OUTRAGEOUSLY KIND

LEVITICUS 19:11 (CEB)
You must not steal nor deceive nor lie to each other.

1 PETER 3:8-9 (MSG)
Summing up: Be agreeable, be sympathetic, be loving, be compassionate, be humble. That goes for all of you, no exceptions. No retaliation. No sharp-tongued sarcasm. Instead, bless—that’s your job, to bless. You’ll be a blessing and also get a blessing.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Be outrageously kind in how you treat others.

PRAYER
God, you have been extravagant in your kindness. I confess that I don't always take my cues from you. I've allowed the tit-for-tat sarcasm of the world to seep into my way of handling the rough and tumble of life. Remake me into a compassionate and humble person who truly reflects the life of Christ. I'm going to focus on ways that I can be a blessing in the midst of an unkind world. Amen.

ASKING

PSALM 6:9 (CEB)
The LORD has listened to my request.
The LORD accepts my prayer.

JOHN 16:24 (MSG)
This is what I want you to do: Ask the Father for whatever is in keeping with the things I’ve revealed to you. Ask in my name, according to my will, and he’ll most certainly give it to you. Your joy will be a river overflowing its banks!

SUMMARY SENTENCE
God is listening so please ask.

PRAYER
Thank you, God, for inviting our prayers. You are eager to listen but I'm not so good at asking. When I do pray, I ask for all the wrong things and don't really set aside the time to figure out what is appropriate. Help me to learn to listen so that I can become aggressive in asking. Might your will be done in 2021. Amen.

RE-CREATION

ISAIAH 65:17 (NLT)
Look! I am creating new heavens and a new earth,
and no one will even think about the old ones anymore.

MATTHEW 6:10 (NLT)
May your Kingdom come soon.
May your will be done on earth,
as it is in heaven.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
God is in the process of recreating the earth so that it is fully aligned with his will.

PRAYER
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your Name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen.

WELCOMING

MALACHI 4:2 (MSG)
The sun of righteousness will dawn on those who honor my name, healing radiating from its wings. You will be bursting with energy, like colts frisky and frolicking.

JOHN 1:11-12 (CEV)
He came into his own world,
but his own nation
did not welcome him.
Yet some people accepted him
and put their faith in him.
So he gave them the right
to be the children of God.

SUMMARY SENTENCE
Those who welcome God and his Son Jesus will be given the responsibilities shared with close family members.

PRAYER
Lord God, thank you for coming. Forgive me for my sloppy hospitality. Energize me to live as your child and to draw others into our relationship. I'm going to roll out the red carpet for you. Amen.