Week of Prayer: Monday

Welcome to Spring Week of Prayer 2021:

Beloved, the Word of God practically and faithfully guides us on how to live as children of the living God. In the book of James, the earthly, unspiritual, and demonic mindset in society that produces disorder and jealousy in relationships (3:14-16) is contrasted with the meekness of wisdom from our heavenly Father (3:13). During this Week of Prayer we will focus on the specific virtues listed in James 3:17 for each day as we rest in Jesus Christ, because he is our wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption (1 Cor. 1:30). 

In Him,

Pastor Jere Scott Bradshaw

Note: You can download a pdf copy of the entire prayer guide using the downloads section at the end of this post or you can stop by the church to pick up a physical copy anytime.

"But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace." 

- James 3:17-18

"But the wisdom from above is first pure ..."

Welcome to Day One of our Spring Week of Prayer!

Today we will be looking at the first virtue that distinguishes the wisdom imparted by the Holy Spirit, purity. 

Pray for yourself and three other people to rest in the forgiveness of sins as Christ dresses you in his pure righteousness (Rom. 3:19-26).  Intercede on behalf of these three friends to strive for purity by asking “God for the grace of the Holy Spirit, to be renewed more and more after God’s image, until after this life we reach our goal: perfection” (Heidelberg Catechism #115).  

Jonathan Barnes and David G. Wilson wrote “What Kind of Man Can Live in the World” by reflecting on Psalm 15 as a way of viewing James 3:17.  

What kind of man can live in the world where God lives? One who in action is right and whose conduct is blameless; one who can speak the truth in his heart at all times; one who obeys all that God in his love has taught us.

What kind of man can speak in the world where God speaks? One who can say what is true but avoid speaking slander; one who will work the good of his friends and neighbors; one who supports men of God in contempt of evil.

What kind of man can rule in the world where God rules? One who will swear to his hurt but abide by his promise; one who will use his wealth to relieve the needy; he who accomplishes this is secure forever. 

May the Holy Spirit remind you of the purity of your record based on the work of Christ for you, and may He sanctify your heart in the purity of holiness from your Father.