Praying Through Change - Day 08
Day 8 - Wednesday, October 25
Read Acts 7:55-60
Highlight
Stephen’s final prayer of “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit” and “Lord, do not hold this sin against them” (vv 59-60) resemble the final words of Jesus that are recorded in Luke 23:34, 46. Jesus’ character of commitment and forgiveness was also present in the life of His followers. It’s also worth noting that while Jesus directed his prayers to the Father, Stephen is directing his prayers to Jesus. It is clear that Jesus’ followers saw him as fully God and this is just one instance of that belief playing out in the life of one of Jesus’ followers. Stephen was committed to God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit to the point where while being killed, he relied on praying to God to be his strength.
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 Acts 7:55-60
Highlight
Stephen’s final prayer of “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit” and “Lord, do not hold this sin against them” (vv 59-60) resemble the final words of Jesus that are recorded in Luke 23:34, 46. Jesus’ character of commitment and forgiveness was also present in the life of His followers. It’s also worth noting that while Jesus directed his prayers to the Father, Stephen is directing his prayers to Jesus. It is clear that Jesus’ followers saw him as fully God and this is just one instance of that belief playing out in the life of one of Jesus’ followers. Stephen was committed to God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit to the point where while being killed, he relied on praying to God to be his strength.
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