P.R.A.Y
PAUSE
REJOICE & REFLECT
ASK
YIELD
Personal Worship
In this last week of our Next Gen Series, we will explore what God’s word says about gender. We will look at the design of the Designer.
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
Over the past 2 weeks, we asked you to consider fasting from some aspect of technology or some “hunger” that you’re seeking to satisfy with something or someone other than Jesus. You could continue either of those fasts this week, or simply choose to fast from some normal meal or snack for one or more days this week.
Our Father, as we humbly approach the throne, we know, as Jesus taught us, that we shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from your mouth. Speak Lord as we bow our heads and listen. Instill in us the absolute certainty that a word from you is life, and help us submit to the authority of that word today.
(based on Matthew 4:4)
We choose to rejoice in the power of God’s Word, with all his people in Psalm 19:
“The law of the LORD is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple.
The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes.
The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever. The decrees of the LORD are firm, and all of them are righteous.
They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the honeycomb.
By them your servant is warned; in keeping them there is great reward.”
Psalm 19:7-11
Today we are reflecting on the words of Scripture in John 8, where we read:
“So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
John 8:31-32
Last week, as we looked at failure, we saw that God as our perfect Father is ever moving us towards holiness and righteousness; and that he even uses our own failures to do so. We were reminded that the sin in us is actually enslaving to us. It hurts us in ways that we might not even see. But he does see it and, as a loving heavenly Father, he desires the freedom and fullness for us that comes from aligning ourselves with his word and design.
In John 10:10, Jesus tells us that Satan has come into this world to steal, kill and destroy, but Jesus has come that we would have life, and have it abundantly. In our passage today (John 8:31-32 above), Jesus clearly states that abiding in his word proves that we are his disciples, and “knowing” or “living” that truth, if you will, will set us free.
Satan does not come at us with a red cape and a pitchfork. He is wise and sneaky in his attack, coming at us with subtle, sympathetic, reasonable-sounding philosophies that appeal to our appetites and flesh, but that will lead us to death if we bite on them. This is what has happened in our culture today. We have been taken captive by philosophies that sound tolerant, compassionate and loving, but in the end leave us with no hope. We must be careful to compare the philosophies of this world with the truths of God’s word, and when they are in conflict, trust that it is God’s design and word that will lead us and the world to freedom and life!
In this season of PrayFirst, we ask the Lord to help us personally and corporately:
Personal:
Ask the Lord to reveal if you have believed any of the world’s philosophies that do not line up with his word. Do you have a conflict in your heart over some issue or worldview? Would you seek his face over it? Would you ask him to show you how it leads to bondage, not freedom? Thank him that he is a compassionate God who will answer your questions if you will but wait and listen!
Corporate:
Pray for our world! Take some time to mourn this week over all that the enemy has stolen with his lies! Ask the Lord to break your heart for what breaks his and for his truth to break through for someone in your life who needs to hear it today.
As I read the passage again slowly, I listen for anything that You would say to me in it. Help me see how to position my life in order to yield to your word.
“So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
John 8:31-32
Yielding Prayer
Father, am I free? Certainly, I will always face difficulties but would I, in this moment, say that I rest secure and at peace in your love? If not, I pray that you would help me see where my life does not line up with your truth. Help me to yield to the authority of your word, because I know that I will find freedom there!
Yielding Promise
And now, as I move into the day ahead, the Lord who loves me reminds me in Galatians 5:
“For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.”
Galatians 5:1
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.