And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit. - 2 Corinthians 3:18

One way the Holy Spirit works in our lives is through reflecting upon and beholding God in all of His glory. Psalm 19 tells us we can behold God's glory as we lift our eyes to the heavens, for they are shouting at us, "God is glorious." Just a few verses later in 2 Corinthians, we see that we can behold the glory of God "in the face of Jesus Christ." (2 Corinthians 4:6). Jesus is "the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power." (Hebrews 1:3) Today, we have the privilege of beholding the glory of God as we open up our Bibles and come before God in prayer. It's here that we ponder all that God is and all that He has done for us. As we behold Him, we are changed, not overnight, but day by day as we continue to come to Him.

When we consider how God has chosen to use His people, it has always been as His people have sought Him in prayer. This was true of Israel throughout the Old Testament, and it is the church's pattern in the book of Acts. It is fitting for us, as we recommit ourselves to Christ and His church, to close out this first month of the new year in prayer. Over the next fourteen days, we will have an opportunity to daily behold God's glory through His Word and in prayer. We will specifically reflect upon God's attributes, both his incommunicable attributes, which are true only of God, and his communicable attributes, which are true of God and can become true of the believer. There is much for us to do for God, but it should not be done before filling our hearts and minds with who God is. As we delight in God, our prayer is that we are compelled to declare and display Him in all of life.

To make the most of this time, set aside 5-10 minutes each day (or longer if you prefer) to read the brief devotion for that day and respond in prayer. We have provided a short prayer for you to use. Let's unite together in prayer, delighting in God, that together we might faithfully declare His good news and display His glorious character in all of life and for the good of our community.

Prayer is not the foe to work, it does not paralyze activity. It works mightily; prayer itself is the greatest work.”

– E. M. Bounds

14 Days of Prayer PDF

Day 1: God is Sovereign

“Remember this and stand firm, recall it to mind, you transgressors, remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose,’” Isaiah 46:8–10

God is sovereign over all things. He is in control and has all authority. He has no problems; He only has His plans. While our plans change or fail, God's plans cannot be thwarted. Nations rise and fall. Leaders come and go. God is sovereign over them all. (Dan. 2:20-21).

Our salvation rests not on our performance but God's sovereign will (Eph. 1:5, 11). Even in the depths of suffering, we can rest in our sovereign God who works all things out for His glory and our good. (Rom.8:28-32).

We see God's authority on display when we look at Jesus. It is on the basis of Jesus' sovereign authority that we are sent into the world to make disciples (Matt. 28:19-20). We do not march to the beat of our drum, but we march to the authority of King Jesus. God's sovereignty should humble us—we are not in control—and it should free us—we know the One who is in control of all things.

Prayer

Sovereign God, you are in control of all things, including my life. I humbly submit myself to you. I confess that I often wish I was in control and struggle when I feel like things are out of my control. Help me to trust you in these moments. Help me to submit my plans to your plans. Even in my suffering, Lord, help me to entrust myself to you. Help me see your hand at work in my suffering, but, even when I cannot see your hand at work, let me rest in your sovereignty. Over these next 14 days, increase my delight in who you are and what you have done for me. Let my delight overflow in such a way that I would tell others about you and reflect you in the way I live.