For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
Ephesians 3:14-21 (NIV)
Moving forward from these 21 days, we pray Paul's prayer from Ephesians 3, as each of us seek to remain in God, abiding in His love, as He abides also in us.
Wondering about a next step? If you are looking for ways to continue growing and abiding in God, to cultivate a pattern of connecting with Him in His word each day, we have compiled a few resources and practices below focused on connecting in His word that you can integrate into study and prayer time.
Pay attention to your growing desire for God and His word! Find quiet moments, however brief, to connect with Him, to reflect on His word…independently and/or with others in Community. Draw near with the expectation and confidence that He is near. He promises it! He loves you and is with you; He remains in you as you remain in Him!
Prepared content for Scripture and devotions:
Apps that provide daily devotions with scripture passages, reflections and prayers, Bible study plans and more. A few examples: Lectio 365 (with audio), You Version Bible App, The Bible Project App
Daily verses or devotions delivered to your Inbox. There are many! A few examples: Today Devotional (also includes audio), Faith Gateway, Bible Gateway daily verses. You Version also will push daily verses to your email if desired.
The Bible Project website has a variety of resources and tools
Are there other Bible teachers, preachers, authors, or spiritual leaders whose blogs you read or podcasts, sermons you listen to? Check their websites, as many also may provide free subscriptions to daily devotions or other tools and resources.
Sign up to repeat these 21 Days reflections and prayers. See more details and the link at the end of this message.
Practices for Engaging Scripture With God
Read, Reflect and Pray (Psalms, Gospels): Read and pray through a psalm, or a few passages in one of the Gospels, Paul's letters, or from another book of the Bible each morning. This is something you can do independently, with family or a friend, or a small group. Some possible questions for reflection and prayer:
What word or phrases stand out to me in this passage? (Ask Him. Notice.) Remember, Jesus is near. He loves you, longs for relationship with you, and continues to pray for you.
Observe how it made you feel and reflect why. Ask: what might God be stirring me to notice in myself, my life, patterns, relationships, etc.?
What are the promises in this passage?
Are there commands? Warnings?
Is there an example that God is illustrating for me through His people in this passage?
Ask God questions, such as, "God, what would you have me see or to understand in my mind and in my heart? What would you have me do? When?
Reflect: What is God saying to me? What will I do about it?
Pray.
You may also wish to take notes and / or journal as you go.
Imaginative Prayer. Explore a Bible story through your imagination. (See Day 12 for an example that was shared during these 21 Days of Prayer.) Read a story or passage where Jesus is engaging with others. Read it a couple times to familiarize yourself with the story. Close your eyes, pray and picture yourself in the story. With Jesus. Let it play out in your mind...let your imagination carry you. Where are you in the story? Let your imagination take you through the story. Notice what you might see, hear, smell, feel. How does the story unfold? Imagine engaging personally with Jesus. What does He say?... Reflect, journal, and talk with God in prayer about the experience.
Engage in Community Groups for Bible Study and Spiritual Growth. Winter groups begin rolling out this week and provide great opportunities to open and explore God's word together, pray and grow in relationship with Him and others. Find your place. Check our website for details!