Today we are sharing five prompts to inspire you during your personal spiritual time so you can set your intentions for the week ahead. Take a moment to reflect on the following and journal your thoughts.

  1. Scripture: “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his power. Put on the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For our struggle is not against enemies of blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to withstand on that evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand therefore, and fasten the belt of truth around your waist, and put on the breastplate of righteousness. As shoes for your feet put on whatever will make you ready to proclaim the gospel of peace. With all of these, take the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray in the Spirit at all times in every prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert and always persevere in supplication for all the saints” (Ephesians 6:10-18).
  2. Prayer Venture: “‘I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord’ (Romans 8:38-39). What a powerful message of love and hope for us to embrace throughout life and proclaim far and wide. Praise God!”
  3. Prayer from Bread for the Day: “All-wise God, illuminate our minds with your wisdom, enhance our creativity, and stir up our imaginations. You have created a wonderful cosmos. Enable us to share it with others.”
  4. Journal prompt: Write 10 things you’re grateful for and 10 things you can pray for. Take a moment of silent reflection.
  5. Hymn: “Lord Jesus, You Shall Be My Song” (ELW, 808).

 

Kelly Wilkerson
Kelly Wilkerson is a content strategist for the ELCA. She is a former worship minister, creative arts director, and youth and family director, and has been working in full-time ministry for her entire professional career. Kelly is using her passion for storytelling, art, design and social media to serve in the Office of the Presiding Bishop on the Strategic Communications team. She is also an ELCA coach and currently resides in Columbus, Ohio, with her fiancee and their 80-pound bernedoodle.

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