Week 6 : Cultivating God’s Compassion
Thursday
Call to Prayer
God’s desire is for all of humanity to have an intimate relationship with Him. We are able to know God through his Son, Jesus Christ. We engage in a relationship with God through studying the Scriptures and allowing the Holy Spirit to reveal God’s love, truth and compassion, which are found in Christ Jesus.
Spend a few moments in prayer and silence preparing your heart to receive from the Holy Spirit.
Psalm & Scripture
Psalm 12:5-8 (NLT)
The Lord replies, “I have seen violence done to the helpless,
and I have heard the groans of the poor.
Now I will rise up to rescue them,
as they have longed for me to do.”
The Lord’s promises are pure,
like silver refined in a furnace,
purified seven times over.
Therefore, Lord, we know you will protect the oppressed,
preserving them forever from this lying generation,
even though the wicked strut about,
and evil is praised throughout the land.
Ephesians 4:29-32 (NLT)
Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.
And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption.
Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.
Time of Reflection
Focus on this pattern: be kind, be compassionate and forgive. How has this pattern been evident in your life?
Pray that the Holy Spirit would give you compassion for the oppressed and helpless.
Missional Moment
Slow down today. Open the door for 5 people and let 3 people ahead of you in line. Can we make a habit of making people our mission and not tasks or agendas?
Community Prayer
Lord, we pray for integrity in our personal lives. Let us remember that you saved us so we can be set apart to represent you and to do your work in our communities. Let our lifestyle reflect you well.