Reflection: Protection: Purpose: Prayers and Poetry

Reflection Questions

1. How often do we react instinctively with worry when something negative happens?

2. How can we instead look immediately to the Lord for His perspective?

3. How can we grieve and hope at the same time?

Share: What defeat have you experienced that the Lord meant for a blessing?

Protection: Purpose: Prayers and Poetry

Philippians 1: 11-12, “..filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and promise of God. I want you to know brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel.”

Protection

How often do we instinctively react from worry, focus on ourselves, cringe at negative struggles, that we forget, or delay, leaning on the Lord immediately?

Not only do we forget to lean into His grace and protection, but also forget that our actions in our circumstances will speak to others as well.

Too often we retreat in denial, or curl up into an attitude of anger or fear or defeat.

When instead we can ask to be enabled to serve You with an obedient and trust-filled heart in all circumstances. And stand on Your word—Your truth.

Lord, please remove our fears and keep our hearts trusting you. Keep our sight set on Your Presence. To react into Your promises with courage and not cower in denial.

Your thoughts,

Trust: Purpose: Prayers and Poetry

                                                 

                                                 Trust

                                               

                                                Excellence defined

                                                by the Lord so

                                                different from our

                                                expectations.

                                                Our response so weak

                                                yet the invitation,

                                                the promise still

                                                given, to action to

                                                yield in trust.

Psalm 18:4, “The cords of death encompassed me, And the torrents of ungodliness terrified me.”

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Reflection: Choice: Purpose: Prayers and Poetry

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Reflection Questions

1. How different is our interpretation of excellence from scripture’s insight?

2. What causes us to falter from the Lord’s version?

3. How does this promise give us hope when weakness overpowers us?

Share: What word of insight have you experienced this week?

Choice: Purpose: Prayers and Poetry

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Philippians 1: 9-10, “And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and be so pure and blameless for the day of Christ.”

Choice,

Lord, please guide us into Your message of knowledge and discernment as we learn to navigate this so very unknown road we are on.

We ask that we may only walk where You lead.

And if we falter, or turn to a wrong choice or assumption, that You will please stop us before we go further.

We ask for ears to hear, a commitment to obey, and a heart to fully trust in action. No matter how dark the path seems, or when we feel blind.

Your thoughts,

Ask: Purpose: Prayers and Poetry

                                                Ask

                                               

                                                Visible or invisible

                                                Near or distant

                                                Spirit driven prayer

                                                Carries love and compassion

                                                Moment by moment

                                                Nudging each to

                                                Ask for truth, purpose,

                                                Commitment moment by

                                                Moment

                                                Voices speak hope.

Psalm 18:3, “I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised, And I am saved from my enemies.”

Reflection: Partners: Purpose: Prayers and Poetry

Reflection Questions

1. How do you recognize prayer support from friends and family when you have not even yet asked?

2. How do you realize a loved one needs prayer when no one has given any indication to you?

3. How do you rest in His heart when you need prayer?

Share: What specific word impacts you this week?