Romans 8:5-11 (NIV):
“Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God.
You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ. But if Christ is in you, then even though your body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life because of righteousness. And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.”
Morning Prayer:
Gracious Heavenly Father,
As I begin this new day, I am reminded of the powerful words from my morning reading: Romans 8:5-11. I pray that Your Spirit would guide my thoughts and reflections during this time of prayer and meditation.
Lord, help me to live according to Your Spirit and not be governed by the desires of the flesh. Open my mind to the things that You desire and align my thoughts with Your will. May I be filled with Your life and peace, experiencing the abundant blessings that come from walking in step with Your Spirit.
Forgive me, Lord, for the times when I have allowed the desires of the flesh to take control, for those moments when I have chosen my own way instead of submitting to Your law. Grant me the strength and the humility to surrender my will to Yours, that I may please You in all that I do.
I thank You, Father, for the gift of Your Spirit dwelling within me. May the presence of Christ be evident in my life, transforming me from the inside out. Empower me to live a life of righteousness, relying on Your Spirit to bring life to my mortal body.
Lord, I am in awe of Your resurrection power, the same power that raised Jesus from the dead. I believe that this same power lives in me through Your Spirit. I surrender myself to You today, knowing that You will give life and vitality to every aspect of my being.
As I step into this day, may Your Spirit guide my thoughts, words, and actions. May I reflect Your love, grace, and truth to those I encounter. Use me as an instrument of Your peace and a witness of Your transformative power.
I offer this prayer in the precious name of Jesus, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
Intentional Faith 