Praying Through Change - Day 03
Day 03 - Wednesday, October 18
Read John 11:1-44
Highlight
Read these verses in John 11 closely. It is the story of Jesus comforting Mary and Martha and raising Lazarus from the dead. But wait, we are supposed to be looking at Jesus’ prayers. Where is his prayer of comfort or his prayer for Lazarus to come back to life? The prayers we expect him to be praying.
Your Bible did not omit it. It is simply not there. Rather we have verses 41-42 which states, “Jesus looked up and said ‘Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me.’” Scholars find it noteworthy that John does not record the prayers we expect, but rather he records Jesus giving thanks to God for hearing him. It is subtle, but it is John telling us that Jesus lived life as a constant prayer. This prayer that Jesus spoke aloud was for our benefit, to make sure that we didn’t disconnect this miracle from the power of prayer or the power of God. Just because Jesus wasn’t speaking all of his prayers out loud or in areas that his disciples could record him didn’t mean that he wasn’t constantly in prayer to the Father.
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 John 11:1-44
Highlight
Read these verses in John 11 closely. It is the story of Jesus comforting Mary and Martha and raising Lazarus from the dead. But wait, we are supposed to be looking at Jesus’ prayers. Where is his prayer of comfort or his prayer for Lazarus to come back to life? The prayers we expect him to be praying.
Your Bible did not omit it. It is simply not there. Rather we have verses 41-42 which states, “Jesus looked up and said ‘Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me.’” Scholars find it noteworthy that John does not record the prayers we expect, but rather he records Jesus giving thanks to God for hearing him. It is subtle, but it is John telling us that Jesus lived life as a constant prayer. This prayer that Jesus spoke aloud was for our benefit, to make sure that we didn’t disconnect this miracle from the power of prayer or the power of God. Just because Jesus wasn’t speaking all of his prayers out loud or in areas that his disciples could record him didn’t mean that he wasn’t constantly in prayer to the Father.
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