Made New Prayer DevotionalНамуна

INTRODUCTION

God works in us in many ways. He uses scripture, prayer, pastors, community, godly friends, and more. Each avenue can help transform us more and more into His image. As we dedicate our lives to Christ, He has made us new and continues to make us new.

Over the course of the next four weeks, we are going to journey together. We will read scripture, pray, and meditate on Christ’s life. While on this journey, find a specific place and time you can go consistently. This will help form a routine in your body, soul and spirit.

This guide is not meant to fill you with knowledge for knowledge’s sake, but it aims to help you engage with our Creator — to cultivate a relationship with Jesus. Our faith is meant to be lived out in community. Whenever possible, reflect on the day’s thought or week’s discovery with some friends from church.

Before we begin, pray this simple prayer. Let’s invite the Lord into the next four weeks.

Father, I dedicate these next four weeks to You. Help me to be consistent and intentional with the time I spend studying and meditating on Your Word. Help me to slow down and seek You each day. Guide me in this process and highlight things that I would not have noticed otherwise. Bring people in my path with whom I am able to share Your love. Bring the Words of Your scripture to life so that I may grow closer to You for both Your glory and for the sake of others.

Lord, I love You. I invite You into this process. In Jesus’ name,

Amen.

THOUGHT OF THE DAY

Depending on how you’re wired, your prayers may focus on your own needs or they may emphasize the needs of others with no reflection on yourself. Regardless of your preference, personal prayers are essential to the Christian faith. Think of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. He prays, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.” God cares about your circumstances, feelings, depression, and excitement. Personal prayers invite the Creator of the universe into our daily lives with His healing power.

When praying for specific circumstances, it’s easy to feel as though we are rambling (especially when we have turned to prayer only as a last resort). One of the simplest ways to communicate with God is by praying scripture. What better way to ask a parent for something than to quote their own promises back to them. Genesis is a great place to start this practice. God reveals Himself and His character to the people of Israel throughout the book. Turn to Genesis 1:27-28. The God of the universe, our Creator, made each of us in His image. He has called each of us to build upon and care for His creation. How much more would God, in whose image we are created, care for us?

Now, turn on your favourite worship playlist or some instrumental music and spend at least 10 minutes praying. If you are having a hard time getting started, begin with the guided prayer below.

GUIDED PRAYER

Lord, thank You for all You have done in my life. You have been continuously faithful in the highs and lows of life. Today, help me to recognize Your presence and influence in everything I do. I so deeply want to know You more, and yet, I find myself not slowing down enough to see You at work throughout my day. Father, guide me, lead me, and influence me by the power of Your Holy Spirit. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

REFLECTION

What did you pray for today?

How will you let this experience shape your interactions with others?