This is the second post in a weekly installment of prayer devotionals that I’ve begun writing for my church. Since we are already partially through the week,  I will include the daily prayer prompts through today.

What does it mean when someone says, “I give you my word”? We take their statement as a promise. Giving someone your word means making a commitment to do what you say you will do. When witnesses have to give a testimony in court, they speak an oath to be truthful. When two people get married, they commit to one another verbally. In a simpler time before computers and credit cards, business deals were often made with a word and a handshake. When we talk to God, we voice our prayer. Words are powerful.

This week, we talked about committing to read the Bible. Let’s look at a few things the Bible has to say about God’s word:

• In his second letter to Timothy, Paul shared his experiences about being imprisoned for the sake of the gospel message, and he reminded Timothy that “… God’s word is not chained” (2 Timothy 2:9b), which encouraged him to keep his faith during trials. Isn’t it wonderful to know that the gospel message – God’s word – is alive and strong, no matter how hard the enemy tries to squelch it?
• The author of the book of Hebrews warned us about treating God’s word flippantly. We are instructed in chapter 5 to learn the basic truths of God’s word and help others understand it, as well. Otherwise, it says that we are like babies who still drink milk when they ought to be eating solid food. Being spoon-fed might sound appetizing for a while, but we’d miss out on the delights of the buffet!
• Moses and the ancient Hebrews learned the hard way that God’s word is serious instruction. The book of Exodus (check out chapter 24) tells us about how Moses received what we know as the 10 Commandments from God, yet time and time again, the Israelites disobeyed the Lord. God’s commandments back then are just as valid today. Will we obey?

God’s word is more than just print on a page. The apostle John used “the Word” as a metaphor to describe Jesus. We’ll use John 1: 1-14 as our prayer guide this week:

(Sunday) The Word was in the beginning. Our lives are calculated by the date we are born and the date we die. There is a beginning and an end. Although we celebrate Jesus’ birthday at Christmas, we don’t actually know his birthdate. Besides, in ways that confound our human brains, Jesus already existed! The Bible tells us that he was with God in the very beginning of time. Think about your life in the timeline of history. You were created for a purpose. Ask God how you could honor him with your life.

(Monday) The Word was with God; the Word was God. One of the things that I find appealing about our community is how relational it is. People move here and plant roots; they start family businesses and get involved in the local community. Isn’t it neat to know that God the Father and Son are also in a family business? Think about the folks who sat near you at church this week. Even if you don’t know them well, take some time today to pray for them and their families. (And if you don’t know them, take a moment next Sunday to meet them!)

(Tuesday) Through the Word, all things were made. Perhaps you have freckles and wish you didn’t, or maybe you have curly hair and wish it was straight. There are countless details that we criticize about our looks, but did it ever occur to you that God made you in his own image? The first chapter of Genesis tells us so! Take some time to thank God for creating you. Marvel at his love for you.

(Wednesday) In the Word is life and light. John 1 says that the Word is the light of the world, and the darkness cannot overpower it. Imagine being in a room so full of light that there are no shadows. We all have sinful places—shadows, if you will—in our lives that we’d like to keep hidden. Ask God to reveal those shadows/sins to you, then take time to ask his forgiveness. Jesus triumphs over darkness!