Praying Through Change - Day 14
Day 14 - Thursday, November 2
Read Philippians 1:3-11
Highlight
Think about the way you write an email or a letter, if you still write those. There is often a certain way you write to people you know versus people you do not know. Your style is the same in both, but your language might be a little different. If you are writing to someone you know, you are more relaxed, a bit brief, or even more open to sharing what is going on. Yet, to someone you do not know, you might be more formal, include more of an introduction, or over explain to make sure you said everything.
While you have a certain style of writing, so did Paul. Scholars have spent years learning his style and comparing his letters. Some common themes - he always has an introduction, a thanksgiving/prayer, the body, and a closing salutation/benediction. The thanksgiving and prayer we are looking at today, is slightly different from his others. He is more personal in this letter, talking about the Philippians being in partnership with him in spreading the gospel, their shared anticipation of completion on the day of the Lord, and the deep affection he has for them. This letter is personal and written to a church he knows well.
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 Philippians 1:3-11
Highlight
Think about the way you write an email or a letter, if you still write those. There is often a certain way you write to people you know versus people you do not know. Your style is the same in both, but your language might be a little different. If you are writing to someone you know, you are more relaxed, a bit brief, or even more open to sharing what is going on. Yet, to someone you do not know, you might be more formal, include more of an introduction, or over explain to make sure you said everything.
While you have a certain style of writing, so did Paul. Scholars have spent years learning his style and comparing his letters. Some common themes - he always has an introduction, a thanksgiving/prayer, the body, and a closing salutation/benediction. The thanksgiving and prayer we are looking at today, is slightly different from his others. He is more personal in this letter, talking about the Philippians being in partnership with him in spreading the gospel, their shared anticipation of completion on the day of the Lord, and the deep affection he has for them. This letter is personal and written to a church he knows well.
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