Week: Jesus in the Gospels
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
Jesus, as we spend these few minutes together, we open our eyes to see what You’re doing, our ears to hear what You’re saying, and our hearts to receive what You want to give to us today.
We REJOICE and celebrate God’s goodness with this week’s memory verse:
Read by Asaph
John 15:9
[Jesus said] ‘I loved you as the Father loved me. Now remain in my love.’
John 15:9 (NCV)
God, help us to remember Your Word.
Today, we’re REFLECTING on the sorrow that Jesus felt when his friend, Lazarus, died.
Read by Asaph
John 11:32-36
Mary went to the place where Jesus was. When she saw him, she fell at his feet and said, ‘Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.’ When Jesus saw Mary crying and the Jews who came with her also crying, he was upset and was deeply troubled. He asked, ‘Where did you bury him?’ ‘Come and see, Lord,’ they said. Jesus cried. So the Jews said, ‘See how much he loved him.’
John 11:32-36 (NCV)
The people who knew and loved Lazarus were filled with sorrow and sadness when he died. They cried, and so did Jesus.
Unfortunately, we will all feel the sorrow and sadness of losing someone that we love – maybe we feel it at the moment? – and in those times, it’s comforting to know that Jesus understands. He felt what we feel. He cried, just like we cry.
Let’s press pause and talk about today’s question, which is: When we feel sorrow or sadness, who do we like to talk to?
And now, let’s ASK God to help us and others.
Lord Jesus, we bring all that we’re feeling to You right now – the joy and gladness as well as the sorrow and sadness. Thank you that You understand all of these feelings because You experienced all of them, and You promise to be with us as we feel them. We ASK You to be with us right now.
Let’s think of someone we know who is experiencing sorrow and sadness at the moment, maybe because they’ve lost someone that they love.
Gentle Jesus, we ASK You to be especially close to them. May they know that they are not alone. Surround them with Your loving presence.
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.
John 11:32-36
Mary went to the place where Jesus was. When she saw him, she fell at his feet and said, ‘Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.’ When Jesus saw Mary crying and the Jews who came with her also crying, he was upset and was deeply troubled. He asked, ‘Where did you bury him?’ ‘Come and see, Lord,’ they said. Jesus cried. So the Jews said, ‘See how much he loved him.’
John 11:32-36 (NCV)
What word or phrase stood out from today’s Bible verses?
And now, let’s say YES to the Holy Spirit, who the Bible describes as a Comforter and a Counsellor.
Come, Holy Spirit. We say YES, we need You. Come and be our Comforter when we feel sorrow and sadness – give us the strength we need to keep going. And come and be our Counsellor when we feel confused and helpless – guide our way.
After enjoying this time with God and each other, let’s say our memory verse together:
John 15:9
[Jesus said] ‘I loved you as the Father loved me. Now remain in my love.’
John 15:9 (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.
Unathi lives in Johannesburg, South Africa, with her husband and 5 kids; and has a passion for seeing families thriving.
You’ll most likely find her homeschooling the tribe, reading, writing, or dreaming about the next DIY project.
She also loves good coffee, dark chocolate and hiking.
Asaph is 9 years old. He lives in Portland, Oregon with his younger sister Adelina, father and mother. He enjoys riding his bike, camping, reading, playing flag football and watching Bible Project videos. Asaph is kind and smart and loves hanging out with friends!
