Gardens Part 3: R for Rejoice and Reflect
Colossians 2:9-15, Philippians 4:4, Psalm 30, Luke 24:45-47, 2 Timothy 3:14-16
May 1–Half-Million Mobilization Prayer
Pray with Nazarenes around the USA/Canada Region from May 1-June 5 (Pentecost).
https://usacanadaregion.org/pray
We’re breaking down prayer with the acronym P.R.A.Y.
P for Pause
R for Rejoice and Reflect
A for Ask
Y for Yield (or Yes)
If we are going to live out the renewed life in Jesus, it is essential for us to REJOICE in who God is and what He has done and to REFLECT on who God is and what He has done and how to live out the salvation He has given us.
If you want to develop the habit of Rejoicing, here are two recommendations…
Count Your Blessings
Make a gratitude journal
Pray the Psalms
If you want to develop the habit of Reflecting, here are two recommendations…
Read Scripture Daily
Apply Scripture Daily
Quality Guidance for how to incorporate PRAY into your life can be found in the guide “How to Have a Quiet Time” in the Toolshed of “The Prayer Course”: https://prayercourse.org/toolshed/
Message Reflection Questions
Begin with silence.
Read Philippians 4:4. Take a moment to count your blessings and name them aloud.
What is your biggest joy or struggle with reading the Bible?
What are your current rejoicing and reflection habits for your growth plan? (it’s okay if you don’t have a formal growth plan!)
Read Luke 24:25-27, 45-47. What does this tell us about Jesus and humanity?
Read Paul’s description of scripture in 2 Timothy 3:14-16. How have you experienced scripture in these ways?
What is one way that you add or strengthen the habit of rejoicing and reflecting on scripture in your life?
Close in prayer. Include prayers for renewal and revival in the church in America.
DAILY READINGS FROM HALF-MILLION MOBILIZATION
If you want to follow the prayer journal, go here.
May 1: Matthew 6:6
May 2: Matthew 6:9, 12, 14
May 3: Matthew 7:7-8
May 4: Matthew 26:41
May 5: Mark 11:25
May 6: Genesis 1:3
May 7: Luke 6:12
Helpful Instructions for reading
Start with silence. Recognize that the Jesus in scripture is the Jesus with you where you are.
Thank God for something that happened in the last 24 hours.
Read the text. Take note of phrases and images that encourage you or raise questions. Ask God to seal the truth in your heart.
Finish in prayer for yourself, your family, your neighbors, your co-workers, your church. Pray through the nations at www.prayercast.com/nations.html.