Praying Through Change - Day 02
Day 02 - Tuesday, October 17
Read Matthew 11:25-30
Highlight
Why does Jesus often compare us to “little children”? If you are like me, it almost feels like a slight. You think “I am an adult with important things going on, why am I being called a child.” Yet actually it is the best representation of the posture we need to have when we come to Jesus.
Think back to when you were a child, when you were caring for your children, or when you were just around small children for an extended period of time. They are fully dependent on you for everything. From eating meals, taking naps, and staying safe - they are not capable of doing it on their own. They go through stages where they think themselves “wise and learned” and able to do things on their own. Yet, truly they still need you to parent them.
Our lives, our surrender, and our rest, come only from Jesus. When we accept our humble position as children we acknowledge that we need Him to provide for all of our needs. That is when we can learn from him. We can take His yoke upon us, not because we are “wise and learned,” but because we, like little children, are dependent on Him for our physical, spiritual and emotional needs.
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 11:25-30
Highlight
Why does Jesus often compare us to “little children”? If you are like me, it almost feels like a slight. You think “I am an adult with important things going on, why am I being called a child.” Yet actually it is the best representation of the posture we need to have when we come to Jesus.
Think back to when you were a child, when you were caring for your children, or when you were just around small children for an extended period of time. They are fully dependent on you for everything. From eating meals, taking naps, and staying safe - they are not capable of doing it on their own. They go through stages where they think themselves “wise and learned” and able to do things on their own. Yet, truly they still need you to parent them.
Our lives, our surrender, and our rest, come only from Jesus. When we accept our humble position as children we acknowledge that we need Him to provide for all of our needs. That is when we can learn from him. We can take His yoke upon us, not because we are “wise and learned,” but because we, like little children, are dependent on Him for our physical, spiritual and emotional needs.
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