Week: Jesus' Commands
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, we want to know You more and we want to better understand the way You want us to live. As we consider Your commands – the things that You ask us to obey – we prepare our hearts to follow You.
We REJOICE and celebrate God’s goodness with this week’s memory verse:
Read by Hubo
1 John 5:3
Loving God means obeying his commands. And God’s commands are not too hard for us.
1 John 5:3 (NCV)
God, help us to remember Your Word.
Today, we’re REFLECTING on what Jesus said to his followers during the last meal he had with them before he went to the cross.
Read by Hubo
John 15:10-11
[Jesus said] ‘I have obeyed my Father’s commands, and I remain in his love. In the same way, if you obey my commands, you will remain in my love. I have told you these things so that you can have the same joy I have and so that your joy will be the fullest possible joy.’
John 15:10-11 (NCV)
A command is a word or phrase that tells someone to do something. For example, ‘Don’t run across the road.’ When commands are given to us by people who love us it’s because they are trying to keep us safe or help us learn how to live well.
Commands give us two options – to obey or to disobey. Jesus tells us that He chooses to obey God’s commands because He knows that God loves Him and He loves God. Jesus trusts that whatever God commands will ultimately be for the best.
When we choose to obey Jesus’ commands we learn how to live the way God intended and that brings ‘the fullest possible joy’ to us, and those around us
Let’s press pause and talk about today’s question, which is: Other than ‘Don’t run across the road’, what other commands can we think of that keep us safe?
And now, let’s ASK God to help us and others.
Creator God, we remember that You created the universe and know how it all works best. We ASK you to teach us Your ways and remind us that You are a loving Father that knows and wants the best for us.
Today we read how Jesus told us that He wants us to be filled with joy. Let’s think of someone we know who could use some extra joy today.
Jesus, thank You that You give the ‘fullest possible joy’. We ASK that You would show your love and Your ways to those we are praying for, and bring Your joy to them today.
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 15:10-11
[Jesus said] ‘I have obeyed my Father’s commands, and I remain in his love. In the same way, if you obey my commands, you will remain in my love. I have told you these things so that you can have the same joy I have and so that your joy will be the fullest possible joy.’
John 15:10-11 (NCV)
What word or phrase stood out from today’s Bible verses?
And now, let’s say YES to God together.
Jesus, thank You for taking the time to teach us how to live. We say YES to trusting in Your love and ways and obeying Your commands.
After enjoying this time with God and each other, let’s say our memory verse together:
1 John 5:3
Loving God means obeying his commands. And God’s commands are not too hard for us.
1 John 5:3 (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.
Joy lives in Portland, Oregon with her husband and her dog. She works for Bridgetown Church where she leads kids as they grow, learn, and have lots of fun. Joy loves gardening, summer camp, eating ice cream, and reading her favourite books, The Chronicles of Narnia.
Hubolodumo (Hubo) is 10 years old, and lives In Johannesburg, South Africa with his parents and 4 siblings.
When he’s not busy trying out ninja moves, he’s practicing the latest dance moves, playing soccer, drawing or playing games with his friends.
