Starting With Prayer Not Planning

Sunday Rewind is a 5-day Devotional based on the weekly sermon at Resonate Community Church

January 18th Sermon, Day 1

We live in a world where everyone seems to have an opinion ready to fire at a moment's notice. Social media has trained us to respond quickly, defend our positions, and win arguments. But what if there's a better way?

When facing difficult conversations, our natural instinct is to plan our arguments, gather our facts, and prepare our defense. We rehearse what we'll say and anticipate their responses. But Paul suggests a radically different starting point: prayer.

Prayer isn't just a nice spiritual addition to our conversations—it's the foundation. When we begin with prayer, we're acknowledging that we need God's wisdom, not just our own cleverness. We're asking Him to shape our hearts before we shape our words.

Think about the last difficult conversation you had. Did you spend more time preparing your arguments or preparing your heart? The difference is profound. When we start with prayer, we approach others with humility rather than pride, with love rather than the need to win.

Prayer reminds us that the person across from us isn't our enemy—they're someone God loves. It helps us see beyond the issue to the individual. It transforms our goal from winning to loving.

Today, before you engage in any challenging conversation, pause. Pray first. Ask God to prepare your heart, guide your words, and help you love well. You might be surprised how this simple shift changes everything.

Bible Verse

'Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison—that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak. Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.' - Colossians 4:2-6

Reflection Question

What would change about your difficult conversations if you spent as much time praying about them as you do planning your arguments?

Quote

Grace filled conversations begin with prayer.

Prayer

Lord, help me to come to You first before I engage with others. Shape my heart through prayer so that my words reflect Your love and wisdom. Give me the humility to seek Your guidance rather than relying on my own understanding. Amen.