Connect 21- Prayer + Fasting - Holy Spirit, Our HelperSample

Day 2 | Pay Attention

If we are going to reap the benefits of twenty-one days of prayer and fasting, we must be prepared to pay attention. In the proverb quoted above, King Solomon advises his son. Isn’t this something all parents want—for their children to listen and pay attention to what they say? It is much easier for children to follow the right path when they have a good example lived out before them in words and actions.

As we meditate on this passage of Scripture, imagine hearing these words from God Himself. Can you picture entering your quiet place with your pen, paper, electronic device, worship music, and whatever else you like? The most important thing we can take into our quiet time is the right attitude and a heart that wants to hear from God and wants to obey what He says.

When God says, “Pay attention to what I say,” He is commanding us to shut down the competing voices in our heads. He wants us to give His voice priority over everything else we may think or hear. He admonishes us through the wisdom Solomon spoke to his son to pay attention and listen carefully. To do anything carefully means to do it with extreme caution. To not lose sight of His Word, we must allow it to be written on the tablets of our hearts.

God’s Word penetrates our hearts when we spend time reading it, praying it, speaking it, and meditating on it, so when the need arises, we can refer to that verse or passage to remind ourselves of the promises He has made. In Mark 11:23, Jesus taught us that we shall have what we ask for when we ask in line with His will. The mouth is a portal into the heart. So, when we keep our spiritual ears and eyes attuned to the Word of God, we are building good treasures in our hearts. The Word brings life and healing to every situation we could ever encounter.

During this sacred time, we must pay attention to what we read as we study the Word of God and what we hear from the voice of God as we seek Him and allow His word to penetrate our hearts. God has already provided his logos, or written Word, and sometimes He will give us a rhema, or spoken word, through the Holy Spirit as we pay attention to His Word.

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to hear from God or receive His wisdom? Write them down without telling God what to do. Commit to paying close attention to how God may speak into those areas.

Prayer: Dear heavenly Father, I need to hear from you regarding ______________________ [identify the situation]. I am asking for Your wisdom and direction in this area. I choose to meditate on the truth of Your Word about this. Thank You for hearing and answering my prayer. In Jesus’s name, amen.