community. Let me be a beacon of light in this dark generation. Give me a hope that transcends circumstances. Let your love be poured out through me to the next generation.
Yielding Promise
And now, as I move into the day ahead, the Lord who loves me reminds me in Lamentations 3…
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;
his mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
Lamentations 3:22-23
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.
*The P.R.A.Y. acronym has been adapted from the Lectio 365 app.