prayer
A Fresh Encounter with God
by Barbara Francis

Sometimes taking stock of our spiritual lives can be of great value. Take a week and cover one day at a time using the following worksheet. Here are seven essentials that will help you maintain a fresh focus on the Lord. Journal, pray and reflect. Hopefully, the Lord will meet and refresh you deeply.

Monday: SEARCH . Read Psalm 32 and consider if there are any attitudes or actions that are preventing a fresh encounter with God. Is there any forgiveness that needs to be extended or received?

Tuesday: SURRENDER. Read about Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane from Matthew, Mark and Luke. Over what relationships or concerns do you need to pray, “Not my will but yours be done”?

Wednesday: SEEK. Read Psalm 119:2, 10. Are you seeking the Lord with all your heart? What does that mean to you and what would that look like in your life?

Thursday: SILENCE. Read Psalm 13. Has God been silent lately? Where? Reaffirm your commitment to “walk by faith and not by sight.”

Friday: STAND. Read Exodus 14:14 and 2Chronicles 20:15 & 17. Where is the battle raging in your life? Be specific and be bold in your resolve to stand firm.

Saturday: SECURE. Deuteronomy 4:3; 31:6, 8, 23; Joshua 1:5, 9 and Hebrews 13:6 all give the promise of God’s very presence in our lives. Freshly, lean into his arms of safety.

Sunday: SING. Singing and praising is such a common theme throughout scripture, isn’t it? Read Revelation 5:11-14 and 15:1-4. Allow the precious truths contained there to lead you to compose your own song of praise.