Monday Morning Prayer, 24 Aug 2020

+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Opening:

O God, the King eternal, whose light divides the day from the night and turns the shadow of death into the morning: Drive far from us all wrong desires, incline our hearts to keep your law, and guide our feet into the way of peace; that, having done your will with cheerfulness during the day, we may, when night comes, rejoice to give you thanks; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

“You must have the same [humble] attitude that Christ Jesus had”
(Philippians 2:5)

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Scripture: Psalm 119:89-94 (NLT)

Your eternal word, O Lord, stands firm in heaven. Your faithfulness extends to every generation, as enduring as the earth you created. Your regulations remain true to this day, for everything serves your plans. If your instructions hadn’t sustained me with joy, I would have died in my misery. I will never forget your commandments, for by them you give me life. I am yours; rescue me!

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Goodness Of God – Bethel Music

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Scripture Reading

Philippians 2:1-11 (NLT)

Have the Attitude of Christ

Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose.

Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.

You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.

Though he was God,
he did not think of equality with God
as something to cling to.
Instead, he gave up his divine privileges;
he took the humble position of a slave
and was born as a human being.
When he appeared in human form,
he humbled himself in obedience to God
and died a criminal’s death on a cross.

Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

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Reflection:

“He gave up his divine privileges” (emptied himself)

We can imagine that it was possible for the Son of God to become man and pay for the sins of the world without this great humiliation. He might have added the humanity of a 33-year old man to his deity. He might have appeared before man only in His transfigured glory, and taught men what they needed to hear from Him. He might have suffered for the sins of man in a hidden place of the earth far from the eyes of man, or on the dark side of the moon for that matter. Yet He did not; He humbled Himself, and did it for the surpassing greatness of our salvation and His work for us. (David Guzik)

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Prayer:

Heavenly Father: I belong to Christ Jesus; fill me with His Spirit, that my attitude may reflect His attitude –

+ Give me a tender and compassionate heart….
+ Give me a genuine concern for the interests of others….
+ Give me a servant’s heart….
+ Give me an obedient heart….
+ Give me a joy-filled heart….

Heavenly Father: Empty me of my pride of place, position, and privilege; give me the heart of Jesus, that I might live and love as He did – all to Your glory. Amen.

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“”Live Like That”” – Sidewalk Prophets

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Closing: Philippians 2:5-7

“You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had…. Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges (emptied himself)….”

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+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.