RUTH DAY EIGHTEEN

• PAUSE

  [start with a moment to step out of your thoughts and life and into the presence of God]

  Lord, as I enter your presence now I take a moment to pause and to be still…. 

  ….to breath slowly and to re-centre my scattered thoughts and senses upon You.

  …. Speak to me I pray, and fill me with your Holy Spirit afresh this day. 

• REFLECT

  Take time to read through and reflect on the passage. Don’t rush it but be open to God speaking to you as you read.

  What did God say to you through this passage? Why don’t you pop it in the chat to encourage others?

  Devotional reflection: Nowhere else in the Bible do we see a custom like this. Ruth’s approach—turning up in the middle of the night and lying at Boaz’s feet—is unique. But unique problems often require unique solutions.

  Ruth was a foreigner, poor, and a widow living with her mother-in-law. The idea of her marrying Boaz—a wealthy, respected man—seemed like a long shot. Yet, this plan worked.

  What unique plans might God want to give me today? Nothing is impossible with Him.

• ASK

  Prayerfully reflect how this passages applies to your life. Ask God to speak to you now

  GROW people prayer: 

  Holy Spirit, guide my mind today. Your thoughts are higher than mine. Give me unique solutions to the unique problems I face—things I can’t figure out on my own. I quiet myself now to listen for Your voice and guidance.

  GO People prayer:

  Lord, I’m mindful of those around me who face tough situations. For some, it seems like there’s no way out. Please speak to them, Lord—or use me to share with them. Guide them with unique, God-given solutions.

• YIELD

  Take a look at the passage again. Take time to see if there is a word or phrase that the Holy Spirit reveals to you as a focus for your day today. 

  What has the Lord revealed to you? What will you take into your day today? What action is He asking you to take? Take a moment to pray a yielding prayer along these lines to the Lord today.

  Prayer for today: Lord, thank you for speaking to me to day. Give me courage to obey your word and yield to your Holy Spirit. I take seriously your leading today and seek to put your word into practice in my life through action today. Amen.