Session 1

Busy with the wrong things?

From 40 Days of Prayer and Fasting Guide

Call to Prayer

In Revelation 3:1-6, Jesus rebukes the church in Sardis for being busy about the wrong things. The church appeared godly, but their actions were not empowered or led by the Holy Spirit. They were doing lots of work for God without working with God. 

Religious duty is an effective distraction that can, in time, replace devotion. As you pray, fast, and read today, ask God to reveal where your relationship has become more about activity than intimacy. 

May the Holy Spirit fill you with the awe and wonder you had at first. And may you find yourself turning back to God, remember that He has not turned His back on you. 

Today’s Scripture

Revelation 3:1-6

Ways to Pray

• Remember how it felt to hear the Gospel for the first time. Thank God for the gift of salvation! Ask Him to restore the awe and wonder you had as you first started following Jesus. 
• When’s the last time you felt God’s presence? Ask God to show you where you’re doing busywork rather than His work, and take the time to repent (Revelation 3:2-3, MSG). 
• Every word from God has relevance beyond its original audience. Ask God what He would have you and your church family take from Jesus’ words to Sardis. Pray for those lessons to come to pass.