Praying Through Reconciliation
You may notice that today’s reflection passage is the same scripture passage as yesterday. This is because sometimes it’s good to sit in the same verses for a period of time and invite the Holy Spirit to give you new insight and understanding.
One way we can practice this spiritual discipline is by reading a passage using a different version of the Bible (like we’re doing today) and seeing what idea jumps out at you. Asking yourself some questions about the passage can also encourage deeper understanding and discernment, and writing down your answers and thoughts helps with being intentional and focused.
Today, we encourage you to begin your reflection time by inviting the Holy Spirit to speak to your heart as you meditate on His Word. Ask Him to show you something that’s specific to YOUR heart, and ask Him to teach you and transform you into becoming more like Him.
Matthew 5:21-26 (NASB)
“You have heard that the ancients were told, ‘You shall not murder,’ and ‘Whoever commits murder shall be answerable to the court.’ But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother shall be answerable to the court; and whoever says to his brother, ‘You good-for-nothing,’ shall be answerable to the supreme court; and whoever says, ‘You fool,’ shall be guilty enough to go into the fiery hell.
Therefore, if you are presenting your offering at the altar, and there you remember that your brother has something against you, leave your offering there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and present your offering.
Come to good terms with your accuser quickly, while you are with him on the way to court, so that your accuser will not hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the officer, and you will not be thrown into prison. Truly I say to you, you will not come out of there until you have paid up the last quadrans.”
What are your honest thoughts/impressions about today’s reading? Do you find yourself struggling with anything? Write down these thoughts.
Often when we read scripture about relationships, the Holy Spirit brings specific people to mind. Did anyone come to mind when you read today’s verses? If so, write down why you think that is. If you aren’t sure, ask the Holy Spirit to guide your thoughts and show you if there are any conflicts that need attending to. Try not to rush through this; allow yourself to sit and receive.
Below is a guided prayer that may be helpful if you’re wrestling with forgiveness, but we also encourage you to speak honestly with God about what you’re feeling and thinking.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for being a good and loving Father. You tell us in Your Word to bring our cares to You, and I’m so thankful for that! You know I’m wrestling with ___________ (person’s name) and You tell me in today’s reading that we are to reconcile. I want to be obedient, so I ask You to show me the steps I need to take. Help me forgive those who have hurt me, and please heal my heart. Give me the strength to take steps of reconciliation with those I have hurt, and heal their hearts as well. Let my words and actions reflect the goodness you have shown me, and please continue to change me and transform me so that I become more and more like you. Thank You, Lord. Amen.
One way we can practice this spiritual discipline is by reading a passage using a different version of the Bible (like we’re doing today) and seeing what idea jumps out at you. Asking yourself some questions about the passage can also encourage deeper understanding and discernment, and writing down your answers and thoughts helps with being intentional and focused.
Today, we encourage you to begin your reflection time by inviting the Holy Spirit to speak to your heart as you meditate on His Word. Ask Him to show you something that’s specific to YOUR heart, and ask Him to teach you and transform you into becoming more like Him.
Matthew 5:21-26 (NASB)
“You have heard that the ancients were told, ‘You shall not murder,’ and ‘Whoever commits murder shall be answerable to the court.’ But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother shall be answerable to the court; and whoever says to his brother, ‘You good-for-nothing,’ shall be answerable to the supreme court; and whoever says, ‘You fool,’ shall be guilty enough to go into the fiery hell.
Therefore, if you are presenting your offering at the altar, and there you remember that your brother has something against you, leave your offering there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and present your offering.
Come to good terms with your accuser quickly, while you are with him on the way to court, so that your accuser will not hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the officer, and you will not be thrown into prison. Truly I say to you, you will not come out of there until you have paid up the last quadrans.”
What are your honest thoughts/impressions about today’s reading? Do you find yourself struggling with anything? Write down these thoughts.
Often when we read scripture about relationships, the Holy Spirit brings specific people to mind. Did anyone come to mind when you read today’s verses? If so, write down why you think that is. If you aren’t sure, ask the Holy Spirit to guide your thoughts and show you if there are any conflicts that need attending to. Try not to rush through this; allow yourself to sit and receive.
Below is a guided prayer that may be helpful if you’re wrestling with forgiveness, but we also encourage you to speak honestly with God about what you’re feeling and thinking.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for being a good and loving Father. You tell us in Your Word to bring our cares to You, and I’m so thankful for that! You know I’m wrestling with ___________ (person’s name) and You tell me in today’s reading that we are to reconcile. I want to be obedient, so I ask You to show me the steps I need to take. Help me forgive those who have hurt me, and please heal my heart. Give me the strength to take steps of reconciliation with those I have hurt, and heal their hearts as well. Let my words and actions reflect the goodness you have shown me, and please continue to change me and transform me so that I become more and more like you. Thank You, Lord. Amen.
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