Author: kristen from praywritegrow.com

Ask the Spirit to guide you as you read God’s word for today. Remember to read the entire passage

Matthew 27:45-55

“And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice and yielded up his spirit. And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. And the earth shook, and the rocks were split. The tombs also were opened.” 
Matthew 27:50-52

• What does the word “yielded” reveal about Jesus willingness to give Himself for you.
• Read 1 Peter 2:24. Not only did Jesus die for the world…Jesus died for YOU!!!! It’s personal…he knows you and he knows every sin committed or that you will commit and He still died for you. Now that is love! Respond…
• The curtain that was torn in the temple separated the people from the dwelling place of God. Jesus, destroyed that barrier and opened up a direct path to God being reconciled by His blood (see Romans 5:1-11), Hebrews 9).  Pray now, enter into God’s presence…thank Him for the gift of His Son.

Jesus is THE sacrifice for you and for all! I will be praying for you!

Ask the Spirit to guide you as you read God’s word for today. Remember to read the entire passage

Psalm 5

“For you bless the righteous, O Lord;
    you cover him with favor as with a shield.” 
Psalm 5:12

• Read verse 3 in several different translations. David comes before God…requesting that he hears him. David lifts his prayers to him as a sacrifice and then what does he do?
• He waits…How does this effect your perspective on prayer?
• What does Psalm 5 tell us about God’s reaction to wickedness?
• David knows it’s only because of God’s love for him that he is able to enter God’s house. It is the same for us. What does Jesus tell us about His Father’s house (see John 14:1-7).
• What characterizes the enemies of David – the enemies of God? How does this make you consider evil doers of today?
• David again has a “BUT.” When you take refuge in God what is the result? Paraphrase verses 11 & 12 and insert yourself?

His shield covers you! I will be praying for you!

Ask the Spirit to guide you as you read God’s word for today. Remember to read the entire passage

Psalm 4

“Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness!
    You have given me relief when I was in distress.
    Be gracious to me and hear my prayer!” 
Psalm 4:1

• Do you ever feel desperate for God?
• David, a man after God’s own heart, felt that way, too. How did he cry out?
• Yet, he did not rely on his emotions. Instead, he looked to what he knows to be true. From verse 3, what does David know?
• You have the same assurance! You are also set apart (1 Peter 2:9), and God hears you when you pray (1John 5:14). Does that change the way you think about your relationship with the living God?
• David gives us some practical ways to look at life. Write them down.
• Times haven’t changed much. People still look to God as those in verse  6 – seeing God only in material gain. But, David give us a beautiful picture of what awaits when we trust God in all circumstances. Write about it and how it fits in your life.

May joy be in your heart! I will be praying for you!

Ask the Spirit to guide you as you read God’s word for today. Remember to read the entire passage

Psalm 3

“Arise, O Lord!
    Save me, O my God!” 
Psalm 3:7a

• Do you ever feel that life is rising against you?
• While you are probably not being hunted down as David is here, you still face difficulties and adversity. Here David adds a big “BUT.” Instead of focusing on his situation, where does David put his focus?
• David sleeps amidst this turmoil. What gives him this kind of peace?
• What can provide this peace for us (See also Romans 15:13)?
• For this reason, David states frankly, “I will not be afraid.” Is there a situation where you are being challenged? Write down I will not be afraid of…
• Then write down Psalm 3:7a. Memorize it! When you feel anxious or afraid – use it!
• Our hope and salvation lie in God and God alone! Read Romans 8:31. How do these two passages bring you comfort

“Your blessing be on your people!” I will be praying for you!

“The next day the large crowd that had come
to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. 
So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him,
crying out, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord,
even the King of Israel!”
John 12:12-13

Ask the Spirit to guide you as you read God’s word for today. Remember to read the entire passage

Psalm 2

“Blessed are all who take refuge in him.” 
Psalm 2:12b

• What is God’s reaction to the nations and people who plot against Him?
• We see a picture of Christ in this prophetic Psalm. The author, probably David, speaks of Christ our eternal King and His rightful place. As you read over this Psalm, does it bring you any peace as you see His victory?
• How are we to serve the Lord?
• Read Acts 4:23-31 The apostles draw a connection between Psalm 2 and what they are experiencing in their lives. Can you see any similarities with our world today?
• What does it mean to you to take refuge?
• When you take refuge in the Lord what is the result?
• We find joy and blessing in Him!!! Pray for the Spirit to fill you…and go out speaking boldly for Him!

Take refuge…He is your joy! I will be praying for you!

Ask the Spirit to guide you as you read God’s word for today. Remember to read the entire passage

Psalm 1

“Blessed is the man
    who walks not in the counsel of the wicked,
nor stands in the way of sinners,
    nor sits in the seat of scoffers;
 but his delight is in the law of the Lord,
    and on his law he meditates day and night.” 
Psalm 1:1-2

• List the life choices the blessed man avoids.
• Instead what choice does the blessed man make?
• Because he chooses to meditate on the law of the Lord what is the result?
• Contrast the blessed life to that of the wicked.
• God wants us to study His word, to follow His laws, to love others the way that He loved us – because He wants others to see Jesus! He wants you to live in the center of His will – living with His joy and not that of the world! What can you do in your life today to focus on the word of God?

Pick a verse today to meditate on throughout the day!  I will be praying for you!

“So then, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God,  
for whoever has entered God’s rest has also rested from his works as God did from his.  
Let us therefore strive to enter that rest, so that no one may fall by the same sort of disobedience.”
Hebrews 4:9-11 ESV