Sunday Morning Devotional: Week 34

Your Weekly Rest and Reset

Prayer is not monologue, but dialogue. God’s voice in response to mine is its most essential part. (Andrew Murray)

This Week’s Scripture
·         Acts 2:42-47
·         Psalm 23
·         1 Peter 2:19-25
·         John 10:1-10

Adoration

John 10:7-10
7 So Jesus again said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. 8 All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. 9 I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.

Jesus, the Very Thought of Thee (verses 1&2)
Jesus, the very thought of thee with sweetness fills the breast;
but sweeter far thy face to see, and in thy presence rest.
O hope of every contrite heart, O joy of all the meek,
to those who fall, how kind thou art! How good to those who seek.
(Bernard of Clairvaux)

Take time now to offer God your praise and worship.
 
Confession

24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. 25 For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. (1 Peter 2:24-25)

Lord, so often as we pass through the busy days of life we have been tempted to believe that our faith is all you would ask of us, and not a change in our lives to show others the mercy, love and grace you have given to us through the Cross. Forgive us, Lord, and help us from this day forward to reflect your love in every moment we live. In Christ we pray. Amen. (James R. Wilson)

As David did in Psalm 139, ask the Lord to search you and know you through and through. Confess the sins God brings to mind, knowing you are forgiven and that He will cleanse you from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).

Thanksgiving

God of the ages, thank you for those who have faithfully and bravely gone before us, preparing the way and passing down the faith that was once and for all delivered to the saints. Thank you for the Apostles who taught the Gospel to those devoted to learning and growing in their faith. Thank you for those early Christians who enjoyed fellowship, the breaking of bread, and praying together. Thank you for those who made up the ancient church and who shared what they had with those in need. Thank you for their joyful hearts lifted up to you in praise and worship. And thank you, Father, for adding to their number daily those who were being saved. May Christians in our day emulate their good example and may your grace be present with us, just as it was with them. In Christ we pray. Amen. (based on Acts 2:42-47)

Spend some time reflecting on the prayer of thanksgiving above and then thank God for who he is and the many ways he has poured out his goodness and grace in your life.

Supplication (Petitions – prayers for yourself)

·         My personal mission field
Ø  Help me to identify those people who make up my personal mission field.
Ø  Enable me to begin sharing the gospel with those who do not yet know you.
Ø  Empower me to disciple those who are young in their faith.
Ø  Allow me to encourage those who are struggling in their faith.
Ø  Please give me perseverance in all areas of ministry.
·         Today’s events and interactions with others, planned and unplanned
·         Other needs
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Supplication (Intercession – prayers for others)

·         My family
·         For missionaries throughout the world
·         For those seeking to faithfully minister to loved ones at home
·         For those who share the gospel in the inner city
·         For those who bear witness to Christ in places of power
·         Other needs
 
I remember two things: that I am a great sinner and that Christ is a great Savior. (John Newton)

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