Becoming Like Jesus: Silence and SolitudeSample

The Name Above Every Other

Pray…

Lord Jesus,I am a sinner in need of your grace. Remind me of all that you’ve saved me from and all that you’ve saved me for. I want to be a part of your plans. Use me to bring your kingdom to earth and to show your love to others. In Jesus name, Amen.

Read…

In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. - Philippians 2:5-11 NIV

Consider…

Jesus had all the power and privilege that comes from being God, and yet, He laid it down so He could become the perfect sacrifice for our sins. There is no one like Jesus. Throughout history, men and women have fought and strived to elevate themselves, but Jesus came down from heaven and died the death of a slave. He did all of that for us. Most kings sacrifice their people for themselves. Jesus sacrificed Himself for His people. Because of that, there will come a day when every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus is Lord. His name is the name above every other.

Knowing that Jesus is King, have you truly allowed Him to be the king of your life? Don’t just give the easy answer. Really think about it. What part of your life have you held back from God that He wants you to trust Him with? What will that look like practically?

Listen…

Find a comfortable place where you won’t be distracted. Maybe a cozy chair, a closet, or even sitting outside on a porch.

Set a timer for 5-10 minutes.

Ask God to speak to you, and sit quietly, eagerly listening for what He has to say.

Settle in by praying these words adapted from a prayer the Apostle Paul included in Ephesians:

Father God, Give me the power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ. Fill me to the brim with all the fullness of you. In Jesus name, amen.

When you get distracted, repeat the prayer above to help you bring your attention back to God.

When the timer ends, thank God for the time you spent together and head into the rest of your day with a clearer sense of His presence.