As we close out one year and prepare for the start of a new, we thought it would be good to stop and take stock of what God has done, and what He wants to lead us into for the coming year. God cares about our lives, speaks into our lives, and desires to give us wisdom and guidance so we can become more like Him!
This week at the Daily Devos is about asking God to speak and giving Him room to do so. Each day will provide you with a guided set of questions and prayer prompts to help you speak to God and hear from Him, as well as some encouragement to respond to God in faithful obedience.
Find a quiet place and set aside 5-10 minutes to focus on engaging God through this process. If you find it takes longer, that’s ok. You may want to use a journal so you can write as you pray.
Today’s prayer is all about asking God to prepare you and the relationships in your life. We all have a number of relationships in our lives, and they always have room for growth. Seeking God and His wisdom will help us learn to love others well, and to reflect Jesus in all of our relationships.
“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32 (ESV)
1. Thank God out loud for the day, then just take 3-5 breaths, allowing the silence to relax you.
2. Express to God your desire to hear from Him. Take 30-45 seconds to just be quiet after you finish.
3. Start by asking God to seek your heart and to soften any hard areas. Take 1-2 minutes to allow God to soften your heart. In relationships, it is always best to search your heart first so it can be softer toward others. If God reveals anything to you, make sure you write it down to come back to later.
4. Take a minute or two to write down the different roles you play in the relationships in your life (ex: spouse, parent, co-worker, child, friend, etc.). How well are you loving those you have listed? Really seek God in this.
5. God, are there any relationships where I need to forgive others? Take 30-45 seconds to be quiet. If God reveals someone to you, take a few extra moments to ask God to help you forgive them.
6. God, is there someone in my life I have wronged and need to seek forgiveness?
7. God, how can I be a better fill in the blank (ex: spouse, parent, etc.)? What do I personally need to change to serve and love the other person better? I encourage you to take a few minutes to seek God for 2-3 of the biggest relationships in your life.
8. Now, it is time to take action. Take the necessary steps below:
a. If you need to forgive someone, take some steps this week to begin that process. It may be a conversation, or it may be continuing to pray for that person until you have forgiven them in your heart.
b. If there is someone from whom you need to seek forgiveness, call them this week and take steps toward reconciliation.
c. Based on what God revealed to you during this time, make a plan. Begin to take steps toward being a better spouse, a more patient parent, a better co-worker, etc.
