Day 2, Tuesday: The Word Became Flesh

by Pastor Brian Petak

“But as I continued to pray, God helped me see that my whole perspective was skewed. He then tweaked my prayers and massaged them and refined them – and then He answered. It’s as if He then was telling me, “That’s the prayer I want you to pray.” And I have received my request.”

~ David Jeremiah, Experiencing Prayer With Jesus, p. 62.

Preparation

We want to encourage you to grab a journal or a notebook – something to write on as you walk through each prayer guide. Yes, it will add a few minutes to the time it takes to do the devotion, and it will also deepen your experience and shape your walk with God for years to come. This journal or notebook will be a keepsake to remind you of God’s faithfulness during this challenging season for all of us.

Meditation

Think about what Jesus did for you as you read this out loud:

“Sinners, are you poor? Christ has gold to enrich you. Are you naked? Christ has royal robes, he has white raiment to clothe you. Are you blind? Christ has eye-salve to enlighten you. Are you hungry? Christ will be manna to feed you. Are you thirsty? He will be a well of living water to refresh you. Are you wounded? He has a balm under his wings to heal you. Tell me, tell me, is there anything in Christ to keep you from believing? No. Is there not everything in Christ that may encourage you to believe in him? Yes.

Thomas Brooks, 17th Century, Pastor in London, England

Call to Worship

Hear God call you to worship through his word:

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.
John 1:14

Adoration

Pray this praise to God:

“Comfort, comfort all my people;
speak of peace,” so says our God.
“Comfort those who sit in darkness,
groaning from their sorrows load.
Speak to all Jerusalem
of the peace that waits for them;
tell them that their sins I cover,
that their warfare now is over.”

All their sins our God will pardon,
blotting out each dark misdeed;
all that well deserved his anger
he no more will see or heed.
They have suffered many a day;
now their griefs have passed away.
God will change their aching sadness
into ever-springing gladness.

~ Johann Olearius

Confession of Sin

Confess your sins to God:

Almighty God,
unto whom all hearts are open,
all desires known,
and from whom no secrets are hidden –
cleanse the thoughts of our hearts
by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit,
so that we may perfectly love you,
and worthily magnify your holy name;
through Christ our Lord. Amen

~ Book of Common Prayer (1552)

Assurance of Pardon

Receive these words of comfort from God:

Matthew 11:28-30
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.

Prayer of Intercession

As you make your requests to God, pray this prayer:

Almighty and everlasting God, you hate nothing that you have made, and forgive the sins of all those who are penitent – create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, worthily lamenting our sins, and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain from you, the God of mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ. Amen

~ Book of Common Prayer (1552)

Further Petition

Pray for:

• Personal: pray for those needs in your family and personal life that cause you to depend on God.
• Church: pray for The Ascent Church – for unity, oneness, ministry effectiveness and missional impact.
• Community: pray for seekers and unbelievers in our neighborhoods, workplaces and schools.
• World: pray for the gospel to reach unreached people groups, and for churches worldwide to have great impact on their surrounding communities.

Connect the Heart

Consider the following to better connect your head and your heart:

1. What did God show you about Himself through today’s devotional?
2. What did God show you about yourself through today’s devotional?
3. What is something you need to surrender to God today as you pursue greater intimacy with Him?

Benediction

As you close your time of meditation and devotion, receive by faith this blessing from God:

The LORD bless you and keep you;
The LORD make his face to shine upon you
and be gracious to you;
The LORD lift up his countenance upon you
and give you his peace.

Numbers 6:24-26

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_{Content for our 21 Days of Prayer & Fasting devotionals is adapted from several sources, books on prayer, meditations and liturgies, drawing heavily from O Sacred Head, Now Wounded by Jonathan Gibson (copyright 2024 by Crossway)}