Thursday Devotional - A Different Sunday, Part II

Well, our “different Sunday” may be our new normal for a while. We did get to watch the live-stream of our worship and sermon again. We also got to watch the live-stream of one of my sister’s services, where she was playing most of the music.

We did several additional prayer/Scripture/song times spread out throughout the day, similar to last Sunday (although, not as many ☹).

We started with praising God for who He is, then a thanksgiving session for all His provisions and blessings, and then prayers for how we could help others during this difficult time. It was encouraging to hear all the attributes of God that James and Sarah thought of for which to praise God, all the blessings they appreciated and their own creative ideas on helping others.

1. Praise God

Holy Holy Holy

Acts 4:23-31

2. Thanksgiving

At the Cross

Acts 12:21-24

3. How we can help others

God Will Take Care of You

Acts 22:30-23:22

Acts 4:23-24, 29-30     ²³ On their release, Peter and John went back to their own people and reported all that the chief priests and the elders had said to them. ²⁴ When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God. “Sovereign Lord,” they said, “you made the heavens and the earth and the sea, and everything in them… ²⁹ Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. ³⁰ Stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.”

We can pray for safety and health during this time, but notice what Peter and John prayed during their time of crisis. They first praised God for who He is and then asked for boldness to continue spreading His message. We can do the same! The biggest need of people right now is to know their Creator, whether they end up seeing Him soon or not for many more years.  

Alice

Thursday Devotional - A Different Sunday

Well, we didn’t meet in person with our fellow church members last Sunday. We did get to watch the live stream of our pastor’s sermon, which was encouraging!

In addition, since the President declared last Sunday a National Day of Prayer, we tried to pray together as a family most hours of the day. I compiled a list of things to focus on in prayer, Scripture passages to read, and songs we could sing together. We all took turns praying first, deciding which room of the house to pray in for that prayer time and what song to sing.  

Here’s what we ended up doing for our 7 prayer sessions throughout the day:

1. Prayed for the President/VP/Governor/other officials

I Timothy 2:1-3

Doxology (James’ pick)

2. Prayed for our church, pastor, and other church leaders

Acts 20:27-31

Deep and Wide (Sarah’s pick)

3. Prayed for the health of our family

Psalm 24:1-2

This is My Father’s World

4. Prayed for our school/director/teachers/families

Psalm 119:7-16

The B-I-B-L-E (James’ pick)

5. Praised God for His attributes and character

I Thessalonians 5:16-22

My God is so Big (Sarah’s pick)

6. Thanked God for His provisions and blessings

Psalm 150

I will Sing of the Mercies

7. Prayed for various needs of family members and friends

Acts 28:27

Amazing Grace

As we won’t be meeting corporately at church the next few weeks, I’ll probably plan something similar for the next few Sundays!

I Timothy 2:1-4  I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— ² for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. ³ This is good, and pleases God our Savior, ⁴ who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 

How did you spend last Sunday? In extra time in prayer, too? Many people need our prayers for wisdom and discernment. Let’s be diligent to pray.  

Alice