Prayer & Worship Service
Scripture Reading
Psalm 13 (CSB)
Commentary
Psalm 13 is a beautiful yet challenging Psalm that provides a template for lament. David, in his distress, is honest with God about his feelings, showing us that we can bring our raw and unfiltered emotions to God. This lament is not just a complaint but a journey towards trust and hope in God’s faithfulness.
Reflection Questions
Reflect on a time when you felt abandoned or forgotten by God. How did you respond?
How does it feel to know that you can bring your deepest complaints and concerns to God?
What stands out to you about David’s shift from lament to trust in this Psalm?
Prayer Focus
Pray for the courage to be honest with God about your struggles. Ask for a heart that is willing to bring your pain and frustration to Him, so it might lead to greater trust and intimacy with Him.
Song
“Lord from Sorrows Deep I Call” by Matt Boswell and Matt Papa
Day 2: Embracing Sincerity in Prayer
Scripture Reading:
Matthew 6:5-13 (CSB)
Commentary
Jesus teaches us the Lord’s Prayer, emphasizing a sincere and intimate relationship with God. Prayer is not about empty phrases or showmanship but about genuinely engaging with God, laying our needs and our hearts before Him.
Reflection Questions
When you pray, do you feel like you are genuinely connecting with God, or do you sometimes feel like you’re going through the motions?
What elements from the Lord’s Prayer can help guide you into a more sincere prayer life?
How can you cultivate an atmosphere of honesty and sincerity in your daily prayers?
Prayer Focus:
Ask God to strip away any pretense or insincerity from your prayer life. Pray for a deep, personal connection with Him, where you feel free to come as you are.
Song:
“The Lord’s Prayer (It’s Yours)” by Matt Maher
Day 3: Vision for Personal Growth
Scripture Reading:
Proverbs 29:18 (CSB)
Commentary:
Proverbs 29:18 speaks to the importance of vision, particularly in the context of God’s revelation. Without direction and vision, people flounder. God wants to give us a vision for our lives – His purpose and plans for our personal growth and for His Kingdom.
Reflection Questions:
What vision has God given you for your personal growth and ministry?
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How do you discern God’s vision for your life?
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How can you align your daily actions with the vision God has given you?
Prayer Focus:
Pray for clarity and direction regarding God’s vision for your life. Ask for wisdom to see where He is leading you and the grace to follow obediently.
Song:
“Be Thou My Vision” by Audrey Assad
Day 4: Praying for Others’ Salvation
Scripture Reading: 1 Timothy 2:1-4 (CSB)
Commentary:
Paul urges that prayers be made for all people, emphasizing God’s desire for everyone to be saved. We’re called to intercede for others, lifting them up before God and praying specifically for their salvation.
Reflection Questions:
Who in your life needs to know the saving grace of Jesus?
How often do you pray for others to come to faith?
What steps can you take to share the Gospel with those you are praying for?
Prayer Focus: Identify at least one person you can pray for daily regarding their salvation. Ask God to give you opportunities to share Jesus with them and for the Holy Spirit to move powerfully in their lives.
Song: “O Come to the Altar” by Elevation Worship
Day 5: Stepping Out in Faith
Scripture Reading:
Matthew 28:18-20 (CSB)
Commentary:
The Great Commission calls us to make disciples, baptize them, and teach them to observe Jesus’ commands. This mission requires us to step out in faith, trusting that Jesus is with us always.
Reflection Questions:
What does making disciples look like in your everyday life?
Where is God calling you to step out in faith and share the Gospel?
How can you encourage others in your community to fulfill the Great Commission?
Prayer Focus:
Pray for boldness to step out in faith and share the Gospel with others. Ask God to help you live out the Great Commission in your daily interactions and to give you eyes to see the opportunities around you.
Song:
“Build My Life” by Pat Barrett
Final Thought:
As we conclude this 5-day devotional journey, let’s remember that God is intimately involved in our lives. From our honest prayers of lament to our courageous steps of faith, He is with us. He invites us to participate in His vision for our lives and the world around us. Let’s continue to seek Him, trust Him, and share His love with others, confident that His Spirit is leading and empowering us every step of the way.