Clearing Out the Thorns

Take 2-3 minutes to quiet yourself and ask God to speak to you today through your devotional time.  

Reading: 1 John 2

Be sure to highlight or note anything that stands out to you while you read.  
After reading the passage, take the next 5-10 minutes and spend time reflecting on what you read. You can write these things down in a journal or record them in your phone. Be attentive to both what you highlighted in the passage and what is going on in your life.

Worldly distractions can choke out the Word of God in our lives. Even good things can become thorns when they steal our attention, affection, or trust. John calls us to reject the fleeting desires of this world and align our hearts with eternal things.

Now, take 10 minutes to seek God in prayer…  

1. Begin your time in prayer by taking 1-3 minutes to sit in silence (You can take longer if you sense the Spirit already beginning to speak to you).  
2. Pray through the things you sensed God speaking to you through the Scriptures or pray the following prayer: Father, reveal the thorns in my life that are hindering my spiritual growth. Give me strength to remove them and refocus on You.
   
3. Close by taking 5 minutes to sit in silence, asking God if there is anything else He wants to speak to you today.  

Take Action:

1. Write down three things that frequently consume your time or thoughts—ask God which ones need to be pruned.
2. Choose one activity or distraction to fast from for 24 hours and use that time to pray or read Scripture.