New Year Devo // Week 4
WEEK 4 / Jan. 26-31
“Jesus’ Proclamation”
Read Luke 4:16-21
As you imagine this scene and hear the words Jesus declares about his purpose and mission, what stands out for you?
What are some of the feelings the hearers of this proclamation might have experienced in this moment?
As you follow Jesus into this new year, in what ways might you be a part of his plan to:
- Proclaim good news to the poor?
- Proclaim liberty to the captives?
- Give recovery of sight to the blind?
- Set at liberty those who are oppressed?
- Proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor?
Read Mark 1:16-20
Imagine you are one of those called by Jesus to “follow me”.
- What do you feel as you hear his words addressed to you?
- What draws you to follow Jesus?
- What fears arise within you?
End your prayer time by bringing all these feelings and thoughts to God. Entrust this new year to him. Reaffirm your need for his Spirit and strength to guide and help you as you follow him. Recommit to depend on him as you step out into the uncharted waters of the future.
Keep your eyes on him as you pray this prayer of commitment and intention:
I am no longer my own, but yours.
Put me to what you will, rank me with whom you will;
put me to doing, put me to suffering;
let me be employed for you, or laid aside for you,
exalted for you, or brought low for you;
let me be full,
let me be empty,
let me have all things,
let me have nothing:
I freely and wholeheartedly yield all things
to your pleasure and disposal.
And now, glorious and blessed God,
Father, Son and Holy Spirit,
you are mine and I am yours. So be it.
And the covenant now made on earth, let it be ratified in heaven.
Amen.
(John Wesley’s “Covenant Prayer”)
