Praying Through Change - Day 01
Day 01 - Monday, October 16
Read Matthew 6:5-14
Highlight
If the Shema is the most well-known Old Testament prayer, then this prayer, The Lord's Prayer, is the most well-known New Testament prayer. Matthew and Luke are the two Gospels that record Jesus’ way of praying to the Father. Here in Matthew before the actual prayer, Jesus spends time teaching his disciples about the posture of prayer. Not the physical standing, kneeling, or sitting posture, but the heart posture. It is not about how many words you say (v.7) or how many people hear you (v.5). Rather, avoid the human desire to feel the need to “babble” lengthy prayers or the desire to impress others with praying publicly. It is not about the right words because he already knows what you need before you ask (v. 8). Instead, Jesus says to humbly posture yourself before the unseen Father and have a conversation with Him. It is a conversation full of thanksgiving, adoration, forgiveness, and request.
Reflection & Prayer
For this reading plan we will be using a tool to guide our study of Scripture that’s called the S.O.A.P. Method. It stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. We recommend you use a journal with this method and write out your thoughts on each of these areas for each day of reading. It doesn’t have to be long-winded and you don’t need a fancy journal. But for anyone that has not journaled before, the benefit is that it often helps us focus and avoid distractions during prayer and Bible study.
S.O.A.P. Method
Scripture - Pick a verse or two that stood out to you and write it in your journal. Be looking for a “Holy Spirit Highlight.” What did you read and think “I needed to hear that” or felt like it was written just for you?
Observation - Now write some observations about the verse(s) or passage. What is this passage or verse saying? About God? About people? How is Jesus revealed in these verses?
Application - Now write a few sentences on how this passage applies to your life. Is there truth about God that you are to believe? A promise to receive? Is the Holy Spirit convicting you of something you need to do or stop doing in light of God’s truth?
Prayer - Now write out a prayer to God in response to this Scripture. This is a way to turn God’s Word to you back to Him. Be honest and express your heart to Him. God always listens and He delights in your prayers. (Psalm 34:15; Proverbs 15:8)
Read Matthew 6:5-14
Highlight
If the Shema is the most well-known Old Testament prayer, then this prayer, The Lord's Prayer, is the most well-known New Testament prayer. Matthew and Luke are the two Gospels that record Jesus’ way of praying to the Father. Here in Matthew before the actual prayer, Jesus spends time teaching his disciples about the posture of prayer. Not the physical standing, kneeling, or sitting posture, but the heart posture. It is not about how many words you say (v.7) or how many people hear you (v.5). Rather, avoid the human desire to feel the need to “babble” lengthy prayers or the desire to impress others with praying publicly. It is not about the right words because he already knows what you need before you ask (v. 8). Instead, Jesus says to humbly posture yourself before the unseen Father and have a conversation with Him. It is a conversation full of thanksgiving, adoration, forgiveness, and request.
Reflection & Prayer
For this reading plan we will be using a tool to guide our study of Scripture that’s called the S.O.A.P. Method. It stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. We recommend you use a journal with this method and write out your thoughts on each of these areas for each day of reading. It doesn’t have to be long-winded and you don’t need a fancy journal. But for anyone that has not journaled before, the benefit is that it often helps us focus and avoid distractions during prayer and Bible study.
S.O.A.P. Method
Scripture - Pick a verse or two that stood out to you and write it in your journal. Be looking for a “Holy Spirit Highlight.” What did you read and think “I needed to hear that” or felt like it was written just for you?
Observation - Now write some observations about the verse(s) or passage. What is this passage or verse saying? About God? About people? How is Jesus revealed in these verses?
Application - Now write a few sentences on how this passage applies to your life. Is there truth about God that you are to believe? A promise to receive? Is the Holy Spirit convicting you of something you need to do or stop doing in light of God’s truth?
Prayer - Now write out a prayer to God in response to this Scripture. This is a way to turn God’s Word to you back to Him. Be honest and express your heart to Him. God always listens and He delights in your prayers. (Psalm 34:15; Proverbs 15:8)
Posted in Praying Through Change