Welcome to The Turnaround’s 52 Days of Prayer!
Introduction
Welcome to this glorious and victorious 17th day of prayer!
Insight
These verses are not as much about the children as us becoming childlike in order to embrace the Kingdom of God. In this chapter, Jesus reveals powerful principles and attitudes that are essential for living a life full of prayer and power. These are keys to unlocking a vibrant, faith-filled life.
The principles Jesus highlights are profound:
- The Power of Agreement:
- Aligning our hearts with God’s word and His will.
- Uniting in harmony with other believers, knowing that together, we can accomplish so much more.
- The Power of Faith:
- Standing firm in the conviction that our prayers do make a difference, even when we can’t see the results immediately.
The attitudes Jesus calls us to cultivate are those seen in the heart of a child:
- Trust: Embrace an open, innocent, and unwavering confidence in God’s goodness.
- Humility: Approach life with a teachable spirit.
- Mercy: Show forgiveness and grace, extending kindness instead of judgment, just as a child does without hesitation.
Even among those closest to Jesus there was contention, ambitious distractions, thinking of status and importance.Their hearts were caught up in earthly matters.
But then, Jesus called over a child. He challenged them to “Repent of who you are and become like this little one you consider insignificant.” Wow! Jesus’ Kingdom is a place where the greatest are those who serve, where power is found in humility, and where true importance comes from becoming childlike in heart. This teaching turns the world upside down—reminding us that the path to spiritual strength and significance lies in simplicity, trust, and servanthood.
Turnaround Questions
In what areas of your life are you striving for personal recognition or control? How can you embrace childlike trust, humility, and mercy? How can you shift your focus from seeking to be served or acknowledged to intentionally serving others with the heart of a child?
Prayer
Father, we come before You in awe of who You are—loving, merciful, good, and kind. There is no one like You, unrivaled and beyond compare. You are eternal, majestic, and supreme. In Your infinite love, it pleased You to call us your children. Thank you, Father.
We come with childlike faith, seeking to see what You see, to hear what You hear, and to feel what You feel, so that we may follow your example. We repent of our personal agendas, our stubbornness, our self-righteousness, and all that hinders us.
Father, we place our trust in You. We choose humility, and we extend mercy, just as You have so graciously done for us. In Jesus name. Amen
