The GT Weekend! ~ Kneel Week 1
Rest your soul through reflective journaling,
praying Scripture,
and worshiping the Creator who
longs for intimacy with each of us!
Psalm 146:17-21
The Lord is righteous
In all His ways
And faithful in all His acts.
The Lord is near all who call out to Him,
All who call out to Him
With integrity.
He fulfills the desires of those who fear Him;
He hears their cry for help
And saves them.
The Lord guards all those who love Him,
But He destroys all the wicked.
My mouth will declare
The Lord’s praise;
Let every living thing
Bless His holy name forever and ever.
In all His ways
And faithful in all His acts.
The Lord is near all who call out to Him,
All who call out to Him
With integrity.
He fulfills the desires of those who fear Him;
He hears their cry for help
And saves them.
The Lord guards all those who love Him,
But He destroys all the wicked.
My mouth will declare
The Lord’s praise;
Let every living thing
Bless His holy name forever and ever.
Reflective Prayer
Oh Lord of Hosts, You are rich in love and slow to anger. You have told Your people that whatever we ask in the name of Jesus, You will do. By Your Spirit, give us the steadfast persistence to ask of You what we need. Lord, You know the landscape of my life. You know where I desperately need Your help, provision, strength, and guidance. Give me faith when all hope seems lost. Give me endurance when the night seems long. Give me peace before You in every circumstance.
I believe You are a God who answers prayer; oh Father, help my unbelief! I have been worried and anxious for many things, but You alone bring peace. Turn our hearts toward You both now and forever and help us hear Your voice as we seek Your face.
I believe You are a God who answers prayer; oh Father, help my unbelief! I have been worried and anxious for many things, but You alone bring peace. Turn our hearts toward You both now and forever and help us hear Your voice as we seek Your face.
Worship Through Song
Reflection One
As we enter this New Year, many of us have been in a season of feasting over the holidays. Feasting is a wonderful gift from the Lord, but we do well to remember the wise words of King Solomon, “There is… a time for every activity under heaven…”. (Ecclesiastes 3:1) Fasting is an often-neglected spiritual practice in our modern age. In our culture, we may perhaps fast for health benefits, but not often for spiritual gain.
How might your spiritual practice benefit from a season of fasting? In what area of your life do you need a breakthrough? Perhaps it’s a struggle with sin, a decision you need to make, or a general spiritual reset?
Following the examples of Ezra, Esther, and Jesus Himself, commit yourself to a time of prayer and fasting. Consider fasting from one meal every day for a week, and spend the time you would usually spend eating, praying about the breakthrough you desire. If you are unable to fast from food, fast instead from something that takes your time and attention (social media, television shows, fiction reading, etc.). Write down your requests and notice how God changes both your heart and your circumstances. He may not do what you expect, but He can do far more than you ask or think.
How might your spiritual practice benefit from a season of fasting? In what area of your life do you need a breakthrough? Perhaps it’s a struggle with sin, a decision you need to make, or a general spiritual reset?
Following the examples of Ezra, Esther, and Jesus Himself, commit yourself to a time of prayer and fasting. Consider fasting from one meal every day for a week, and spend the time you would usually spend eating, praying about the breakthrough you desire. If you are unable to fast from food, fast instead from something that takes your time and attention (social media, television shows, fiction reading, etc.). Write down your requests and notice how God changes both your heart and your circumstances. He may not do what you expect, but He can do far more than you ask or think.
Reflection Two
Do you know anyone who really seems to model a faithful, fierce prayer life? What characteristics seem most prominent about them as they carry themselves and engage with others? Do you sense their peace? Are they hurried or ready to embrace what happens because of an “other-worldliness” that pervades their person?
When we make it our regular practice to interact and engage with the constantly-present-in-every-moment Holy God, He faithfully shapes His character within us. This becomes evident to those around us as Christ changes us from one degree of glory that reflects Him to the next! (2 Corinthians 3:18) Hezekiah modeled this kind of fierce faith and we are privileged to glimpse a small sliver in his humble, honest, yet breathtakingly bold prayer as he heard of the Assyrian’s impending attack on his people.
Take 2 minutes to read through Hezekiah’s short prayer a few times, making note of the portions that stick out to you. (2 Kings 19:14-19) Why do those portions rise up in your heart? What would it look like it you cultivated the kind of relationship with the Almighty that supported this kind of conversation? Journal your thoughts and share them with a trusted friend as you talk about how to grow fierce faith in everyday life!
When we make it our regular practice to interact and engage with the constantly-present-in-every-moment Holy God, He faithfully shapes His character within us. This becomes evident to those around us as Christ changes us from one degree of glory that reflects Him to the next! (2 Corinthians 3:18) Hezekiah modeled this kind of fierce faith and we are privileged to glimpse a small sliver in his humble, honest, yet breathtakingly bold prayer as he heard of the Assyrian’s impending attack on his people.
Take 2 minutes to read through Hezekiah’s short prayer a few times, making note of the portions that stick out to you. (2 Kings 19:14-19) Why do those portions rise up in your heart? What would it look like it you cultivated the kind of relationship with the Almighty that supported this kind of conversation? Journal your thoughts and share them with a trusted friend as you talk about how to grow fierce faith in everyday life!
Reflection Three
The Lord is faithful! He will do what He says He will do. We were reminded on Friday that trusting in God’s faithfulness requires courage and steadfastness. Sara gave us three practical steps to walk in the truth of God’s faithfulness: 1) Pray like Nehemiah did, 2) Believe the Lord will respond in His faithfulness, and 3) Surrender the outcome to the Lord.
Which of these steps do you find most challenging? Maybe you don’t know how to start praying. Perhaps you want to believe, but you struggle with doubt. Or maybe you trust Him, but you also want to keep control over your circumstances. Whatever your struggle, God will meet you there.
Try starting with praying Scripture back to God (see the scripture prayer below). Then tell Him what you are struggling with as if He were sitting in the room with you (because He is!). Then, like the father in Mark 9, ask the Lord to help you with your unbelief. Finally, rest in knowing that your faithful God controls all things. He will be faithful because that is His nature.
Which of these steps do you find most challenging? Maybe you don’t know how to start praying. Perhaps you want to believe, but you struggle with doubt. Or maybe you trust Him, but you also want to keep control over your circumstances. Whatever your struggle, God will meet you there.
Try starting with praying Scripture back to God (see the scripture prayer below). Then tell Him what you are struggling with as if He were sitting in the room with you (because He is!). Then, like the father in Mark 9, ask the Lord to help you with your unbelief. Finally, rest in knowing that your faithful God controls all things. He will be faithful because that is His nature.
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This Week's Lock Screen
Tags :
Breakthrough,fasting,Feasting,Fervor,Fierce,kneel,Lord,surrender
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