2 Timothy 1:3-9 NIV
3 I thank God, whom I serve, as my ancestors did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers. 4 Recalling your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy. 5 I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.
6 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7 For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. 8 So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God. 9 He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time,
INTERCEDE: The good news of Jesus Christ isn’t always popular today, nor was it popular in Paul and Timothy’s time. That can cause us to stay silent. In this passage we see Paul interceding in prayer while encouraging boldness and persistence in sharing the gospel. Ask the Holy Spirit to go before you, preparing hearts and then to help you break through your own fears and hesitations.
Looking to go deeper into today’s Scripture?
1. Sit quietly for a few minutes. Take a deep breath calming your heart and mind in the presence of Jesus. Ask the Holy Spirit to open your soul to hear what Jesus wants to tell you.
2. Read today’s Scripture slowly. Listen for God’s voice to you in the text. Read it again and try to identify one word or phrase that stood out to you or caught your attention.
3. Ponder/meditate what God is saying to you. What is going on in the passage? What is God wanting you to know? What is the good news He wants for you?
4. Begin to pray from this Scripture passage. Pray in response to what God is saying to you. What is the Holy Spirit laying on your heart out of this passage? Do you need to pray for a confession? Do you need to pray for action? Do you need to pray for a conviction or an affirmation?
5. Share with your family or friend. What is your key take-away from this passage? What will you put into practice? Who do you want to pray for to come to know Jesus?