The Book of Revelation begins with John praying in the Spirit. What does this mean? Well, it is actually pretty simple. Praying in the Spirit is simply praying to God without audible words. Praying silently in your heart. Our spirit (lower case "s") communicates with the Holy Spirit (upper case "S") as we pray to God and listen to Him.

As we continue our journey through the seven letters in Revelation we want to practice this spiritual discipline as a church family. Below you will find five short devotions that will include Bible readings and a few thought starters. These devotions are not meant to stand alone. Our hope is you will use these to focus your attention on God, talking with Him and listening to Him throughout the day. Start your day with these readings and spend the rest of the day being intentional to pray in the Spirit about these topics.

We challenge you to share what God is revealing to you with someone in our church family. Let's encourage each other as we follow God together!

Revelation 3:14-22

“Write this letter to the angel of the church in Laodicea. This is the message from the one who is the Amen—the faithful and true witness, the beginning  of God’s new creation:

15  “I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the other! 16But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth!  17You say, ‘I am rich. I have everything I want. I don’t need a thing!’ And you don’t realize that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked.  18So I advise you to buy gold from me—gold that has been purified by fire. Then you will be rich. Also buy white garments from me so you will not be shamed by your nakedness, and ointment for your eyes so you will be able to see.  19I correct and discipline everyone I love. So be diligent and turn from your indifference.

20  “Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends.  21Those who are victorious will sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat with my Father on his throne.

22  “Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches.”

Remarkable for Christ

Reading: Revelation 3:14-16

Devotional: Just like the hot water springs in Hieropolis and the naturally cool water in Colossae, Jesus desires for us to be remarkable - not in our own strength, but through His power working in us. God specially made you for a very specific purpose and He has a plan for your life. He wants you to be who He made you to be. He wants you to be remarkable! What does it mean to be 'remarkable' in God's eyes, and how might that differ from worldly success? In what areas of your life have you been pursuing your definition of remarkable instead of God’s? Reflect on areas of your life where you may have become complacent or indifferent. Ask God to reignite your zeal for Him and to help you live in a way that stands out for His glory. Remember, true richness comes not from worldly possessions, but from the treasures we store up in heaven through our faith and obedience.

The Danger of Self-Sufficiency

Reading: Revelation 3:17-19; Deuteronomy 8:11-18

Devotional: Prosperity can be a subtle trap, potentially leading us to forget our dependence on God. In today's passage, Moses warns the Israelites about the dangers of forgetting God in times of abundance. As we experience blessings and success, it's crucial to remember that everything we have comes from God's hand. Take time to reflect on the blessings in your life. How might you be tempted to rely on your own strength or resources instead of God? Pray for a heart of humility and gratitude, acknowledging God as the source of all good things in your life.

Opening the Door to Christ

Reading: Revelation 3:19-21; John 10:1-10

Devotional: Jesus stands at the door of our hearts, knocking and waiting for us to invite Him in. This image from Revelation 3:20 is beautifully expanded in today's reading, where Jesus describes Himself as the Good Shepherd. He desires intimate fellowship with us, offering abundant life to those who follow Him. Consider the areas of your life where you may be keeping Jesus at arm's length. What fears or hesitations are holding you back from fully surrendering to Him? Take a moment to symbolically "open the door" to Jesus, inviting Him into every aspect of your life and committing to follow His lead.

Transformed by Renewal

Reading: Revelation 3:18; Romans 12:1-2

Devotional: True change comes not from our own efforts, but through the transforming power of God. Today's passage urges us to resist conforming to the world's patterns and instead be renewed in our minds. This renewal is the key to discerning God's will and living a life that pleases Him. Reflect on the ways your thinking may be shaped more by cultural values than by God's truth. Ask the Holy Spirit to renew your mind, aligning your thoughts and attitudes with God's Word. Consider one specific area where you can make a change today to live more in line with God's will for your life.

Finding Strength in Weakness

Reading: Revelation 3:19; 2 Corinthians 12:7-10

Devotional: Our challenges and weaknesses can actually be opportunities for God's power to shine through us. In today's passage, Paul shares how he learned to embrace his weaknesses, finding that God's grace was sufficient. When we face difficulties, it's natural to pray for relief. But sometimes, God's answer is to give us strength to endure, showcasing His power in our weakness. Reflect on a current struggle in your life. How might God be using this situation to draw you closer to Him and demonstrate His strength? Pray for the grace to see your challenges through God's perspective, trusting that His power is made perfect in your weakness.