Now this I say and testify in the Lord, that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds. They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart. They have become callous and have given themselves up to sensuality, greedy to practice every kind of impurity. But that is not the way you learned Christ!— assuming that you have heard about Him and were taught in Him, as the truth is in Jesus, to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.
Ephesians 4:17-24 ESV
Before you begin to pray, take a deep breath and quiet your thoughts. Focus on being in the presence of God. Thank God for hearing your prayers. Then reread the scripture we will study next Sunday, Ephesians 4:17-24. Read it slowly, recognizing that God is speaking to you through His Word. If God puts something specific on your heart, pray about that today.
Thank. Paul tells us in verse 24 that our new self is “created after the likeness of God.” Reflect on that for a moment. How thankful are you that you have been given the opportunity to become a new creation, a new self, imprinted with God’s character? Thank God for His generosity today.
Adore. Let’s adore God for his generosity! From the beauty of nature to the laughter of children to the gift of a new life, God has lavished gifts on us.
Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father,
James 1:17 NLT
who created all the lights in the heavens.
He never changes or casts a shifting shadow.
Confess. God’s generosity is overwhelming. His greatest gift is that He sent His Son to die for our sins. Thinking about such lavish generosity leads us to consider the times we have not shared the good gifts God gave us with others. Confess to God the times you have been selfish. He is waiting to forgive you.
Others.
| CU Church: Pray for our Small Groups at CU. Pray for the staff (Hank, Kyle, Julie) and volunteers who lead them. Pray that the bible studies, fellowship groups, GriefShare and Rooted reach more and more of our church family and provide places to learn about God and support one another. |
| Community: Pray for the community colleges in our area (Parkland, Danville, Heartland, Richland.) Pray that the students find Christian friends or organizations that will provide fellowship, support and the love of Christ. |
| Global Church: For 19 years, North Korea has been considered the most dangerous place in the world to be a Christian. Pray for the Christians in North Korea today. Pray they are protected from those who would persecute, oppress and kill them. Pray for strength and courage for those who suffer in prisons, labor camps and remote areas. Pray God provides a miraculous way for them to worship him. “Let the groans of the prisoners come before you; according to your great power, preserve those doomed to die!” Psalm 79:11 |
Self. God is listening. He loves you. Pray for any specific needs that you or your family have.