Week: Holy Hospitality
Each day we will simply pray (P.R.A.Y.) together.
P: PAUSING to be still.
R: REJOICING with a Memory Verse and REFLECTING on some verses from the Bible.
A: ASKING God to help us and others.
Y: saying YES to God’s ways.
We start by pausing and taking a deep breath:
In and out.
In and out.
We remember that God is here, and so together we prepare ourselves to be with God.
Pause
Lord God, we look forward to discovering more of Your wisdom in the Old Testament. Show us the way You want us to live, and help us to walk in it today.
We REJOICE and celebrate God’s goodness with this week’s memory verse:
Read by Noelle
2 Peter 1:3
Jesus has the power of God, by which he has given us everything we need to live and to serve God.
2 Peter 1:3 (NCV)
God, help us to remember Your Word.
Today, we’re REFLECTING on a moment in the life of Abraham, who was known for being faithful to God’s ways. Our story begins with Abraham sitting in the doorway of his tent and seeing three men nearby.
Read by Noelle
Genesis 18:2-5
When Abraham saw them, he ran from his tent to meet them. He bowed facedown on the ground before them and said, ‘Sir, if you think well of me, please stay awhile with me, your servant. I will bring some water so all of you can wash your feet. You may rest under the tree, and I will get some bread for you so you can regain your strength. Then you may continue your journey.’
Genesis 18:2b-5a (NCV)
The three men weren’t Abraham’s friends or people that he knew – they were strangers. However, Abraham ran out to meet them. He was generous and gave them the best hospitality that he could. In a letter written to the Hebrews, the writer says, ‘Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it’ (Hebrews 13:2, NIVUK). If we were to carry on with today’s story, we would discover that this is exactly what happened to Abraham! Wow!
Let’s press pause and talk about today’s question, which is: When was the last time that we experienced really good hospitality? What happened?
We learnt yesterday that God is the first and best ever example of hospitality. In The Lord’s Prayer, Jesus teaches us to ASK God for our ‘daily bread’ – for whatever it is that we need. What do we need today? Are we hungry? Are we tired? Do we need a warm, welcoming hug? Let’s talk with God and tell Him what we need now.
There are lots of people who don’t feel noticed – who don’t feel like anyone is hospitable or welcoming towards them.
Loving God, we ASK that You would be with them and let them know that they are loved by You. In today’s passage, Abraham looked up and saw three men who needed his hospitality. Help us to look up and see those in need. Show us how we can help them.
As we read the Bible again, let’s listen for a word or a phrase that the Holy Spirit might want to say to us from today’s verses.
Genesis 18:2-5
When Abraham saw them, he ran from his tent to meet them. He bowed facedown on the ground before them and said, ‘Sir, if you think well of me, please stay awhile with me, your servant. I will bring some water so all of you can wash your feet. You may rest under the tree, and I will get some bread for you so you can regain your strength. Then you may continue your journey.’
Genesis 18:2b-5a (NCV)
What word or phrase stood out from today’s Bible verses?
And now, let’s say YES to God together.
Loving God, thank You for the wisdom that we’ve heard from Your Word today. We say YES to walking the way that You want us to, and YES to seeing others, loving them, and giving the best we have to them.
After enjoying this time with God and each other, let’s see if we can remember our memory verse and say it together:
2 Peter 1:3
Jesus has the power of God, by which he has given us everything we need to live and to serve God.
2 Peter 1:3 (NCV)
Let’s put a hand on our heart.
Father God, fill us with Your love. Help us to love You, and everything that You’ve made.
Let’s point to our eyes.
Lord Jesus, help us to see You, and to see others the way that You see them too.
Let’s point to our ears.
Holy Spirit, help us to hear You, and give us courage to do what You say.
Chris lives in Melbourne, Australia with his wife and two boys. He works for 24-7 Prayer Australia and Red Church and is also a professional musician. When he’s not working or drumming Chris enjoys going on long hikes in the mountains with his boys and playing table tennis.
Noelle is 11 and lives in Kansas City, Missouri USA, with her parents, sisters and dogs. She loves animals, playing basketball, creating art and teamwork. Noelle gives the best hugs.
