21 Days of Prayer Day 201 S.O.A.P. John Chapter 21
S- Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” None of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?”
They knew it was the Lord. Jesus came, took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish. (John 21:12-13)
O-Relationships are such an important part of our walk with Christ. Here we see Jesus taking the time to prepare a meal and reconnect with His disciples.
This is amazing, He could have just rattled off a bunch instructions but instead He took the time to make sure they all knew they were loved.
A-I need to make sure the people in my life know I love them. Yes, there is work to be done but that work is best done in the context of healthy relationships.
I cannot claim to be a follower of Jesus and then live my life on an island. To truly live my purpose out I have to prioritize relationships over tasks.
P- Lord please help me to prioritize the relationships in my life above "to-do" list. Make my heart softer and more compassionate to the hurt and pain others feel.
Help me to love as you do,, in your name I pray.Thank you!
21 Days of Prayer Day 20 S.O.A.P. John Chapter 20
S: Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you." Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve but believe." Thomas answered him, "My Lord and my God!" Jesus said to him, "Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."
(John 20:26-29 ESV)
O: Amazing things happen in these verses. First, it is obvious that Jesus entered the room supernaturally. Secondly, this shows how far Jesus is willing to go to help the non-believer come to a believing knowledge of the Son of God! Thirdly, in verse 29, He speaks directly to you and I. That’s us! We are the blessed that have not seen and yet believe.
A: Jesus appears and challenges Thomas, and Thomas in his own words responds in faith. Thomas even refers to Jesus as "my God," which Jesus does not dispute. Rather, Jesus notes the blessing of being given extra proof, and the greater measure of faith required by those who will come after. Embrace this every day in the difficult times and the times of victory in Him, for you have been given the blessing of eternal life!
P: Thank you, Lord, for the blessings you have given me. You have provided me with more than I could ever have imagined. Thank you for my church family. You have surrounded me with people who forgive and love me. You have given me family and friends who bless me every day. I praise you for being my strength, defense, and salvation. I give thanks to you Lord, for You are good; and Your love endures forever. Amen.
21 Days of Prayer Day 19 S.O.A.P. John Chapter 19
S- Jesus answered, “You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above. (John 19:11a)
O- Even though Pilate was very powerful, he had no real power over Jesus. God was allowing this trial to happen, if God did not allow for it to happen then it would not of happened. Jesus knew that what He was about to endure was a part of God's plan.
A- How often do I think that trials and pain are an attack of our enemy, when it may be something God is trying to do in me or through me. I need to be like Jesus and realize that whatever God allows to happen in my life can be turn to His glory. Even when we are under attack, if we stay connected what God is doing and do not try to "win" on our own, He can turn our trials into victory.
P-Father, please forgive me for thinking I can win without you. Keep my mind and eyes focused on what you are doing my trials. Help me to see the victory through my selfishness and fear. Thank you for saving me from my own self so many times.
21 Days of Prayer Day 18 S.O.A.P. John Chapter 18
S - The high priest then questioned Jesus about his disciples and his teaching. Jesus answered him, "I have spoken openly to the world. I have always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where all Jews come together. I have said nothing in secret. Why do you ask me? Ask those who have heard me what I said to them; they know what I said." When he said these things, one of the officers struck Jesus with his hand, saying, "Is that how you answer the high priest?" Jesus answered him, "If what I say is wrong, bear witness about the wrong; but if what I said is right, why do you strike me?
O - Jesus' point was not that he never spoke to his disciples in private, but that anything he said to them he also spoke in public. Thus there was no conspiracy going on. Part of this story includes the incident where Simon Peter denied knowing Jesus and denied being a part of his followers on three occasions.
A - Thinking about Peter's reaction, do we always openly state that we are follows of Jesus. Has someone ever asked you "Are you a Christian", and what was your response? Were you quick to respond affirmatively or did you hesitate because you were afraid they might not include you or that they might think you are strange? Jesus never denies knowing you and you should do the same.
P - Thank you Lord for always being there to support us. Please help us to stay in your word and spend time with you daily, so we will grow and always be quick to share our loving relationship with you and never deny you.
21 Days of Prayer Day 17 S.O.A.P. John Chapter 17
S: I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one.
They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.
As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world.
And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth. (John 17:15-18 ESV)
O: Jesus prays that His disciples would be strengthened in their resolve, even as they are commissioned to remain in a hostile world.
He expands His prayer to include all who will come to faith in Him. The major theme of this broader prayer is for loving unity.
This is not only a command from Christ (John 14:15), but the primary indicator of true Christian faith.
Nonbelievers cannot see or experience God, so a main mission of believers is to demonstrate God's truth and love to the world (Matthew 5:14–16).
A: The Father doesn’t want us to just attend church on Sunday, and that be all we do until next Sunday.
Everywhere we go, we are to be His witnesses. To show His love for ALL of us and the truth of His word.
Even our daily devotions are lacking the greater purpose we have in this world, unless we put hands and
feet to this mission of reaching the unbeliever. Now, we need to be His hands and feet.
P: Lord Jesus, Thank you for the sacrifice you made to come personally and show me the Father’s love and the truth of Your word.
Compel me to seek opportunities to share this love and truth with those that remain in unbelief.
Teach me to be more responsive to the voice and direction of the Holy Spirit.
Remind me each day of the opportunity to say “Here I am! Send me“. Thank you, Father,
for the chance to share in this ministry of Jesus, and then to boldly be that witness you have called me to be, for it is in the name of Jesus I pray. Amen.
21 Days of Prayer Day 16 S.O.A.P. John Chapter 16
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble.
But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
Jesus is warning us that we will face trails and rejection. It is a part of life and certainly something every believe will have to endure.
We can overcome this opposition by staying anchored in Christ.
I need to daily anchor myself in Christ by reading and praying through the Bible.
It is there that I will find the strength and comfort that will help me persevere and overcome.
Lord help me to stay anchored in you and focused on purpose. It is only through you that I can overcome all of life’s trials.
Thank you for saving me and guiding me, I am lost without you!
21 Days of Prayer Day 15 S.O.A.P. John Chapter 15
S - I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away,
and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that may bear fruit. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you.
Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.
I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. (John 15:1-5)
O - God is the vinedresser who removes unfruitful branches and prunes all the rest so that they can be more fruitful.
This is the same as a garden keeper does for all his plants. The branches that do not bear fruit represent people that
claim to be believers but fail to follow his will in all aspects of their life.
A - Some people say they are believers but fail to have a daily, personal relationship with Jesus,
characterized by trust, prayer, obedience and joy. We must abide in Jesus and maintain a full relationship with him to be a fruitful believer.
P - Lord thank you for being my vinedresser and helping me to be a true believer that maintains a daily personal relationship with you.
Help me to make time in my day to have a personal relationship with you, and always say yes to you when you call on me to follow your will.
21 Days of Prayer Day 14 S.O.A.P. John Chapter 14
S: "Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father 's house are many rooms.
If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you,
I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. And you know the way to where I am going." (John 14:1-4 ESV)
O: Scripture indicates Jesus sometimes had a troubled spirit (John 11:33; 12:27), but here He tells His followers not to have troubled hearts. The difference is between the unhappiness of circumstances, felt in the spirit, versus the despair one feels when they lose courage in their heart. Part of our confidence (courage) comes from knowing that Jesus is preparing a reunion, where all things will be made right (John 14:1–3).
A: Be encouraged, "You're braver than you believe, stronger than you seem” when you are walking with Him. No matter what we face or what task He has entrusted us to accomplish, He is with us, in us, all around us, and one day we will see Him face-to-face. Stay close.
P: Lord, Thank you for leading me, walking with me, and upholding me with every step on the road to accomplish what you have given me this day. Help me not to get caught-up in the troubles of this world, but instead to clearly see what you would have me do today. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.
21 Days of Prayer Day 13 S.O.A.P. John Chapter 13
S- I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.
Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. (John 13:15-16)
O- Jesus is our example! Most believers would agree with that. The question is, do I follow that example? Often not and the reason is pride.
Our pride keeps us from following Him because we don't want to "get our hands dirty". Some believers act like they are better than the people they are called to serve.
If our Master can humble Himself to wash the feet of His servants then we need to humble ourselves to serve also.
A- I need to be ready to serve whenever and wherever He sends me. I have to be humble enough to remember my depravity and not treat others like I am better than them.
I need to serve as my Master did and does.
P-Lord, please forgive me of thinking I am better than other people. Help me follow your example of serving even those that would betray me.
Give me heart to help those that need it most. It is in your name I pray Jesus.
21 Days of Prayer Day 12 S.O.A.P. John Chapter 12
S - And Jesus answered them, "The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Truly, truly I say to you,
unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.
Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.
If anyone serves me,he must follow me; and where I am, there will be my servant also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him. (John 12:23-26)
O - This section concludes Jesus's instruction to the Jews of what their mission is, and that this mission is coming to an end.
But first he must die,and the time of his death is near.
A - When we become more attached to things in this earthly life that it becomes more important than doing God's will,
we lose it all. But when we are willing to sacrifice everything on this earth in order to serve God we will have eternal life.
P - Lord, thank you for always being my provider. Please help me to always put your will first in my life,
and trust you to provide for all of my earthly needs. Help me to always keep my priorities in-line with yours.
21 Days of Prayer Day 11 S.O.A.P. John Chapter 11
S: When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in his spirit and greatly troubled.
And he said, "Where have you laid him?" They said to him, "Lord, come and see." Jesus wept. So the Jews said, "See how he loved him!" (John 11:33-36 ESV)
O: Jesus demonstrates great compassion as He weeps with Mary and Martha. This is another key moment in our understanding of the nature of God.
He purposefully arranged this situation to make a clear point. Moments from now, Jesus brings Lazarus back from the dead. And yet, He expresses clear emotion out of love for His friends. This is a milestone in the Bible, reminding us that God really, truly understands the pain we feel while we wait to see His plans unfold.
A: Many times during our life, we all experience difficult/painful events. Whether sickness, failure, or the loss of a loved one, we pray for God to change the circumstance, heal the sickness, or remove the stumbling block we don’t seem capable of removing. It helps greatly for us to remember He truly loves us and weeps with us as we walk through these valleys. Instead of asking for Him to change the circumstances we need to recall Him saying, “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33) while remembering that He has an eternal plan for us.
P: Lord God, Thank you for the help and hope you have given us over and over again. Thank you for guiding and leading our lives and for letting us see the goal ahead. Be with us in times of silence when we seem to be alone. Keep us strong and steadfast through temptation and all the turmoil of life. Help us to remain unshaken, for you walk and weep with us, and you can lift us above all that does not endure. In your holy and magnificent name we pray. Amen.
21 Days of Prayer Day 10 S.O.A.P. John Chapter 10
S- Therefore Jesus said again, “Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep.
All who have come before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep have not listened to them.
I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture." (John 10:7-9)
O- Jesus is telling us that He is who we should be putting our trust in. Everyone else will disappoint us at some point, we will even disappoint ourselves, but Jesus never will.
All of my safety and peace should be put in His hands not anyone or anything else. He is only path to salvation and freedom, all others paths lead to destruction.
A- I need to stop relying on my own wisdom and intellect. I need to trust in Christ and the leading of the Holy Spirit.
Looking at the problem to find a solution gives limited results, staying focused on Christ creates lifegiving, eternal results.
P- Lord thank you for your love and salvation. Please forgive me for looking to the world or myself for safety and peace. You are the only source for real freedom and security. Help me stay focused on you and not my problems. Holy Spirit please lead me to where you want me to go. In your holy and magnificent name, I pray. Amen.
21 Days of Prayer Day 9 S.O.A.P. John Chapter 9
S - As he passed by, he saw a man blind from birth. And his disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?".
Jesus answered, "It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him.
We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work.
As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world. (John 9:1-5)
O - Some believe that someone's actions are to blame for their lot in life. They think that this man was born blind because of a sin in his life
or a sin in the life of his parents. However, sometimes God allows his children to go through hardship and suffering so that they can experience
God's mercy and power in delivering them from this difficulty.
A - Often a non believer will say "If God is so good, why is he letting you go through this hardship".
This negative attitude can carry over even to a believer. As a believer we must seek God first and
trust him to bring us his blessing through this difficult time. The blessings will always be greater than the hardship.
P - Lord thank you for our many blessings. Help us to always stand strong on your word and believe in your infinite
power to bring us through any hardship that comes our way. May we always give you the praise for answering our prayers.
21 Days of Prayer Day 8 S.O.A.P. John Chapter 8
S: So the Jews said to him, "You are not yet fifty years old, and have you seen Abraham?" Jesus said to them,
"Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am."
So they picked up stones to throw at him, but Jesus hid himself and went out of the temple. (John 8:57-59 ESV)
O: Jesus, (in various ways), tells His accusers several times in Chapter 8 that He is the light of the world. This chapter takes place during the Feast of the Booths.
A time when Israel celebrated both the small tents used in the wandering desert, and God’s provision to them for forty years. He reveals to the authorities that He is God in verse 58 when He says, "Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am." Sometimes we look at the gospels as “the life of Jesus” and forget that He was with God before the creation of all things (John 17:5). The Son’s time had not yet come, so He “hid himself and went out of the temple”.
A: What an amazing exchange, and how did He hide himself as He left the temple? Jesus stood with the authorities during many conversations. He told them many times who He was. Were they really looking for the Messiah or were they trying to get rid of the inconvenience He caused them so they could just go on with their life as it was? Am I as aware as I should be each day that He is truly God (before Abraham was, I am)? Have I lost the wonder of how magnificent He is (so I can just go on with my life as it is)? I think I need to return to my knees and not only thank Him for my booth and the provision He has blessed me with, but to worship Him with renewed energy in spirit and in truth for the magnificent, loving God He is.
P: Lord, continue to show me through your Word and in prayer how “great thou art”. Bring back to our relationship the amazement of You I first knew. Help me seek each day the “awe” of how wonderful, powerful, and magnificent you are. To put aside my worldly commotion and desires. We need you; I need you now more than ever if I am going to be your witness to those that do not yet know you for the rest of my days. Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable in your sight my Lord. In your holy and magnificent name, I pray. Amen.
21 Days of Prayer Day 7 S.O.A.P. John Chapter 7
S-Jesus answered, “My teaching is not my own. It comes from the one who sent me. Anyone who chooses to do the will of God
will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own. Whoever speaks on their own does so to gain
personal glory, but he who seeks the glory of the one who sent him is a man of truth; there is nothing false about him. (John 7:16-18)
O- Jesus never claims to create truth, He is only communicating truth that was given to Him by the Father.
We cannot live our own truth because real, eternal truth only comes from God. Many of us never submit ourselves to this truth s
o we never have it confirmed in our hearts and minds. We may quote scripture, but if we are not living out the commands of that scripture,
we will never really have it transform our lives.
A- Not only do I need to study the Bible, I need to allow the words and wisdom to renew my heart and mind.
Knowing what God said is not enough, we need to obey also. I need to examine in my own life where I am a hearer of the Word but not a doer.
The Word of God is powerful but it can only truly transform our lives if we actively choose to follow its teachings and obey its commands.
P- Lord help me to listen to your Word and the Holy Spirit. May I not just hear the words, help me to obey them.
Holy Spirit please lead and guide me today and everyday to be obedient. Lord may all I do glorify you!
21 Days of Prayer Day 6 S.O.A.P. John Chapter 6
S - Jesus answered them, 'Truely, truly i say to you, 'you are seeking me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves.
Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you. For on him God the Father has set his seal. (John 6:26-27)
Jesus said to them, ' I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst'. (John 6:35)
O - After the feeding of the multitude, the people followed him because he provided earthly food,
and they only followed because they thought he would continue to do so. Jesus wanted them to follow to get the true bread of eternal life.
A - We need to concentrate on doing God's will by spreading the message to everyone that Jesus is the true Messiah.
If we do this, all of our earthly needs will be fulfilled.
P - Lord, thank you for sending Jesus to help us understand the true meaning of all of his signs and messages.
Help me to always put your will first, and trust in you to provide my earthly needs.
21 Days of Prayer Day 5 S.O.A.P. John Chapter 5
S: One man was there who had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had already been there a long time, he said to him, "Do you want to be healed?" The sick man answered him, "Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up, and while I am going another steps down before me." Jesus said to him, "Get up, take up your bed, and walk." And at once the man was healed, and he took up his bed and walked. Now that day was the Sabbath. (John 5:5-9 ESV)
O: There’s a lot going on in the 5th Chapter of John. The scripture that most “caught my attention” though, was the exchange between the lame man and Jesus at the pool of Bethesda. Jesus asked the man if he wanted to be healed. Many theologians take a disparaging view of this response. Instead of saying, “Yes Lord, I want to be healed”, the man responded with the reason why he couldn’t get to the pool that he thought would heal him, when the healer was standing right in front of him. Others theorize that he of course didn’t know who Jesus was. Later that day when he is questioned by the authorities, to escape ridicule, he uses Jesus as the excuse for breaking the Sabbath. John makes no mention here of thankfulness in the words of the now healed lame man.
A: Do I want to be healed? There are many that need a physical healing from our Lord. A miracle like that of the lame man at the pool of Bethesda. For most of us however, our area requiring healing is of our own making. If you have lived very long, we all have a habit, maybe even an addiction that separates us from becoming more like Jesus. Am I addicted to drinking too much, eating too much, spending too much time using electronic devices? Do I spend more time working for or desiring the approval of other people instead of the approval of God? Do I want to be healed?
P: Lord, please continue to show me the things in my life that need removed or put in order that will allow me to become “a lot more like Jesus and a lot less like me”. Cultivate in me a spirit that truly wants “to be healed”. Please give me the strength and desire to walk with you until the separation that I have created between us is no more. I am so thankful for all that you have done for me! I pray that your Holy Spirit will speak to me every day as I struggle with my shortcomings. Thank you, Lord Jesus, for your grace and mercy. Thank you for saving me and continuing to walk with me on this journey toward forever with you. In your name I pray…
S- Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” None of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?”
They knew it was the Lord. Jesus came, took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish. (John 21:12-13)
O-Relationships are such an important part of our walk with Christ. Here we see Jesus taking the time to prepare a meal and reconnect with His disciples.
This is amazing, He could have just rattled off a bunch instructions but instead He took the time to make sure they all knew they were loved.
A-I need to make sure the people in my life know I love them. Yes, there is work to be done but that work is best done in the context of healthy relationships.
I cannot claim to be a follower of Jesus and then live my life on an island. To truly live my purpose out I have to prioritize relationships over tasks.
P- Lord please help me to prioritize the relationships in my life above "to-do" list. Make my heart softer and more compassionate to the hurt and pain others feel.
Help me to love as you do,, in your name I pray.Thank you!
21 Days of Prayer Day 20 S.O.A.P. John Chapter 20
S: Eight days later, his disciples were inside again, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you." Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve but believe." Thomas answered him, "My Lord and my God!" Jesus said to him, "Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."
(John 20:26-29 ESV)
O: Amazing things happen in these verses. First, it is obvious that Jesus entered the room supernaturally. Secondly, this shows how far Jesus is willing to go to help the non-believer come to a believing knowledge of the Son of God! Thirdly, in verse 29, He speaks directly to you and I. That’s us! We are the blessed that have not seen and yet believe.
A: Jesus appears and challenges Thomas, and Thomas in his own words responds in faith. Thomas even refers to Jesus as "my God," which Jesus does not dispute. Rather, Jesus notes the blessing of being given extra proof, and the greater measure of faith required by those who will come after. Embrace this every day in the difficult times and the times of victory in Him, for you have been given the blessing of eternal life!
P: Thank you, Lord, for the blessings you have given me. You have provided me with more than I could ever have imagined. Thank you for my church family. You have surrounded me with people who forgive and love me. You have given me family and friends who bless me every day. I praise you for being my strength, defense, and salvation. I give thanks to you Lord, for You are good; and Your love endures forever. Amen.
21 Days of Prayer Day 19 S.O.A.P. John Chapter 19
S- Jesus answered, “You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above. (John 19:11a)
O- Even though Pilate was very powerful, he had no real power over Jesus. God was allowing this trial to happen, if God did not allow for it to happen then it would not of happened. Jesus knew that what He was about to endure was a part of God's plan.
A- How often do I think that trials and pain are an attack of our enemy, when it may be something God is trying to do in me or through me. I need to be like Jesus and realize that whatever God allows to happen in my life can be turn to His glory. Even when we are under attack, if we stay connected what God is doing and do not try to "win" on our own, He can turn our trials into victory.
P-Father, please forgive me for thinking I can win without you. Keep my mind and eyes focused on what you are doing my trials. Help me to see the victory through my selfishness and fear. Thank you for saving me from my own self so many times.
21 Days of Prayer Day 18 S.O.A.P. John Chapter 18
S - The high priest then questioned Jesus about his disciples and his teaching. Jesus answered him, "I have spoken openly to the world. I have always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where all Jews come together. I have said nothing in secret. Why do you ask me? Ask those who have heard me what I said to them; they know what I said." When he said these things, one of the officers struck Jesus with his hand, saying, "Is that how you answer the high priest?" Jesus answered him, "If what I say is wrong, bear witness about the wrong; but if what I said is right, why do you strike me?
O - Jesus' point was not that he never spoke to his disciples in private, but that anything he said to them he also spoke in public. Thus there was no conspiracy going on. Part of this story includes the incident where Simon Peter denied knowing Jesus and denied being a part of his followers on three occasions.
A - Thinking about Peter's reaction, do we always openly state that we are follows of Jesus. Has someone ever asked you "Are you a Christian", and what was your response? Were you quick to respond affirmatively or did you hesitate because you were afraid they might not include you or that they might think you are strange? Jesus never denies knowing you and you should do the same.
P - Thank you Lord for always being there to support us. Please help us to stay in your word and spend time with you daily, so we will grow and always be quick to share our loving relationship with you and never deny you.
21 Days of Prayer Day 17 S.O.A.P. John Chapter 17
S: I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one.
They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.
As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world.
And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth. (John 17:15-18 ESV)
O: Jesus prays that His disciples would be strengthened in their resolve, even as they are commissioned to remain in a hostile world.
He expands His prayer to include all who will come to faith in Him. The major theme of this broader prayer is for loving unity.
This is not only a command from Christ (John 14:15), but the primary indicator of true Christian faith.
Nonbelievers cannot see or experience God, so a main mission of believers is to demonstrate God's truth and love to the world (Matthew 5:14–16).
A: The Father doesn’t want us to just attend church on Sunday, and that be all we do until next Sunday.
Everywhere we go, we are to be His witnesses. To show His love for ALL of us and the truth of His word.
Even our daily devotions are lacking the greater purpose we have in this world, unless we put hands and
feet to this mission of reaching the unbeliever. Now, we need to be His hands and feet.
P: Lord Jesus, Thank you for the sacrifice you made to come personally and show me the Father’s love and the truth of Your word.
Compel me to seek opportunities to share this love and truth with those that remain in unbelief.
Teach me to be more responsive to the voice and direction of the Holy Spirit.
Remind me each day of the opportunity to say “Here I am! Send me“. Thank you, Father,
for the chance to share in this ministry of Jesus, and then to boldly be that witness you have called me to be, for it is in the name of Jesus I pray. Amen.
21 Days of Prayer Day 16 S.O.A.P. John Chapter 16
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble.
But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
Jesus is warning us that we will face trails and rejection. It is a part of life and certainly something every believe will have to endure.
We can overcome this opposition by staying anchored in Christ.
I need to daily anchor myself in Christ by reading and praying through the Bible.
It is there that I will find the strength and comfort that will help me persevere and overcome.
Lord help me to stay anchored in you and focused on purpose. It is only through you that I can overcome all of life’s trials.
Thank you for saving me and guiding me, I am lost without you!
21 Days of Prayer Day 15 S.O.A.P. John Chapter 15
S - I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away,
and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that may bear fruit. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you.
Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.
I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. (John 15:1-5)
O - God is the vinedresser who removes unfruitful branches and prunes all the rest so that they can be more fruitful.
This is the same as a garden keeper does for all his plants. The branches that do not bear fruit represent people that
claim to be believers but fail to follow his will in all aspects of their life.
A - Some people say they are believers but fail to have a daily, personal relationship with Jesus,
characterized by trust, prayer, obedience and joy. We must abide in Jesus and maintain a full relationship with him to be a fruitful believer.
P - Lord thank you for being my vinedresser and helping me to be a true believer that maintains a daily personal relationship with you.
Help me to make time in my day to have a personal relationship with you, and always say yes to you when you call on me to follow your will.
21 Days of Prayer Day 14 S.O.A.P. John Chapter 14
S: "Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father 's house are many rooms.
If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you,
I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. And you know the way to where I am going." (John 14:1-4 ESV)
O: Scripture indicates Jesus sometimes had a troubled spirit (John 11:33; 12:27), but here He tells His followers not to have troubled hearts. The difference is between the unhappiness of circumstances, felt in the spirit, versus the despair one feels when they lose courage in their heart. Part of our confidence (courage) comes from knowing that Jesus is preparing a reunion, where all things will be made right (John 14:1–3).
A: Be encouraged, "You're braver than you believe, stronger than you seem” when you are walking with Him. No matter what we face or what task He has entrusted us to accomplish, He is with us, in us, all around us, and one day we will see Him face-to-face. Stay close.
P: Lord, Thank you for leading me, walking with me, and upholding me with every step on the road to accomplish what you have given me this day. Help me not to get caught-up in the troubles of this world, but instead to clearly see what you would have me do today. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.
21 Days of Prayer Day 13 S.O.A.P. John Chapter 13
S- I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.
Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. (John 13:15-16)
O- Jesus is our example! Most believers would agree with that. The question is, do I follow that example? Often not and the reason is pride.
Our pride keeps us from following Him because we don't want to "get our hands dirty". Some believers act like they are better than the people they are called to serve.
If our Master can humble Himself to wash the feet of His servants then we need to humble ourselves to serve also.
A- I need to be ready to serve whenever and wherever He sends me. I have to be humble enough to remember my depravity and not treat others like I am better than them.
I need to serve as my Master did and does.
P-Lord, please forgive me of thinking I am better than other people. Help me follow your example of serving even those that would betray me.
Give me heart to help those that need it most. It is in your name I pray Jesus.
21 Days of Prayer Day 12 S.O.A.P. John Chapter 12
S - And Jesus answered them, "The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Truly, truly I say to you,
unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.
Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.
If anyone serves me,he must follow me; and where I am, there will be my servant also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him. (John 12:23-26)
O - This section concludes Jesus's instruction to the Jews of what their mission is, and that this mission is coming to an end.
But first he must die,and the time of his death is near.
A - When we become more attached to things in this earthly life that it becomes more important than doing God's will,
we lose it all. But when we are willing to sacrifice everything on this earth in order to serve God we will have eternal life.
P - Lord, thank you for always being my provider. Please help me to always put your will first in my life,
and trust you to provide for all of my earthly needs. Help me to always keep my priorities in-line with yours.
21 Days of Prayer Day 11 S.O.A.P. John Chapter 11
S: When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in his spirit and greatly troubled.
And he said, "Where have you laid him?" They said to him, "Lord, come and see." Jesus wept. So the Jews said, "See how he loved him!" (John 11:33-36 ESV)
O: Jesus demonstrates great compassion as He weeps with Mary and Martha. This is another key moment in our understanding of the nature of God.
He purposefully arranged this situation to make a clear point. Moments from now, Jesus brings Lazarus back from the dead. And yet, He expresses clear emotion out of love for His friends. This is a milestone in the Bible, reminding us that God really, truly understands the pain we feel while we wait to see His plans unfold.
A: Many times during our life, we all experience difficult/painful events. Whether sickness, failure, or the loss of a loved one, we pray for God to change the circumstance, heal the sickness, or remove the stumbling block we don’t seem capable of removing. It helps greatly for us to remember He truly loves us and weeps with us as we walk through these valleys. Instead of asking for Him to change the circumstances we need to recall Him saying, “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33) while remembering that He has an eternal plan for us.
P: Lord God, Thank you for the help and hope you have given us over and over again. Thank you for guiding and leading our lives and for letting us see the goal ahead. Be with us in times of silence when we seem to be alone. Keep us strong and steadfast through temptation and all the turmoil of life. Help us to remain unshaken, for you walk and weep with us, and you can lift us above all that does not endure. In your holy and magnificent name we pray. Amen.
21 Days of Prayer Day 10 S.O.A.P. John Chapter 10
S- Therefore Jesus said again, “Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep.
All who have come before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep have not listened to them.
I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture." (John 10:7-9)
O- Jesus is telling us that He is who we should be putting our trust in. Everyone else will disappoint us at some point, we will even disappoint ourselves, but Jesus never will.
All of my safety and peace should be put in His hands not anyone or anything else. He is only path to salvation and freedom, all others paths lead to destruction.
A- I need to stop relying on my own wisdom and intellect. I need to trust in Christ and the leading of the Holy Spirit.
Looking at the problem to find a solution gives limited results, staying focused on Christ creates lifegiving, eternal results.
P- Lord thank you for your love and salvation. Please forgive me for looking to the world or myself for safety and peace. You are the only source for real freedom and security. Help me stay focused on you and not my problems. Holy Spirit please lead me to where you want me to go. In your holy and magnificent name, I pray. Amen.
21 Days of Prayer Day 9 S.O.A.P. John Chapter 9
S - As he passed by, he saw a man blind from birth. And his disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?".
Jesus answered, "It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him.
We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work.
As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world. (John 9:1-5)
O - Some believe that someone's actions are to blame for their lot in life. They think that this man was born blind because of a sin in his life
or a sin in the life of his parents. However, sometimes God allows his children to go through hardship and suffering so that they can experience
God's mercy and power in delivering them from this difficulty.
A - Often a non believer will say "If God is so good, why is he letting you go through this hardship".
This negative attitude can carry over even to a believer. As a believer we must seek God first and
trust him to bring us his blessing through this difficult time. The blessings will always be greater than the hardship.
P - Lord thank you for our many blessings. Help us to always stand strong on your word and believe in your infinite
power to bring us through any hardship that comes our way. May we always give you the praise for answering our prayers.
21 Days of Prayer Day 8 S.O.A.P. John Chapter 8
S: So the Jews said to him, "You are not yet fifty years old, and have you seen Abraham?" Jesus said to them,
"Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am."
So they picked up stones to throw at him, but Jesus hid himself and went out of the temple. (John 8:57-59 ESV)
O: Jesus, (in various ways), tells His accusers several times in Chapter 8 that He is the light of the world. This chapter takes place during the Feast of the Booths.
A time when Israel celebrated both the small tents used in the wandering desert, and God’s provision to them for forty years. He reveals to the authorities that He is God in verse 58 when He says, "Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am." Sometimes we look at the gospels as “the life of Jesus” and forget that He was with God before the creation of all things (John 17:5). The Son’s time had not yet come, so He “hid himself and went out of the temple”.
A: What an amazing exchange, and how did He hide himself as He left the temple? Jesus stood with the authorities during many conversations. He told them many times who He was. Were they really looking for the Messiah or were they trying to get rid of the inconvenience He caused them so they could just go on with their life as it was? Am I as aware as I should be each day that He is truly God (before Abraham was, I am)? Have I lost the wonder of how magnificent He is (so I can just go on with my life as it is)? I think I need to return to my knees and not only thank Him for my booth and the provision He has blessed me with, but to worship Him with renewed energy in spirit and in truth for the magnificent, loving God He is.
P: Lord, continue to show me through your Word and in prayer how “great thou art”. Bring back to our relationship the amazement of You I first knew. Help me seek each day the “awe” of how wonderful, powerful, and magnificent you are. To put aside my worldly commotion and desires. We need you; I need you now more than ever if I am going to be your witness to those that do not yet know you for the rest of my days. Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable in your sight my Lord. In your holy and magnificent name, I pray. Amen.
21 Days of Prayer Day 7 S.O.A.P. John Chapter 7
S-Jesus answered, “My teaching is not my own. It comes from the one who sent me. Anyone who chooses to do the will of God
will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own. Whoever speaks on their own does so to gain
personal glory, but he who seeks the glory of the one who sent him is a man of truth; there is nothing false about him. (John 7:16-18)
O- Jesus never claims to create truth, He is only communicating truth that was given to Him by the Father.
We cannot live our own truth because real, eternal truth only comes from God. Many of us never submit ourselves to this truth s
o we never have it confirmed in our hearts and minds. We may quote scripture, but if we are not living out the commands of that scripture,
we will never really have it transform our lives.
A- Not only do I need to study the Bible, I need to allow the words and wisdom to renew my heart and mind.
Knowing what God said is not enough, we need to obey also. I need to examine in my own life where I am a hearer of the Word but not a doer.
The Word of God is powerful but it can only truly transform our lives if we actively choose to follow its teachings and obey its commands.
P- Lord help me to listen to your Word and the Holy Spirit. May I not just hear the words, help me to obey them.
Holy Spirit please lead and guide me today and everyday to be obedient. Lord may all I do glorify you!
21 Days of Prayer Day 6 S.O.A.P. John Chapter 6
S - Jesus answered them, 'Truely, truly i say to you, 'you are seeking me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves.
Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you. For on him God the Father has set his seal. (John 6:26-27)
Jesus said to them, ' I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst'. (John 6:35)
O - After the feeding of the multitude, the people followed him because he provided earthly food,
and they only followed because they thought he would continue to do so. Jesus wanted them to follow to get the true bread of eternal life.
A - We need to concentrate on doing God's will by spreading the message to everyone that Jesus is the true Messiah.
If we do this, all of our earthly needs will be fulfilled.
P - Lord, thank you for sending Jesus to help us understand the true meaning of all of his signs and messages.
Help me to always put your will first, and trust in you to provide my earthly needs.
21 Days of Prayer Day 5 S.O.A.P. John Chapter 5
S: One man was there who had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had already been there a long time, he said to him, "Do you want to be healed?" The sick man answered him, "Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up, and while I am going another steps down before me." Jesus said to him, "Get up, take up your bed, and walk." And at once the man was healed, and he took up his bed and walked. Now that day was the Sabbath. (John 5:5-9 ESV)
O: There’s a lot going on in the 5th Chapter of John. The scripture that most “caught my attention” though, was the exchange between the lame man and Jesus at the pool of Bethesda. Jesus asked the man if he wanted to be healed. Many theologians take a disparaging view of this response. Instead of saying, “Yes Lord, I want to be healed”, the man responded with the reason why he couldn’t get to the pool that he thought would heal him, when the healer was standing right in front of him. Others theorize that he of course didn’t know who Jesus was. Later that day when he is questioned by the authorities, to escape ridicule, he uses Jesus as the excuse for breaking the Sabbath. John makes no mention here of thankfulness in the words of the now healed lame man.
A: Do I want to be healed? There are many that need a physical healing from our Lord. A miracle like that of the lame man at the pool of Bethesda. For most of us however, our area requiring healing is of our own making. If you have lived very long, we all have a habit, maybe even an addiction that separates us from becoming more like Jesus. Am I addicted to drinking too much, eating too much, spending too much time using electronic devices? Do I spend more time working for or desiring the approval of other people instead of the approval of God? Do I want to be healed?
P: Lord, please continue to show me the things in my life that need removed or put in order that will allow me to become “a lot more like Jesus and a lot less like me”. Cultivate in me a spirit that truly wants “to be healed”. Please give me the strength and desire to walk with you until the separation that I have created between us is no more. I am so thankful for all that you have done for me! I pray that your Holy Spirit will speak to me every day as I struggle with my shortcomings. Thank you, Lord Jesus, for your grace and mercy. Thank you for saving me and continuing to walk with me on this journey toward forever with you. In your name I pray…
21 Days of Prayer Day 4 S.O.A.P. John Chapter 4
S.-“Unless you people see signs and wonders,” Jesus told him, “you will never believe.”
The royal official said, “Sir, come down before my child dies.” “Go,” Jesus replied, “your son will live.”
The man took Jesus at his word and departed. While he was still on the way, his servants met him with the news that his boy was living.
When he inquired as to the time when his son got better, they said to him, “Yesterday, at one in the afternoon, the fever left him.” (John 4:48-52)
O- The official was desperate to have his son healed and pleaded with Jesus to go with him. Jesus instead healed the child from there.
A- Jesus does not have to go where we ask Him to to see our miracle happen. In faith we need to go to where He is sending us!
We need to listen to His plan and stop trying to sell Him ours.
P- Father please forgive me for thinking you have to go where I want you to go. Please give me a heart that will listen to your direction and not my own "wisdom".
Help have the faith I need to obey what and where you are calling me to.
21 Days of Prayer Day 3 S.O.A.P. John Chapter 3
S - Nicodemus, ruler of the Jews, spoke to Jesus saying ''we know you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him''. Jesus replied ''unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. (John 3:2-3)
No one has ascended to heaven except he who has descended from heaven. (John 3:13)
So must the Son of man be lifted up that whoever believes in Him will have eternal life. (John 3:15)
Whoever does what is true comes to the light so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out by God. (John 3:21)
O - By his works, Jesus proves that he is from God. If you want to understand God, you must know the works and signs of Jesus. Study and understand all signs from Jesus.
A - To begin to understand Jesus, we must first be born again in the spirit. We must believe that Jesus comes directly from God and only thru his sacrifice for us can we enjoy everlasting life.
P - Lord, thank you for sacrificing your Son for the forgiveness of my sins and giving me eternal life. Help me to study and learn more everyday about the great signs Jesus demonstrated in your word.
21 Days of Prayer Day 2 S.O.A.P. John Chapter 2
S: The Passover of the Jews was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. In the temple he found those who were selling oxen and sheep and pigeons,
and the moneychangers sitting there. And making a whip of cords, he drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and oxen.
And he poured out the coins of the moneychangers and overturned their tables. And he told those who sold the pigeons,
"Take these things away; do not make my Father's house a house of trade." ( John 2:13-16 ESV)
O: Jesus' anger at the situation was not because of money, itself. Pilgrims could not easily travel with sacrificial animals.
So, it made sense to provide sacrifices for them to buy near the temple. What bothered Jesus was the way in which business was being done.
Instead of providing a service to pilgrims, the merchants were gouging people to make a profit.
A: The emphasis on making money, instead of serving others, was unacceptable. This readily applies to my own life.
Am I making decisions in my life that allow me the time and resources to serve others. Have I allowed hobbies or leisure to
take away the time I could be serving others. Do I have the freedom to serve others, or am I trapped in the struggle of my everyday life.
This is not just about money, it is also my time and talents, as well as my attention to the leading of the Holy Spirit for where and how I can serve others.
P: Lord Jesus, show me the things in my life that need removed or put in order to allow me the freedom and resources
each day to devote more of myself to serving others. Help me to develop a lifestyle of giving to others because of what you’ve
done for me and for no other motive or reason. I pray that I might truly become the servant you describe as “good and faithful”, for it is in your name I pray…
21 Days of Prayer Day 1 S.O.A.P. John Chapter 1
S.- n the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning.
Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.
(John 1:1-4)
O.- Jesus has always been alive. He was there for creation, He is essential to all living things. All life come from Him. He was right there with the Father and is there now forever.
A.- If Jesus is essential for all living things, He is essential for me. I need to spend more time connecting to Him. This requires me to decide to say no to busyness so that I can say yes to Jesus.
P.- Lord thank you for the gift of Jesus, please help me never take Him for granted. Jesus I commit to connecting with you everyday.
The royal official said, “Sir, come down before my child dies.” “Go,” Jesus replied, “your son will live.”
The man took Jesus at his word and departed. While he was still on the way, his servants met him with the news that his boy was living.
When he inquired as to the time when his son got better, they said to him, “Yesterday, at one in the afternoon, the fever left him.” (John 4:48-52)
O- The official was desperate to have his son healed and pleaded with Jesus to go with him. Jesus instead healed the child from there.
A- Jesus does not have to go where we ask Him to to see our miracle happen. In faith we need to go to where He is sending us!
We need to listen to His plan and stop trying to sell Him ours.
P- Father please forgive me for thinking you have to go where I want you to go. Please give me a heart that will listen to your direction and not my own "wisdom".
Help have the faith I need to obey what and where you are calling me to.
21 Days of Prayer Day 3 S.O.A.P. John Chapter 3
S - Nicodemus, ruler of the Jews, spoke to Jesus saying ''we know you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him''. Jesus replied ''unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. (John 3:2-3)
No one has ascended to heaven except he who has descended from heaven. (John 3:13)
So must the Son of man be lifted up that whoever believes in Him will have eternal life. (John 3:15)
Whoever does what is true comes to the light so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out by God. (John 3:21)
O - By his works, Jesus proves that he is from God. If you want to understand God, you must know the works and signs of Jesus. Study and understand all signs from Jesus.
A - To begin to understand Jesus, we must first be born again in the spirit. We must believe that Jesus comes directly from God and only thru his sacrifice for us can we enjoy everlasting life.
P - Lord, thank you for sacrificing your Son for the forgiveness of my sins and giving me eternal life. Help me to study and learn more everyday about the great signs Jesus demonstrated in your word.
21 Days of Prayer Day 2 S.O.A.P. John Chapter 2
S: The Passover of the Jews was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. In the temple he found those who were selling oxen and sheep and pigeons,
and the moneychangers sitting there. And making a whip of cords, he drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and oxen.
And he poured out the coins of the moneychangers and overturned their tables. And he told those who sold the pigeons,
"Take these things away; do not make my Father's house a house of trade." ( John 2:13-16 ESV)
O: Jesus' anger at the situation was not because of money, itself. Pilgrims could not easily travel with sacrificial animals.
So, it made sense to provide sacrifices for them to buy near the temple. What bothered Jesus was the way in which business was being done.
Instead of providing a service to pilgrims, the merchants were gouging people to make a profit.
A: The emphasis on making money, instead of serving others, was unacceptable. This readily applies to my own life.
Am I making decisions in my life that allow me the time and resources to serve others. Have I allowed hobbies or leisure to
take away the time I could be serving others. Do I have the freedom to serve others, or am I trapped in the struggle of my everyday life.
This is not just about money, it is also my time and talents, as well as my attention to the leading of the Holy Spirit for where and how I can serve others.
P: Lord Jesus, show me the things in my life that need removed or put in order to allow me the freedom and resources
each day to devote more of myself to serving others. Help me to develop a lifestyle of giving to others because of what you’ve
done for me and for no other motive or reason. I pray that I might truly become the servant you describe as “good and faithful”, for it is in your name I pray…
21 Days of Prayer Day 1 S.O.A.P. John Chapter 1
S.- n the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning.
Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.
(John 1:1-4)
O.- Jesus has always been alive. He was there for creation, He is essential to all living things. All life come from Him. He was right there with the Father and is there now forever.
A.- If Jesus is essential for all living things, He is essential for me. I need to spend more time connecting to Him. This requires me to decide to say no to busyness so that I can say yes to Jesus.
P.- Lord thank you for the gift of Jesus, please help me never take Him for granted. Jesus I commit to connecting with you everyday.