-Read a chapter or section

-What is the theme from the chapter read?

-What verse stood out to me most and why?

-Is there a command to obey?

-Is there a promise to claim?

-Is there a sin to avoid?

-Is there an application to make?

-Did I learn something new about God?

Think through the themes of the Lord’s Prayer and rephrase it in your own words:

Person: Our Father in Heaven, hallowed be your name

Program:  your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. 

Provision: Give us today our daily bread.

Pardon:  And forgive us our debts as we also have forgiven our debtors.

Protection: And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from the Evil one.

Matthew 6:9-13

Adore - What does this passage show us about God for which we can praise and thank him?

Admit - What does this passage show us about ourselves for which we can repent?

Aspire - What does this passage show us about life and the world for which we can aspire to, ask for, act on? 

Apply it to a situation in your life. Let’s say you need a job.

Our Father, help me to trust you. May your name be glorified by how you work in my life.

Bring your kingdom reality into my life and do your will regarding a job for me.

Please provide for me a job as I need one.

Forgive me for worry or doubt that you won’t provide.

Protect me from the enemy’s temptation to worry or doubt. 

“Fasting makes me vulnerable and reminds me of my frailty. It reminds me to remember that if I am not fed I will die … Standing before God hungry, I suddenly know who I am.

I am one who is poor, called to be rich in a way that the world does not understand.

I am one who is empty, called to be filled with the fullness of God.

I am one who is hungry, called to taste all the goodness that can be mine in Christ.” 

Macrina Wiederkehr

Keys for engaging in community

*Acknowledge that community is a core element of who God is

*Admit your own limitations and needs

*Attach yourself to a group of believers - 3, 12, 70

*Apply the “One Another” passages

Picture - Who is God? What is He like? What has He done?

Mirror - Who am I in light of who God is, what He’s like, and what He’s done? 

Window - How do I get to live in light of who I am in God? 

Another way to pray is A.C.T.S.

Adoration - Tell God how great He is (Isaiah 25:1)

Confession - Acknowledge your faults and your need for His forgiveness. (1 John 1:9)

Thanksgiving - Thank God for what He has done in your life. (Psalm 107:1)

Supplication - Ask God to work on your behalf and for the sake of others. (Philippians 4:6)

When it comes to fasting, it’s important to start where you are. No need to dive into the deep end.

Perhaps start with an 18-hour fast. This could mean dinner at 6 pm and you don’t eat until lunch at 12 pm the next day. Get a few of those under your belt and then try a 24-hour. Do the same for a 36 hour, 48 hour, and so on.

More important than the length of the fast is the intent. This is a time to connect with God, pray, engage with scripture, and set your mind on Him. Let each rumble of your stomach be a cue to refocus, “Here I am, Lord.”

Here are some examples of ancient Jewish blessings that may help us with the idea of incorporating praise and thanks to the LORD throughout our day in the ordinary happenings of life.

Begin with the phrase, “Blessed is He”:

When waking- “…who revives the dead.” 

When first opening eyes- “…who opens the eyes of the blind.”

When getting out of bed-”…who loosens them that are bound.”

When dressing- “…who clothes the naked.”

When putting on shoes-  “…who has supplied me with every want.”

When eating-”… who hast brought forth bread from the earth.”

When drinking wine-”…who hast created the fruit of the vine.”

When seeing lightning, falling stars, lofty mountains- “… who hast made Creation."

When hearing thunder- “…whose might and power fill the world.”

When seeing beautiful persons, trees, or animals: " . . . who has such as these in the world.”

When seeing a rainbow: " …who remembers the covenant.”

When seeing a friend after a year's separation- “…who revives the dead.”

Perhaps you come up with some of your own, something like:

When showering - “Blessed is He who brings rain from the heavens and refreshes my soul.”

When starting your car- “Blessed is He who has promised to be with me wherever I go.”

When taking a walk- “Blessed is He who put breath in my lungs and strength in my legs.”

When opening the scriptures- “Blessed is He who makes Himself and His promises known through His word.”