Prayers for those who feel worn out before the year has even started � � � �

Out of Breath

There’s a home-improvement shop near me that has a big green button in one of its departments. If no assistant is present, you push the button, which starts a timer. If you’re not served within a minute, you get a discount on your purchase. We like being the customer in this scenario who enjoys the speedy service� But the demand for fast service often takes a toll when we’re the one expected to deliver it� So many of us today feel rushed doing our jobs, working long hours, checking emails multiple times a day and feeling pressured to meet tighter and tighter deadlines. The customer service tactics of the home-improvement shop have seeped into all our lives, creating a culture of rush. When God told the Israelites to keep a Sabbath, He added an important reason: “Remember that you were slaves in Egypt” (Deuteronomy 5:15)� There they’d been forced to work ceaselessly under Pharaoh’s excessive time constraints (Exodus 5:6–9). Now freed, they were to give themselves a whole day each week to ensure they and those who served them could rest (Deuteronomy 5:14). Under God’s rule, there were to be no flush-faced, out-of-breath people. How often do you work to the point of exhaustion or get impatient with people who keep you waiting? Let’s give ourselves and each other a break. The start of a new year is the perfect time to pause and restfully recentre on the Lord. A culture of rush is Pharaoh’s doing, not God’s�

Sheridan Voysey

A Prayer to Know God’s Blessings Loving Lord Jesus, You said that anyone who is weary and burdened is invited to come to You for rest. I’m not going to try to figure out how You’ll do it, instead, I come in faith and confess that I need that rest! I need rest for my physical body so I can have strength to meet life’s demands. I need rest for my mind which is always trying to stay a step or two ahead. I need rest for my heart, which is pulled in so many directions. But most especially, I need rest for my spirit so I can stop trying to work hard to earn the blessings You freely give to all who simply come and ask. Amen

A Prayer to Live in God’s Strength Mighty God my Father, Your Word declares that You give strength to the weary and increase the power of the weak. You promise that those who wait upon You will renew their strength. I come to You weary, but with faith that You will keep Your promise. You are the ultimate source of power and strength. You set the stars ablaze and spun the worlds into space; all power comes from You! I am in awe of Your works, and humbled that You want me to come and spend time with You. Waiting on You is a privilege beyond measure. Amen

A Prayer for Rest Father, at this moment I feel the weight of the world on my shoulders. Things in my life feel like more than I can handle on my own. I come to You as I am and lay all of my cares at Your feet. I come to dwell—to rest—in the shelter of the Most High, saying with the psalmist, “You are my refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust.” As I hand You my troubles, and breathe in Your presence, may I know—truly know—the peace that surpasses all understanding. You are with me; You are for me—of what should I be afraid? Praise You, my Lord and my God. Amen

5-minute Bible Study: John 15:4-8

4 Remain in me, as I also remain in you� No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine� Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me� 5 “I am the vine; you are the branches� If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing� 6 If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you� 8 This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples�

1�

Who is “the vine” and who are “the branches” in the illustration Jesus gives (v. 5)?

2�

What must we do to bear fruit for Jesus (vv. 4-5)? What sort of fruit do you think he wants us to produce?

3�

What do you think it means to “remain” (some translations say “abide”) in Jesus?

4�

How can you ensure Jesus’ “words remain in you” (v. 7)? How does setting our hearts and priorities according to Scripture affect our prayers?

5�

What does Jesus’ fruit in our life show to others (v. 8)?

PRAYER: Father thank You that it’s not up to me to bear Your fruit. My role is to stay close to Jesus, my source of life, so that He will bear His fruit in me� I am sorry for trying to live by my own strength; I willingly and joyfully submit to You instead� Amen�

WHERE NEXT? If you have time, read Galatians 5:22-23 to see what fruit Jesus wants to grow in you. A BIBLE STUDY TAKE-AWAY! Why not see if breaking down the story components can help you better understand Jesus’ other illustrations and parables?

REMAIN IN ME, as I also remain in you. NO BRANCH CAN BEAR FRUIT BY ITSELF.

JOHN 15:4

Prayer List

PSALM 23:3

HE HEARS US Prayers for the New Year

For all its excitement, a new year can be unsettling. None of us knows the future or what storms it may hold. As we cross the threshold into the new year, we push out from the shore into new, uncharted waters. Whatever we face, the promise of Scripture is that God is with us—and He still has the power to calm the waves, part the waters and carry us through the fiercest storms. It is our hope that these reflections and prayers will help you step into the new year alongside the Lord who holds each of the next 365 tomorrows in His hands. He will give you the hope and strength you need for each one.

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TJ113