Don’t Talk About It - 7-Day Prayer GuideSample

“There’s a Kingdom, and It’s Gonna Cost Everything”

Scripture: Matthew 16:24

Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me” (Matthew 16:24, ESV).

Big idea 

One of the basic tenets of Christianity is that one who professes Christ is a follower of Christ. In Matthew 16:24, Matthew conveys Jesus’ message for those who follow Christ that they must “deny themselves.” Jesus wanted them to understand that following Him came with a cost, so all who follow Christ must do so knowing that it will cost something. We must deny ourselves to be faithful followers of Christ. 

In this Scripture, the phrase “must deny,” is the Greek word απαρνούμαι (pronounced apar-nev-um-i), meaning to disown, renounce, forget, lose sight of self, and one’s interests. The illustration of self-denial is an individual entirely denying self, their motives, and impulses so that they are not in conflict with Christ. Therefore, the believer’s self-denial is not a suggestion but a command, a requirement to be a follower of Jesus Christ. Just as Jesus denied Himself, you must do the same, and this denial must also extend to your words, thoughts, opinions, and interactions. When you do not deny yourself, you reject Christ. 

Reflection

What are you willing to give up for the cross? Are you ready to lay down your pride, hurt, frustration, shame, anger, confusion, bias, cultural worldview, racism, presuppositions, your thoughts, hate, and a hardened heart (1 John. 4:20)? Are you willing to forget who you were before Christ and follow Jesus daily?

Personal reflection: Create a personal reflections using the questions above.

Prayer: 

Dear Lord, today I disown and lay down my mindset so that my words, thoughts, and interactions reflect you, and so that I may follow you wholeheartedly. I lay down anything that will hinder me from fully following you. Today, I pray for unity in your church that looks beyond cultural worldviews, politics, economic status, social position, and even race. Today I commit to the command of denying myself so that I may hear your voice, and all that I do will point people to you. In Jesus Name, I pray, amen!