Conditional Belief & Awe-Inspired Faith

If you are new to these Daily Worship guides, there is a Song of Commitment and Closing Prayer after the list of daily reflection questions.

2) The questions for each day may seem a little open or vague. The space they create is intended to allow space for the Holy Spirit to meet with you. Don’t be afraid of using a Study Bible (like the ESV Study Bible) or Commentary. Work hard to not rush through the reflections and questions. The goal is to experience/hear from God.

3) Sing the songs! (Really) Each week we focus on one songs. Download it to your phone so you can listen repeatedly during the day. Singing is a vital spiritual discipline because, when we sing, our mind, body, heart, emotions, and will are all engaged in worship at the same time! That is rare. If this week’s song does not appeal to you, substitute one of your personal favorites.
Opening Prayer

O God, Eternal King and Father of all mercies,

whose light divides the day from the night

and turns the shadow of death into the morning:

To know you is eternal life

and to serve you is perfect freedom:

Drive far from us all wrong desires,

incline our hearts to keep your law,

and guide our feet into the way of peace;

that we may do your will with cheerfulness during the day,

and when night comes, rejoice to give you thanks;

through Jesus Christ, our risen and reigning Lord,

Though you offer to be with us, we often turn away from you.

Though you invite us into abundant life, we often do not welcome you.

Make us more sensitive to your presence with us so that we may experience you.

Please review the introductory comments above in yellow.

1. 
   Lectio Divina – Divine Reading, where the reader follows four rhythms for the purpose of hearing God’s word for them that day. Read John 4:43-54 four separate times (following the instructions below). Remember that in v48 both times Jesus says “you” he speaks in the plural to the Galileans because of what is explained in v44-45).
   

1. 
   PAUSE and ask God to speak to you as you read.
   
2. 
   READ – Read the passage, paying attention to words or phrases of Scripture that stand out most to you. After reading, write them down.
   
3. 
   REFLECT – Read again, and reflect on what is stirred or touch in you personally from this reading.
   
4. 
   RESPOND – Read again, and ask what you want to do in response to this reading.
   
5. 
   BE or REST – Read again, and then sit in silence to let God further speak to you through the passage.
   

2. 
   Write down what you experienced from God today.
   
3. 
   Close with our Closing Prayer below.
   

1. 
   Centering Prayer – A form of brief grounding prayer that can be prayed as a form of greeting the Lord, a returning to him, or as a cry for help. Centering Prayers should be prayed regularly through the day. Consider setting alarms to remind you. Often, centering prayer is particularly helpful when we find ourselves stretched, challenged, or troubled. Rather than lose our tempers and default to our normal way of dealing with conflict or difficulty, in those situations, using a Centering Prayer can be an exclamation for help.
   

1. 
   Read John 4:43-54 and review your reflections from yesterday.
   
2. 
   Now take what you’ve received from the passage and form it into a brief prayer. For example, “Jesus’ obedience is mine. I am complete in him.” “God doesn’t loath me” “He is holy, worship him.” “Lord, make me rely on you” or “Lord, help me give up control.”
   
3. 
   Pray this prayer now and use it throughout the day and week, especially when you feel the pull of temptation. Don’t just pray it once and move on. Take some time to actually communicate with God: to speak and to listen.
   

2. 
   Close with our Closing Prayer below.
   

Jesus’ response to the conditional faith of the Galileans, the situation with the dying son, Jesus initial words, and then the healing raise for us the deep issues of our suffering (including our own) in this world. This is a good week for us to meditate on what God has told us and promised us about our earthly life, the effects of the fall, and his presence with us in suffering.

6. 
   PAUSE and ask God to speak to you as you read.
   
7. 
   READ – Read the passage, paying attention to words or phrases of Scripture that stand out most to you. After reading, write them down.
   
8. 
   REFLECT – Read again, and reflect on what is stirred or touch in you personally from this reading.
   
9. 
   RESPOND – Read again, and ask what you want to do in response to this reading.
   
10. 
    BE or REST – Read again, and then sit in silence to let God further speak to you through the passage.
    

4. 
   Write down what you experienced from God today.
   
5. 
   Close with our Closing Prayer below.
   

1. 
   Take some time to think back over the current day (if it’s evening) or previous day (if it’s morning) and reflect on where God showed up for you in special ways.
   
2. 
   Did he meet you as you prayed centering prayers?
   
3. 
   Did God bring you into situations where this week’s passage was particularly applicable?
   
4. 
   Where & when did your “shame-monster” show up?
   
5. 
   How did it manifest itself, i.e., anger, defensiveness, withdrawal, etc.
   
6. 
   Read and Meditate on John 4:43-54 and receive the love of God in Christ with thankfulness.
   
7. 
   Close with the Closing Prayer below.
   

Today’s focus is on “Repentance.” The simplest and most literal translation of the Greek word for “repentance” is “to change direction, to turn around.” It’s not just a mental activity, but includes an act of the will.

1. 
   What is keeping you from repenting?
   
2. 
   What is the cost in your relationships with God or your relationships with others of your lack of repentance?
   

4. 
   Talk to God about those relationships or areas of your life and ask him to change your mind and purpose to walk in obedience to him.
   
5. 
   Close with the Closing Prayer below.