Wednesday - Enter In - Week 3

Welcome to daily prayer. This week we are reflecting on some of the key passages about life together. Today we reflect on Colossians 3 and the call to clothe ourselves with the character of Christ. As we begin our time together, we remember the wonderful grace of God. Let’s be still and remember that we are dearly loved by the Father. 

Lord, thank you for loving me. Thank you for being so patient with me. Thank you for choosing me and setting me apart as your own. I choose to let down my guard and receive your love again today. 

Thank you for your peace. Thank you for your love. I praise you today. 

A Scripture Reading from Colossians 3:12–16

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.

A Prayer of Adoration:

Lord, thank you for calling me your child. Thank you for setting us apart and loving us dearly. It is hard to understand your grace but I receive it today. Thank you for qualifying us as members of your body. You have placed us in a family and given us new clothes to wear.

I especially thank you for the way you forgive us. You don’t hold grudges against us when we sin against you, you freely forgive when we draw near to you. You welcome us again and again. Over and over. You are so compassionate and kind and for that, I adore you.

A Prayer of Confession:

Father, I confess that I have not clothed myself with the character of Christ. Instead of letting peace and gratitude rule, I have allowed discord and grumbling. Instead of wise and joyful singing about Christ, unthoughtful words often come out. 

Forgive me Lord. I have not been intentional about encouraging others with the message of Christ and have not clothed myself or others with your love.

A Prayer of Trust:

Lord, I trust that the clothes you have given me don’t wear out. Not only have you personally clothed me with the righteousness of Christ but you have given me a whole wardrobe of realities that you want me to put on. I trust that I am not disqualified when I forget to wear them but you are honored and others are strengthened when I put them on. I trust that I am set apart for you and dearly loved and for that, I thank you. 

A Prayer of Intercession:

Lord, I pray for our small groups to be places where we heal and learn to love. 

Holy Spirit, show us how to be quick to encourage and to forgive. To be patient and compassionate towards one another and to those who have not found their way home. To sing and celebrate your goodness and bear with one another in love. 

Lord, you call us your field, your temple, your children and your bride. Lord, clothe your field. Adorn your temple. Cover your children. Dress your bride. We want to be beautiful for you. 

Do what we cannot do for ourselves and empower us to do what you have called us to do. We want to be beautiful for you and we need your help. 

A Moment of Reflection:

Lord, which piece of Christ’s character are you inviting me to put on today?

Compassion

Kindness

Humility

Gentleness

Patience?

Now lets ask: Who are you calling me to love, forgive, or encourage this week?

Lord, we don’t receive what you show us as a burden. We receive it as a gift. 

A Closing Prayer

Lord, we want the message of Christ to dwell richly in us. In our hearts, our homes and in all the groups within our church. Redirect our gaze to be on you. Keep us from performance and mask wearing but empower us to put on the character of Christ. May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. 

In the name of Jesus, 

Amen