Scripture Union Daily Guide 25 October 2023 | Devotional
Do You Know That? Daily Guide Reading is published by Scripture Union Press & Books Ltd, an arm of Scripture Union Nigeria. Daily Guide is a true nondenominational, interdenominational Christian Bible engagement/reading aid – meditate on the Bible without denominational colorations. May the Lord bless you as you study!
Today’s Topic: Powerful and effective prayer
Opening Prayer: Dear Lord, expose me to your truth as I read your word in Jesus name.
SCRIPTURE: James 5:13-20
Question(s) for Reflection
• Q 2: Is there any example for me to follow or not to follow?
• Q 7: What truth is God revealing to me in this passage?
Outline For Scripture Union Daily Guide 25 October 2023
Notice the exhortations in vs.13-14. We can all do something about our current situations in life. If things are going well, praise the Lord; if they are not, still praise the Lord while praying earnestly for the situation to change and grace to accept what we cannot change. Such prayer must be done in full trust and confidence that our God answers prayer.
What strikes you about the power of prayer in the church when believers fall sick (vs.14-15a)? The power to heal is neither in the oil nor the elders. The oil is only a symbol of the anointing and healing power of the Holy Spirit (see Mark 6:13). Healing belongs to the Lord.
We have seen two main reasons why God does not answer our prayers (see 1:6-7 & 4:3). What is the other reason in v.15, and what should we do about it (v.16, compare 1 John 1:9)? Note, however, the word ‘if’ in v.15b which makes it clear that sickness is not always the result of personal sin (cf. John 9:1-3). Take note of the place of righteousness and fervency towards an effective and powerful prayer.
What are you doing to bring back a brother or sister who has wondered from the truth – praying, visiting, counselling, or gossiping? There is great rejoicing in heaven when the lost returns home (Luke 15:7, 22-24).
Practice/Word Application
Action and Prayer: Is there anyone you know who has erred from the faith. Pray for him/her now. Visit, if possible.
• Any new insight or reinforcement of what you already know?
Offer a prayer of faith in line with Matthew 25:21
One Year Bible Reading Plan
Esther 9, 10; Psalms 77.
NATIONAL PRAYER BULLETIN FOR 25TH OCTOBER 2023
PRAYER FOCUS: MISSION FIELDS CONTD.
PRAY FOR:
►The hearts of the brethren over there will be strengthened, more and more
►They will be grounded more and more in the Word of the Lord.
►The pilgrim groups will continue to grow
►The concern to decentralize the entire mission field into two zones for effective coordination.
►That government will provide basic amenities to these communities especially roads which are currently in deplorable states.
►That the Lord will continue to shield them against the attack of bandits and the like.
