Friday - Enter In - Day 5 Updated
Welcome to daily prayer.
As we come to the end of this week, let’s continue to reflect on how gratitude shapes our lives. Thanksgiving does not end in happy feelings. It flows out in love, service and hospitality.
Today we remember that we are called to live with gratitude, urgency, and hope because Christ is near.
As we begin our prayer now, let’s quiet our hearts and minds before the LORD.
Surrender
Lord, I come to you aware that my life belongs to you. You are good. You made me and sustain me and I’m available to you. I surrender my time, my gifts, my words, and my energy. Lord, Teach me to live awake, sober-minded. I consecrate my life again for your glory and the good of others. May your kingdom come and your will be done.
O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise.
A Scripture Reading from 1 Peter 4:7–11
The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen
A Prayer of Adoration
Gracious God,
You are near, you’re at work, and you are worthy of all praise. Every gift I have comes from you. You have called me into your story and entrusted me with your love and grace. I love that you are working out your rescue plan and that you have included me. Thank you for the strength you provide. I praise you because you are at work through prayer and ordinary faithfulness. Father, all glory belongs to you—through Jesus Christ, both now and forever.
A Prayer of Confession
Lord,
I confess that I am careless with my time. I am often not alert to what is really going on around me and so I don’t pray. I withhold love when it feels costly. I sometimes grumble at the inconvenience of hospitality.
I neglect the gifts you have placed in my hands. Lord, forgive me for serving in my own strength instead of relying on yours. Cleanse my heart and orient my life around your love. I need your help.
A Prayer of Trust
Father, I trust that you supply everything I need to love well. I trust that your grace is sufficient for every act of service. I trust that as I give myself away, you will sustain me. My life is in your hands, and my labor with your strength is not in vain.
A Prayer of Intercession
Lord, I pray for your church—that we would be alert, full of prayer, and deeply loving. Lord, would you strengthen those who are serving quietly and behind the scenes. Uphold those who feel unseen and exhausted. Lord, help us to be open to the prodigals around us and what you are doing in them. Bring them to repentance Lord! Help us to welcome others as you have welcomed us.
And Lord, for the older brother—soften their heart, heal resentment, and restore their joy in you. Give them a revelation where they see what you are like. May our homes and tables, and our lives reflect your grace Lord.
A Moment of Reflection
Lord, how are you inviting me to love more deeply, serve more faithfully, or open my life more fully to others?
A Closing Prayer
Lord, you deserve all the glory. Let my gratitude become love in action. Let my gifts be used for your glory and the good of others. May everything we say and do bring honor and glory to you. You deserve all the glory both now and forever.
Amen.
As we finish this week and go into the weekend focused on gratitude, feasting, and hospitality, ask the LORD how He might want to use your gifts—your words, your home, your presence—to bless others this weekend.
Let’s be about kingdom business.