INTRO:
Look at you! You’ve taken the first step and sat down to do your first devotional! This may seem like a small step, but the first step is often the most difficult, so give yourself a pat on the back! Our topic for this week is prayer. It is important that for the next seven weeks we are not simply diligent in study/preparation for Rush, but also saturating this time with prayer.
Prayer can be a great many things: praise, adoration, thanksgiving, lament, making requests, confessions, and the list goes on. We often have a very narrow-minded view of prayer, most of the time we use prayer to make requests. Be encouraged! Prayer is SO MUCH bigger and more powerful than that. My hope for you this week is that your view of prayer grows, and as it grows your relationship with the Lord would grow as well.
MONDAY
Scripture: Psalm 66:17-20
When is the last time you have cried out to the Lord with praise through prayer? Why is this difficult for us to do?
This Psalm talks about the problem with “cherishing sin” in our hearts. Why do you think repentance is an important part of prayer?
What do you think it means that God will not withhold His love from us? How does this change the way you would normally pray?
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TUESDAY
Scripture: Romans 8:26
Have you ever had a moment where you didn’t even know what to pray for?
From this text, we see that even if we don’t know what we should be praying for—God does. The Spirit intercedes for us with words to describe our feelings and circumstances that we are unable to think of. Instead of more questions today, spend some time praying and thanking God that He knows our hearts better than we ever could!
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WEDNESDAY
Scripture: Ephesians 6:18
This text tells us to be “praying on all occasions.” This is DIFFICULT. Why do you think this is so hard to do?
What do you think the text means by staying “alert” in reference to prayer?
What are some ways you can remind yourself of the importance of always having a prayerful mindset?
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THURSDAY
Scripture: James 5:13
What does it look like for you to pray when you find yourself in times of trouble?
Why do you think it is so difficult to praise the Lord through prayer when our circumstances are favorable?
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FRIDAY
Scripture: Philippians 4:6
It is important we ask the Lord to prepare our hearts as we walk toward leading at Rush this year. He hears you. Take some time to ask these things of Him.
It is important we ask the Lord to not only prepare us to lead, but to move in the hearts of those attending. He is listening. Take some time to ask this of Him!