Reflection: Grace: 1 Peter: Prayers and Poetry

 Reflection Questions

        1. What gift of His grace enabled you to stand on solid ground?

        2. How does that affect your encouragement to others?

        3. What enables you to be faith-filled in all circumstances? How can you share with others?

Share: What peace has He gifted you with this week?

Grace: 1 Peter: Prayers and Poetry

Reading: 1 Peter 5:12-14: "I, Peter, with the help of Silas, whom I consider a trustworthy, faith-filled brother, have written you this short letter so that I may encourage you and personally testify that this is the true, dependable grace of God. Stand fast in this grace. She who is in Babylon, who is co-elect with you, sends her greetings, along with Mark, my son. Greet one another with a kiss of peace. Peace to all who are in life union with Christ. Amen"

Grace

Thank-you, Lord, for Your ongoing grace to each one of us no matter how often we fail.

Thank-you, for Your gift of dependency and availability and welcome.

Please continue to show us how to live into Your grace as You lead--with courage and faithfulness; so that we may testify to others as You lead. And also to stand fast when we are confused or fearful.

Thank-you, for Your ongoing gift of peace and presence that never leaves us.

Please continue to teach us how to turn to You first in all circumstances and listen to pray as You lead us.

Please keep each of us walking on Your path only.

Your thoughts,

Strength: 1 Peter: prayers and Poetry

                Strength 

                His power an

                ongoing foundation

                to hold in faith

                when troubles attack

                knowing

                His presence is

                timeless

                never abands us

                will restore with

                mercy

                His protection

                often invisible

                need to trust

                eternal grace

                constant.

Psalm 89:31: "If they violate My statues, And do not keep My commandments,"

Reflection: Resist: 1 Peter: Prayers and Poetry

Reflection Questions

        1. In what areas of your life and your faith do you feel the weakest? Why?

        2. What trouble did you face for a long time? How did the Lord protect you through it?

        3. How do you respond now when a new attack hits you?

Share: What word of hope can you pass on to someone in difficult circumstances?

Resist: 1 Peter: Prayers and Poetry

 Reading: 1 Peter:5:9-11: "Take a decisive stand against him and resist his every attack with strong, vigorous faith. For you know that your believing brothers and sisters around the world are experiencing the same kinds of troubles you endure. And then, after your brief suffering, the God of all loving grace, who has called you to share in His eternal glory in Christ, will personally and powerfully restore you and make you stronger than ever. Yes, He will set you firmly in place and build you up. And He has all the power needed to do this--forever! Amen."

Resist

How often do we still so easily fall, even over minor difficulties when they come? Even knowing without any doubt that our Lord is present, and will bring peace, and give direction.

The worry and fear still come first into our thoughts too often again.

Our need of learning to pause and pray first in all circumstances is ongoing until it becomes permanent. How?

To receive His ongoing mercy and healing and protection. To be willing to let go resisting His restoration and ask for His sight to recognize the false attacks and refuse fear. To instead remember He gives us strength every moment if we will accept.

Lord, we ask to stand firmly in all of Your choices for us and not resist where and when You lead. To walk Your direction in trust.

Your thoughts,

Prey: 1 Peter: Prayers and Poetry

                Prey 

                Always alert

                requires discernment

                to recognize the subtle

                murmurs that pull us 

                away from our purpose

                our work gifted

                to us for each one

                to share truth and hope

                as led by timeless mercy and love.

Psalm 89: 30: "If his sons forsake My law, And do not walk in My judgements,"

                

Reflection: 1 Peter: Prayers and Poetry

Reflection Questions

        1. When have you poured out all your stress and fears to Him and then taken it back? Why?

        2. When have you poured out and then let go?

        3. In what ways have you received His tenderness by trusting in His timing? Whether long or short?

Share: How has receiving His tender mercy now enables you to face worries that attack?