Reflection. A practice that was very foreign to me the first time my mentor talked about it. Truth be told, when I heard the word reflection, I thought it had no benefit. It sounded boring and useless. I didn’t really see the point of pausing and reflecting on my habits. After-all, I was busy! But thanks to my mentor, I learned some valuable lessons about the importance of reflection. I also learned that ultimately, reflection is not about me! So, what exactly is reflection? Simply put, reflection is the practice of examining our lives to grow in our relationship with Jesus and to grow in our personal lives. There is wisdom in reflection. There is wisdom in evaluating our experiences. The point of reflection is to pause, think deeply with the Lord in mind.
My heart is breaking as I remember how it used to be; I walked among the crowds of worshippers, leading a great procession to the house of God. Singing for joy and giving thanks amid the sound of a great tribulation. - Psalm 42:4
Heavenly Father, as I reflect on my mistakes, may my heart break for the things that break yours. May I mourn over my sin, repent, and turn from my sin to you. Help me to understand that you alone are my satisfaction. When I think about your goodness, may it lead to joy, worship and singing. During hardships, remind me that your presence goes before me. You promised to never leave me nor forsake me. Thank you for that truth. In Jesus name. Amen.
Be careful not to forget the LORD, who rescued you from slavery in the land of Egypt. - Deuteronomy 6:12
Lord, as I look at my life, help me to recall how faithful you’ve been. I thank you for every victory you’ve provided. I acknowledge that my strength comes from you and you alone. As I consider your faithfulness, may I live a life of gratitude and see your hand in the ups and the downs. You are always at work Lord. Thank you. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.
But then I recall all you have done, O LORD; I remember your wonderful deeds of long ago. - Psalm 77:11
Heavenly father, as I recall all you have done, help me to see how big you are and how small I am. May this lead me to a place of humility. For you give grace to the humble and you oppose the proud. Keep me from pride. Help me shift my focus from self-help to Savior-help. Forgive me for trusting my abilities instead of leaning on your strength. I acknowledge you are God and I am not. May I live with this awareness. In Jesus name. Amen.
Remember the things I have done in the past. For I alone am God! I am God, and there is none like me. - Isaiah 46:9
Father, as I reflect on the things you’ve done in the past, may my reflection lead to praise and worship. May my reflection point to you. I pray you give me eyes to see your goodness in my life. I pray that I can live out of a place of gratitude, not entitlement. Reveal the idols in my life and give me the strength to burn away anything I am holding on to too tightly. Teach me to live with an open hand, not a clenched first. Be the lover of my soul and stir up a passion in me for your presence. In Jesus name. Amen.
I remember the days of old. I ponder all your great works and think about what you have done. - Psalm 143:5
Lord, as I pause and reflect on what you have done, I see your hand in the ups and downs of my life. Teach me to celebrate the victories you have provided. I pray for celebration to become a regular practice in my life. There is so much to be grateful for. May I learn from my mistakes and be aware of my blind spots. Heighten my awareness of how much I need you. Forgive me for being so independent. May I never forget how much I need to depend on you. For strength flows from you, and I am aware of how human I am and how big you are. I pray this realization will lead me to a place of dependence on you. In Jesus name. Amen.
Look how far you have fallen! Turn back to me and do the works you did at first. If you don’t repent, I will come and remove your lamp stand from it’s place among the churches. - Revelation 2:5
Father, you’ve called me to examine my life. Your desire is that I grow in holiness. Show me the error of my ways. Help me to walk in vulnerability. When I sin, may I turn back to you without hesitation. Your grace awaits me every morning and your mercies are new. Thank you for that. May my life be marked by repentance and continual confession. Conform me into your image Lord. In Jesus name. Amen.
But Jesus often withdrew to the wilderness for prayer. - Luke 5:16
Jesus, I am aware that your habit of withdrawing to lonely places to pray was a time of prayer and reflection. Teach me the importance of going away to reflect and spend quality time with you. May my time of reflection be refreshing and refueling. Please highlight areas in my life that need to be fully submitted to you. My desire is to give you my all. My desire is to give you my whole heart. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.
Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join with mockers. But they delight in the law of the LORD, meditating on it day and night. - Psalm 1:1-2
Lord, you have called me to meditate on your word and fill my mind with truth. As I reflect on your word, convict me of my sin. Let your word bear its weight in my life as I submit to your will. As I am confronted with truth, give me the strength to obey your word. My desire is to be more like you and to walk in obedience. Teach me to pause and meditate on your goodness in my life. In Jesus name. Amen.
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