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 reread 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. In Chapter 5, verses 1 and 2, Paul tells us that we are God’s “beloved children” and asks us to “walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us.” God has given us esteemed status as His children. We are beloved. We are so loved that Christ went to the cross, sinless and perfect, to die for us. Thank God today for the greatest gift of all: the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ.
Adore. Let’s also praise God for the sacrifice of Jesus. Take some time to adore Jesus, the lamb who was slain to save you.
And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth
Revelation 5:13
and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying,
“To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb
be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!”
Confess. In John 15:13, Jesus said, “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” We are the recipients of the greatest love. Jesus laid down His life for us, that we might be reconciled to God. Hallelujah! Reflecting on such love prompts in us a small voice saying, “Why didn’t you love someone the way He loved you?” Listen to that voice, and go to God with a humble heart, confessing the times you failed to love others the way He loves you.
Others.
| CU Church: Pray for our preaching pastors, Jason, Matt, Kyle, Evan, Adam and Daniel, that they be inspired by God and led by the spirit to preach the Gospel and continue God’s Kingdom work in the church. Pray for their families who support them and shoulder family burdens so that the pastors may serve us. |
| Community: Pray for our friends without addresses. Pray that they will seek and find the support they need whether it be breaking addiction, restoring mental health or recovering from trauma. Pray that they will hear the Gospel and through Christ be transformed. |
| Global Church: Pray for the refugees in the world that have been forced from their homes due to war, persecution, hunger, thirst, poverty or disease. “For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me,” Matthew 25:35 |
Self. God is listening. He loves you. Pray for any specific needs that you or your family have.