Theme

As we pray this week, we are persevering in our service by praying for guidance 

on how to serve

Scriptures

John 13:1-5: It was just before the Passover Festival. Jesus knew that the hour had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. The evening meal was in progress, and the devil had already prompted Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus. Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist.After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.

1 Peter 4:8-11: Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides,so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

Notice

When Peter is writing about offering hospitality and serving with the strength God provides all in love, he is speaking from experience. Peter was one of the recipients of Jesus' own hospitality and service, as seen in the John passage for this week.  Peter knows what he is talking about, because he saw the best example of it ever, and is encouraging everyone who reads his letter (and probably himself in writing it) to do likewise.

Pray

First, ask God to make us more like Him, using the Son as a specific guiding point this week - pray that you would serve and love with Jesus' hands and strength, not your own.  Thank God for those around you who serve you - praise God for them and their acts of service.

Practice

Our Christ-likeness (or not) is how the world will see God.  As you go about your week, keep that in mind and get in the habit of looking for even small ways you can help out someone around you.