Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another. Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil. Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need. Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving. For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.
Ephesians 4:25-5:5 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 read the scripture we will study next Sunday, Ephesians 4:25-5:5. 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. This week’s scripture focuses on how we are to live when we put on our new self. Here, Paul speaks powerfully and practically to our everyday lives providing us with guidance and caution. Let’s thank God for caring about the way we live and for loving us even though He knows we will sin. Thank Him for giving us the Holy Scriptures, where we find truth.
Adore. Today, let’s adore God for His faithfulness. He cares so deeply for us that He tells us plainly how to live because He knows the suffering our sin will bring.
The Lord is good and does what is right;
Psalm 25:8-9 NLT
He shows the proper path to those who go astray.
He leads the humble in doing right, teaching them his way.
Confess. Knowing God’s desires for us sheds light on the times we don’t live according to His will. The good news is that Jesus paid the price for our sin and if we humbly seek forgiveness, God’s faithful to forgive. Today, turn to God and confess your sin.
Others.
| CU Church: Pray for our seasonal events (Trunk or Treat, The Christmas Experience, Vacation Bible School) that reach community members outside CU Church. Pray for the staff and leaders (Margo, Leah, Lacy, Kim, Susan) that organize these events. Pray that attendees hear the gospel message and see the love of Christ in the volunteers who serve. |
| Community: Pray for those people in our community who feel lonely, whether they are elderly, a college student or a child. Pray that they will be seen and ministered to by someone who can show them they are loved and that God cares about them. Pray that God will give each of us at CU the eyes to see them and the courage to say hello. |
| Global Church: Pray again for the unity of the global Church. Pray that every Christian take to heart Paul’s words to us in Philippians 2:1-3, “So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.” |
Self. God is listening. He loves you. Pray for any specific needs that you or your family have.