Walking in Humility

READ: Micah 6:8

HE HAS SHOWN YOU: We have a God who has an open heart towards us. He does not leave us ignorant of His plans and wishes. Let's begin by praising God for His revelation into our lives.

WHAT IS GOOD: God's plans for us are good. There are many people in the world who do not realise this. Let's pray for people we know who need such a fresh understanding. If appropriate, let's share some names first so that we can pray specifically.

KNOWING WHAT THE LORD REQUIRES: God's expectation on us is not unreasonable. He expects us to come to faith in Him through the Lord Jesus Christ. This opens the way for us to fulfil the three requirements listed by the prophet Micah. Let's focus on this key point of the reality and simplicity of God's plan of salvation and pray that we have a really clear grasp of it.

DOING JUSTLY: Although Micah addresses his comments individually ("O man") he intends them to apply universally - to every individual man and woman. We will take the opportunity to pray for society in general. Let's name some areas in society where injustice needs to be dealt with and then go on and pray about these in particular.

LOVING MERCY: Again we will take the opportunity to pray for society in general. Let's name some areas in society where mercy is a must and pray that those responsible will have a renewed love for it. 

WALKING HUMBLY WITH OUR GOD: Once again let's  pray for society, that there will be an end to arrogance, but let's pray for ourselves too that we will increasingly fulfil this command.

Ministering Healing

READ: Luke 13:10-17

A HEART OF COMPASSION: Jesus took notice of all around Him. Even when He was teaching the Word He saw the woman who was not able to help herself His heart went out to her (vs 10-12). Let's begin by praying that we will be able to see situations compassionately.

A WILLINGNESS TO PRIORITISE: When Jesus called the woman to Himself He demonstrated just how much He valued her (v12). Let's check ourselves out on this and pray that we will always know how to prioritise others.

A POINT OF CONTACT: It is hard to estimate the level of rejection this woman must have experienced in her past Jesus broke through all of this when He laid His hands on her (v13). If there are people known to us who we sense have been rejected (we may prefer to think of groups of people rather than individuals, e.g. refugees, offenders, etc.), let's mention them to each other and pray for them together.

GLORIFYING GOD: Jesus always ensured that His Father received the glory and credit (v13). Let's pray that those whom God uses to minister healing to others will be equally careful in ensuring the glory all goes to God.

STAYING FOCUSED: Jesus attracted a lot of criticism in His ministry (v14). When this happens it is very easy to lose focus. Let's pray for ourselves that we learn how to handle criticism without taking offence.

BEING CONSISTENT: It was not difficult for Jesus to point out the inconsistencies in His critics complaints (v15). They obviously thought more of their beasts than they did of their neighbours. We need to constantly remind ourselves that people matter more than things. Let's pray for a re-prioritising in our own lives where necessary.

Turning Curse To Blessing

READ: Galatians 3:13, 14

THE POWER OF REDEMPTION: Paul begins these verses with the dramatic statement "Christ has redeemed us" (v13). Let's begin by rejoicing in this amazing fact.

FREE FROM THE LAW'S CURSE: Some commentators would have us note that Paul speaks of "the curse of the law" (v13) rather than "the curses of the law". Both are good news but the curse of the law probably indicates the problem of living under a set of rules that are beyond our power to keep and therefore confirm our condemnation. Let's praise God for the release He has brought us from such a blight.

THE WORK OF THE CROSS: It is hard for us to even begin to understand what Jesus went through for us on the cross. Let's take a moment to reflect quietly on the whole of v13 and then express our own love and gratitude to the Lord.

THE BLESSING OF ABRAHAM: Again we can note that Paul writes of "the blessing of Abraham" (v14) rather than "the blessings of Abraham". Once more, both are good but as far as Abraham was concerned "the blessing" was almost certainly that God counted him righteous on the basis of his faith. Let's take a moment to name some of those we are praying for - people we are currently seeking to help through to such a faith.

UPON THE GENTILES: Of course the Jewish nation expected the blessing of Abraham. The miracle of the new covenant is that it is now available to the Gentile nations as well (v14). Let's share our concerns for some of the nations we each pray for personally - especially those where there are few living in the fullness of God's blessing - and seek God together for a breakthrough.

RECEIVING THE PROMISE: Although it is not Paul's intention here to emphasise our role in receiving God's promise (v14), it is important nonetheless to have open hearts to the Lord. Let's take this opportunity to pray for ourselves along these lines.

THE PRESENCE OF THE SPIRIT: It is the promise of the Spirit (v14) that leads to the presence of the Holy Spirit. Let's praise God for His indwelling presence in our lives as well as for the outpouring of His enabling upon our lives.

THE GIFT OF FAITH: We receive the promised Holy Spirit by faith (v14). In Ephesians 2:8 faith is set in the context of God's grace and gift. Let's pray for a greater understanding of faith as a gift. Faith comes from hearing the Word of God (Romans 10:17). It is not something we can "work up".

Speaking Out

READ: Psalm 39:1-13

LEARNING SELF CONTROL: If we are going to speak out effectively, we also need to know when to be silent (vs 1,2). Let's pray for a greater demonstration of the spirit of self control in our lives.

SPEAKING WITH PASSION: We need to know the Word of God in our hearts as well as in our mouths if we are going to speak out with passion (v3). Let's pray for fresh stirrings in our hearts.

STANDING CLEAR OF ARROGANCE: David prays that he might have his life in perspective (vs 4-6) so that he does not communicate arrogantly. Let's pray for genuine humility in our lives.

ACCEPTING THE LORD'S CORRECTION: James speaks of teacher's facing harsher judgement (James 3:1). The Lord is concerned that we walk in uprightness (vs 7-11). Let's pray for a close walk with the Lord.

LIVING IN THE LORD'S LOVE: David speaks of the Lord's gaze in terms of His displeasure (vs 12,13) but we can live under the constant smile of the Lord's love - not because of ourselves but because of the Lord Jesus and the gift of the Holy Spirit. Let's praise God for His work in our lives.