21 Days of Prayer
Key Verse:
“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” Psalm 23:5-6
Prompt:
This week's focus: Grow in Grace
What a picture! Feasting among our enemies at a dining table set to feed our bodies and prepared by the One who feeds our soul. In His presence we have everything we need – and more. Our cup spills over! Today, thank Him for the moments when sitting in His presence is all the grace you need to be sustained.
More:
Head: Know God’s Word | Heart: Love God | Hands: Follow God’s Way
Read Psalms 22-23
Head
David wrote Psalms 22 and 23. He begins Psalms 22 with frustration, talking about his struggles and wondering why God seems so far away. As he continues to write, he says, “[God] has not forgotten the one who is hurting…He has listened to his cry for help” (Psalms 22:24 NIRV). He then writes the famous Psalms 23 to state that “The Lord is our shepherd.” A shepherd takes care of his sheep. He keeps them safe and finds the one that wanders away. He says that the Lord “leads me beside quiet waters,” “gives me new strength,” and “guides me in the right paths” (Psalms 23:2-3 NIRV). Wow, what an amazing God we serve!
Heart
This life is not easy, and sometimes, it feels like God is far away. We often experience pain and wonder why. James 4:8 says, “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” You have a God that loves you and helps you through the pain. Talk to Him, and I promise He will feel so near. He provides a peace beyond all understanding (Philippians 4:7) and gives you strength through the hardest times. You are loved, sweet friend – through the good and the bad.
Hands
Draw a picture of what you imagine as you read Psalms 23. It may be a picture of someone lying in a field next to a stream of water – a picture of peace. Post it somewhere as a reminder of the peace God gives us.
Prayer: Lord, sometimes it feels like You are far away. Draw near to me, Lord, and help me feel Your presence. Give me Your peace and strength through good times and hard times. Thank You for loving me and taking care of me all the time. Amen.