Day NINETEEN:
Here's the Lord's invitation to you before you start...
Get away with me: Go somewhere you can get away from distractions & it’s easy to think. If you aren't planning to play worship music in the background, consider putting your phone away. If you are playing music, consider placing your phone face down.
Undivided Attention: Ask the Lord to remove all the noise & distractions in your mind. Some days are harder to set it all down, so try praying over your heart and mind something like this,
"There's enough time for the day and the tasks ahead, even if it doesn't feel like it. I lay it all down and I call my heart and mind to attention in the Lord's presence. Jesus, you have my full attention. If distraction comes, help me to remain uninvolved with anything that may interrupt this one on one time we've set aside for just us."
Journal Prompt: Write a response to the daily prompt.
Tell the Lord about something you've been carrying and ask him what he'd rather you carry instead. If you're not sure how to start, try writing it like a letter.
Lord, even as I write this I'm realizing how much it's not my place to carry...
Listen: Take time to listen for the Lord's response to what you shared with him. Maybe you hear him speaking to your spirit. Maybe he brings a scripture to mind. Perhaps it's just silence. If you aren't sure but you think you hear him, write it down. Then pray, "Lord if any of this was not from you let it fall away". If you're not sure you're hearing anything after a minute or two, don't stress over it and move on.
Worship: Take a few minutes to meditate on the scripture and write it down. Note if there is a command, promise or wisdom in the verse.
Isaiah 61:3
“He will... bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor."
Closing Prayer: Lord, there are so many things I've carried, like shame and guilt, and despair and I'm sorry. Please forgive me. It's not my place to carry them. My inheritance is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Everything else, you died for. If you died so I wouldn't have to carry it, I don't want to pick it back up. I've never had a friend like you, Jesus. Thank you.
See you tomorrow for day twenty!