The

PURSUIT
A 4-Week Bible
Study for Women
By Amy Groeschel
The Pursuit is a four-week study that includes five daily lessons per week.
Although you can complete the study individually, it was designed to be
experienced in a group to receive the maximum benefit. Set aside time each
day of the study, to read through the section, look up scripture, write down
your answers to the questions, make lists, take notes, and really make this
guide your own. You may want to begin your pursuit by watching my
introductory video message: go2.lc/thepursuitevent

At the heart of this study is the pursuit to know God. As you complete the
next four weeks, you will be challenged and empowered to seek Him first and
foremost for relationship rather than for personally-desired results from Him.
And you can be sure that when you seek to know God with all of your heart,
you will find Him.

As you trust God and His truth begins to take root in your heart, you will learn
how to walk by listening to His voice. Once you have learned to hear God, He
can direct your daily steps, which enables you to fulfill His purposes on this
earth! It’s a continuing process of seeking God, renewing your mind in His
truth, keeping in step with the Spirit, and reaching out to others.

Each daily lesson will cover these four important components:

1. Seek God: Begin your time in focused prayer.

2. Obtain Truth: Read, ponder, and learn from God’s Word.
3. Abide by the Spirit: Personally apply what you have learned.
4. Reach Out: Share and live out the truth you are learning.
We believe that you will begin to soar with God as you pursue knowing Him!
Our prayer is that you will never be the same.

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The Pursuit Study

CONTENTS
Week One: Clearing the Path to Pursuing God
5 A Heart Assessment

9 Three Big Roadblocks

11 First Things First

13 Pursuing God in Faith

15 Conforming to God’s Image

Week Two: Pursuing to Know God’s Character

18 The Great Invitation

20 See Jesus, See God

22 I Am Who I Am - YHWH, The Lord

24 God Is …

26 God Is Love

Week Three: Pursuing God through Prayer

29 The Call to Pray

31 Prayer Attitudes

35 Prayer Attitudes (continued)

39 Continuous Prayer

41 Intercessory Prayer

Week Four: Pursuing God through Worship

45 Crush the Idols

49 The Postures of Praise and Worship

51 Whatever You Do

53 Worship in Spirit and in Truth

56 Worship in Your Warfare

Notes
59

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WEEK ONE
Clearing the Path for Pursuing God
Day One || A Heart Assessment
Watch the teaching video from Amy before you begin.
go2.lc/thepursuitwk1

SEEK GOD
Let’s start by evaluating where you are today in your relationship with God—whether
good, bad, ugly, or great. Be honest with your answers. Set a goal for where you want
your relationship with God to be in one year.

Where there is no vision [no redemptive revelation of God], the people perish...
Proverbs 29:18 AMP

Based on the way you live your life, how would you say you are keeping the first and
greatest commandment to love God with all your heart, mind, soul and strength? Circle
your answer.

Never Sometimes Often Consistently Always

On an average day, describe your relationship with God.

I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the
other! So, because you are lukewarm – neither hot nor cold – I am about to spit you out
of my mouth. Revelation 3:15-16 NIV

Of the three words below, underline where your relationship with God is today and
circle where you would like it to be in one year.

Cold Lukewarm Hot

Circle which of these statements best describes your relationship with Christ.

I’m losing momentum. My relationship is pretty flat.

It’s growing slowly. It’s growing quickly. I’m soaring with God.

Why do you think you answered the last question the way you did? Circle the statement
that most closely applies to you right now.

I’m not seeking God I’m minimally pursuing God I’m seeking God consistently

I’m clinging to Him I’m clinging to Him in everything

Spend time today praying and thinking about your answers.

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O B TA I N T R U T H
Take a moment and read the Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts
following passages. good character.” 1 Corinthians 15:33 NIV

Deuteronomy 6:4-9 The above verse was true of me. One day, I
Matthew 22:34-40 decided “no more.” No more believing the
lie. No more worldliness and sinful living.
What are you pursuing? Would you like a
I’m throwing all of it in the trash, and
hint? Look at how you spend your time
pursuing Jesus with all my heart. Once I
and money. How do you spend most of
made that decision, my life was drastically
your time?
changed! I devoured God’s Word and
spent all my free time at church or at a
Christian event. But slowly, as the months
How do you spend most of your money?
turned into years, my new life became
commonplace. Living mostly trouble-free,
I had become a “professional Christian.” I
When I was growing up, I pursued love
knew all the right answers at the weekday
and acceptance wherever I could find it.
Bible study and could sing every lyric to
Friends and boys were the top priority
the latest Christian songs. Life was good,
in my quest for acceptance. Instead of
or at least I thought it was. But I was
realizing that I already had my family’s
missing out on a thriving relationship with
love—and better yet, God’s love—I was not
my living God.
satisfied. I believed Satan’s lie that it
wasn’t enough. Sure, I prayed. But my prayer time was
usually focused on my desire to improve
“My family and God are required to love
myself or on someone’s prayer request.
me. My real value will have to come from
Those are not bad things to pray about, but
others.” This was the lie I told myself. And I
something was missing. My prayers had
believed it. My actions proved that I did.
ceased to be centered on knowing and
If you and I don’t throw out the lies, loving God. As I realized this and began to
worldly thinking, and sin in our lives, they refocus on knowing God, my relationship
will choke the Word of God that needs to with Him truly began to grow, deepen,
grow big and strong in our hearts. This and soar! This was a game changer.
is what happened to me. Everything
It changed everything.
God was trying to teach me was being
choked out.

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A B I D E BY T H E S P I R I T
Do you desire to seek God with all of your heart? Does it feel like something is keeping
you from seeking Him? Many things can keep us from experiencing intimacy with Him.
Someone might have wounded you, or perhaps something has caused your heart to be
closed or hesitant toward God. Maybe you believe that you’re not good enough for Him.
Maybe you’ve been deceived and have turned your heart to something or someone
other than God. Whatever it is, you can overcome it through Christ Jesus. When our
hearts are wounded, angry, bitter, or closed to people, our hearts are most likely closed
to God as well.

Have you ever built a wall to shut off your heart to someone? Have you closed your heart
to God in some way? Take a moment and really think about where your heart might be
avoiding intimacy with Him. Pray and ask God to open your whole heart to receive all
He has for you.
The truth is, holding onto our wounds and pain really only hurts us. Our patient and
loving God is ready to heal those hurting places. We need to bring the pain and wounds
out of hiding and into the light so that we can begin to open our hearts back up to God.

The greatest truth you’ll find in this study, The Pursuit, is that our amazing God is
relentlessly in pursuit of us!

We didn’t choose Him or love Him, but God chose us and loves us first and forever! This
was true even while we were in yesterday’s sin, it is true right now in today’s mess, and it
will always remain true, even in tomorrow’s junk!

I want to share a powerful song of truth: Unstoppable Love by Jesus Culture. Download
it from iTunes if you can. I pray it will cause an explosion of passionate love for God in
your heart as you realize His colossal and jealous love for you.

To pursue God with all of our heart, we have to be willing to open our hearts to God and
ask for His help. Dear sister, would you take a moment and do this right now?

REACH OUT
Tell a friend or your spouse about where you are in your faith/love journey with God.
Be honest and specific. Ask them to pray for your spiritual growth while you are going
through this study.

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Day Two || Three Big Roadblocks

SEEK GOD
Read the following verses from Matthew 11 aloud and hear the voice and heart of your
loving Heavenly Father speak to your very soul. Then sit quietly for a moment and thank
Him for His gentleness towards you.

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke
upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest
for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30 NIV

O B TA I N T R U T H
Take a moment and read the Do you want to soar with God? Are you
following passages. willing and ready to do this, friend? If so,
then we need to begin by identifying and
Isaiah 40:28-30
laying down all those things that burden
John 17:3
and distract you from truly seeking Him.
The eagle is a beautiful creature. When we are lacking in our pursuit and
Amazingly, its adult body is approximately desire for God, it is likely there are some
four feet long with an eight feet wingspan, significant and troublesome roadblocks
but it only weighs about eight pounds. It’s along the paths of our Christian journeys.
no wonder the eagle soars with such grace Let’s identify and examine three of these
and magnificence. It is hardly carrying major roadblocks today.
any weight at all!
Roadblock 1 – Busyness: “I want to have
I want to soar with God like an eagle! time for God, but I just don’t have time!”
Don’t you? If this is you, then God is not first in your
life. Rushing along and being swept into
Soaring with God allows us to see
the flow of a busy life will not bring you
everything from a new perspective.
closer to God. That is like trying to walk up
When my daughter was seven years old, a downward-moving escalator. You will
she took her first airplane ride. She said, eventually wear yourself out and
“Mommy, from up here, all those things get nowhere!
that we think are such a big deal seem
Whether we realize it or not, God is with us
so small. You can’t even see them from
all the time because He lives in us through
up here.”
the Holy Spirit. We can get so busy that
It’s all about perspective. When we are when we eventually slow down, we realize
soaring with God, He gives us a new that we have not even acknowledged
outlook on life. The concerns of the world God’s presence with us.
are much smaller because we have our
mind and heart set on things above. Our
hope is in Christ and His truth. Essentially,
God’s powerful strength renews us.

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How do we get past this roadblock? It’s How do we get past this roadblock?
important to get honest. If we really want When we hold on to something, God can’t
to do something, we will create time for be everything! We must totally surrender
it. We will even plan and arrange our our lives to God so He can set us free.
schedules to make room for the things Awaken each day resolving to make God’s
we want to do. Resolve to make your will your will.
relationship with God your first priority.
Roadblock 3 – Apathy: “I’ve tried quiet
Be intentional, and decide on your game
time and prayer and it wasn’t that great.”
plan today.
Have you ever had that thought or one like
“If you fail to plan, you are planning to it? I did. I would pray for a minute
fail.” Benjamin Franklin and become bored. I didn’t feel like I
was getting anything out of this time.
Begin the habit of continually
The spiritual disciplines were really
acknowledging God’s presence with you.
just a checklist or a duty to perform. I
Learn to think, talk about, and speak with
was lukewarm.
God throughout each day —throughout
your work, eating, watching a movie, or How do we get past this roadblock? This
interacting with other people. Recognize obstacle calls for some heart therapy.
Him in everything instead of making Him Tell God about it. Ask Him to help you
an additional thing that you try to fit in on desire and love Him more. I got past this
the side. roadblock by the grace of God. Feeling
desperate due to an ongoing problem in
Roadblock 2 – Disobedience: God wants
my life, God gave me a renewed hunger
us to pursue righteousness and become
to read His Word. As I read the Bible and
like Him. To do this, we need to readily put
learned more about who God is, I longed
away our old ways - our selfish, unloving
to know Him even more. My prayers
and wandering hearts that chased false
became alive and a sweet friendship
gods of pleasure, money, approval, status,
developed as I began to know God on a
and anything else that took God’s place
deeper level.
before we came to know Him through
Christ Jesus. These are roadblocks of
disobedience that prevent us from
experiencing the fullness of Him.

A B I D E BY T H E S P I R I T
Make a list of your common roadblocks in a notebook or the space provided. As you
pray over this list, surrender to God and resolve to throw off everything that keeps you
weighed down and attached to this world. Do you need to make a plan for how and
when you will connect with God? Do this now, too.

REACH OUT
Share the blessing of this new journey with someone else. It’s not too late! Who can you
invite to join you in The Pursuit study? Pray about who you can invite to seek God along
with you these next several weeks. Send an invitation soon to whomever God puts on
your heart and mind.

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Day Three || First Things First

SEEK GOD
Begin your time by tuning out all distractions. Acknowledge the presence of God with
you. Ask Him to prepare and teach your heart today.

O B TA I N T R U T H
Take a moment and read the following passages.

Matthew 6:19-34 Philippians 3:4-14 Revelation 2:2-5

Summarize Jesus’ main points in Matthew 6:19-34.

How does Jesus’ message specifically speak to you right now?

Now summarize Paul’s main message in Philippians 3:3-14.

How does Paul’s message specifically speak to you right now?

Summarize the main points of Revelation 2:2-5.

What does this passage challenge you to do?

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“But seek first his kingdom and his I thought I was letting God down if I didn’t
righteousness, and all these things will be have a regular quiet time. And honestly,
given to you as well.” Matthew 6:33 NIV I do believe God must feel disappointed
when we neglect Him. After all, He tells us
What does seeking God really look like
in the Word that He is a jealous God. I’m
in your life? Do you whine to God about
jealous for time with the people I love, too.
your worries? Do you complain to God
But here’s the deal, God doesn’t want us
about your needs? Do you seek God out
to come to Him out of obligation. Would
of a sense of some pious duty? Think for
you want an obligatory friendship with
a moment about what motivates you to
someone? No? Me neither. But when
engage with God.
you and I see God for who He really is,
There have been times when feelings of our hearts will truly desire Him. He is
guilt have driven my desire to spend time altogether lovely!
with God in prayer and Scripture reading.
Oh Father, open our eyes to who You are!

A B I D E BY T H E S P I R I T
If you have had unhealthy motives, take heart. God already knows, and He still loves
and pursues you! He simply desires for you to learn to draw near to Him out of love –
seeking Him as your first love.

Write, pray, or meditate on what your typical goal or desire is when spending time with
God in His Word and through prayer and worship. Tell God that you want to know
and love Him more fully. Cry out to Him and ask for more awareness of His gracious
presence in your life.

REACH OUT
Who do you know is filled with worry right now? Send them a message of
encouragement and let them know you are praying for them.

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Day Four || Pursuing God in Faith

SEEK GOD
“… Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God
belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of
God like a little child will never enter it.” Mark 10:14-15 NIV

Take those words of Jesus to heart as you come before your Heavenly Daddy today with
complete, childlike openness and trust. Share whatever is on your heart.

O B TA I N T R U T H
Take a moment and read Hebrews 11. In light of these faith-filled people who
Make brief notes of what each man or have gone before us, what does Hebrews
woman did in faith. 12:1-3 tell us to do?

These “Hall of Faith” heroes of Hebrews

11 weren’t perfect people, but they were
all obviously acquainted with the One
who is perfect! When you think about it,
their actions all must have seemed pretty Finally, read James 2:14-26. Based on
foolish to the common observer. But their what this passage teaches, what is an
childlike trust and obedience has now active faith?
been greatly rewarded. Did they know
the profound examples they were setting
for us—this great cloud of witnesses who
preceded the coming of our Messiah,
Jesus Christ? I’m not sure, but I pray that
you and I will become similar examples Did you see what I saw in this passage?
for future generations! Our faith is not so much about what we
believe, but what we do with what we
Therefore, since we are surrounded by believe. So what does this have to do with
such a great cloud of witnesses, let us seeking God? Let’s read Hebrews 11:6
throw off everything that hinders and the again to find out.
sin that so easily entangles. And let us run
with perseverance the race marked out for And without faith it is impossible to please
us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer God, because anyone who comes
and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before to him must believe that he exists and that
him he endured the cross, scorning its he rewards those who earnestly
shame, and sat down at the right hand seek him. Hebrews 11:6 NIV
of the throne of God. Consider him who
endured such opposition from sinners,
so that you will not grow weary and lose
heart. Hebrews 12:1-3 NIV

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A B I D E BY T H E S P I R I T
Are you living out an active faith? Do you come confidently into God’s presence ready
to be mercifully heard? I hope so! This is what God wants for us and it is what Jesus’
sacrifice and resurrection provided.

Personally, I have seen too many faith-deprived Christians. Their prayers do not reflect
any real sense that they believe that God truly hears them. They live their lives risk-free
and as comfortably as they can. I know, because I have been there and done that. It’s
where Satan wants to keep us so that we are never a threat.

Take some time to reread your notes from Hebrews 11 and then spend some time in
prayer. Ask God to increase your faith. There have been times when I have needed to ask
God’s forgiveness for living faithless and full of worry and fear. Is this something you
need to do now?

REACH OUT
Watch your faith grow as you put it in action! Pay attention to the people and
circumstances God has placed around you as you listen for His direction. And when you
see a need, meet it.

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Day Five || Conforming to God’s Image

SEEK GOD
And we … are being transformed into his [Christ’s] image with ever-increasing glory,
which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. 2 Corinthians 3:18 NIV

Before you begin today’s study, go before God in prayer. Bask in the reality that
He isn’t finished with you. His plan is to steadily and gloriously transform you
into Christlikeness.

O B TA I N T R U T H
As we conclude our first week in The Sacrifice does not come easy to us. It
Pursuit study, I want us to be reminded of means laying down our lives—offering
a chief priority that our Heavenly Father all we are to God. At Life.Church we like
has for us as we seek Him. One of God’s to say,
utmost desires is that we, His children,
“We will give up something we love for
grow up to become like Him.
something we love even more.”
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and
When we offer our lives as a “living
sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer
sacrifice” to God, we are choosing to give
your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and
up the things of this world for the One we
pleasing to God—this is your true and
love more—for the God who chose us and
proper worship. Do not conform any
loved us first. What do you think happens
longer to the pattern of this world, but be
when we worship God with all that we are
transformed by the renewing of your mind.
and all that we do?
Then you will be able to test and approve
what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and
perfect will. Romans 12:1-2 NIV

Offering our bodies as a living sacrifice

might seem familiar to you. That’s
because it is a lot like the first and
greatest commandment.

Love the Lord your God with all your heart

and with all your soul and with all your
strength. Deuteronomy 6:5 NIV

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Colossians 3 is speaking directly to us, Colossians 3:1-4 is one of my favorite
those who follow Christ! In it, we are told Bible passages. I hope it fires you up to
to do some very specific things. As you seek God the way it does me! We don’t
read through the passage below, circle the belong to this world, but to another,
things that you’re told to do. Underline unshakable, glorious kingdom that will
what happened to you and where your never end!
life is now. Draw a box around Whose
your life is and where you’ll appear
with Him.

Since, then, you have been raised with

Christ, set your hearts on things above,
where Christ is, seated at the right hand
of God. Set your minds on things above,
not on earthly things. For you died, and
your life is now hidden with Christ in God.
When Christ, who is your life, appears,
then you also will appear with him
in glory. Colossians 3:1-4 NIV

A B I D E BY T H E S P I R I T
Think this through, lovely sister: God cannot change what we will not offer to Him. Is
there any part of your life that you have yet to surrender and offer fully to God? If so,
will you write it down, along with a prayer of submission?

REACH OUT
Be a Christ like influence today as you lead by example. Make decisions that glorify
God. Demonstrate Christ’s love by being a patient, generous, and humble servant.

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WEEK TWO
Pursuing To Know God’s Character
Day One || The Great Invitation
Watch the teaching video from Amy before you begin.
go2.lc/thepursuitwk2

SEEK GOD
The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let the one who hears say, “Come!” Let the one
who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life.
Revelation 22:17 NIV

You have an open invitation from the Holy Spirit to draw near to His life in you and be
filled. How will you respond? Will you answer this invitation now by seeking God’s face
in a time of prayer? For as long as you can, even if it’s only five minutes, take some time
to intentionally focus on Who He is.

O B TA I N T R U T H
Some of you may be wondering why God is after your heart—all of it, always.
should we concern ourselves with He created us in His image to become
seeking God. Don’t we already have His very own children – to know and
Him in our lives? be known, to love and be loved. Will you
seek to know and love Him? He has been
The answer is both yes and no. Let me
waiting, patiently longing for you—for
explain it like this. You may live with
all of you.
someone right now, but that doesn’t
mean you don’t need to seek out time In a notebook, on a piece of paper, or in
for relationship, does it? What if you the space provided, begin a list with the
never spoke to your roommate or your title “My Relationship with God Needs .”
spouse, even though you live in the same Start this list by writing down God’s
house? That wouldn’t be a very healthy relational instructions underlined in the
relationship. In the same way, God’s Spirit passage below:
lives in us when we believe in and follow
Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the
His Son, Jesus. As we spend time with
land and enjoy safe pasture. Take delight
Him, we come to truly know Him more
in the Lord and he will give you the desires
and our relationship with Him grows
of your heart. Commit your way to the
and deepens.
Lord; trust in him and he will do this: He
So if you are a Christian, you have will make your righteous reward shine
confessed Jesus Christ as being Lord and like the dawn, your vindication like the
received His sacrifice for the forgiveness noonday sun. Be still before the Lord and
of your sins. But that moment was only wait patiently for him; do not fret when
the beginning of the most wondrous people succeed in their ways, when they
relationship you will ever have! Whether carry out their wicked schemes. Refrain
your relationship with God is in the from anger and turn from wrath; do not
infancy stages or you have walked with fret—it leads only to evil. For those who are
God for decades, it should always have evil will be destroyed, but those who hope
this characteristic: Closeness. in the Lord will inherit the land.
Psalm 37:3-9 NIV

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Next, identify God’s relational instructions Do you notice the incredible blessings that
in the following verses. Once you are come from being in a close relationship
finished, add them to your list. with God? If not, take another look at
the parts of both passages that were
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and
not underlined!
lean not on your own understanding; in all
your ways submit to him, and he will make Wow! What a good, good Father! I
your paths straight. Do not be wise in your want to—no, I get to—draw in close to
own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. know Him more and more. Will you
This will bring health to your body and join me now?
nourishment to your bones.
Proverbs 3:5-8 NIV

My Relationship with God Needs:

A B I D E BY T H E S P I R I T
To know God intimately is what we are after! And that is what God is after too!

Come near to God, and He will come near to you… James 4:8 NIV

Sister, this is your time. God’s great invitation to you stands open. Go to
Him once again.

REACH OUT
Pray that God will show you an opportunity today to practically demonstrate His love
through some simple, beautiful act of humble service.

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Day Two || See Jesus, See God

SEEK GOD
Read the following verse aloud as your personal prayer to God.

You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you; I thirst for you, my whole being longs for
you, in a dry and parched land where there is no water. Psalm 63:1 NIV

Continue to think on this verse as you pray from an overflow of your heart.

O B TA I N T R U T H
This week, we are going to dig into the The passages in John and Isaiah reveal the
Word to discover and celebrate God’s majesty and glory of Jesus our Lord. Next,
wonderful names and character. If we’re let’s look and reflect upon Jesus’ character
going to grow in our faith, trust, delight, during His earthly mission.
and intimacy with God, we must deepen
Philippians 2:5-12
our understanding of Who He is. I pray
that this week will bring you new vision What are the two main character traits
that will help you behold the wonders that Jesus displayed in the passage above?
and greatness of our God like never Write them on your list.
before. Let’s begin by reading the
Let’s go back to the gospel of John and
following verses.
read the following passage. As you do, pay
No one has ever seen God, but the one careful attention again to the character
and only Son, who is himself God and is and names of Jesus and add them to
in closest relationship with the Father, has your list.
made him known. John 1:18 NIV
John 5:1-30
The Son is the image of the invisible God,
Now, look over the list you just made as
the firstborn over all creation.
you consider the following verse.
Colossians 1:15 NIV
In your relationships with one another,
Seeing Jesus is seeing God. When we
have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.
observe the life of Jesus, we see the
Philippians 2:5 NIV
person, or personality, of God in action.
Our Savior Jesus Christ, who is King of
Now, look up and read the following
Kings and Lord of Lords, is also a humble
passages. As you do, make a list of the
servant - and we are to carry the same
character traits of Jesus revealed in these
attitude! We don’t make a show of our
verses. You might title this list “Character
high calling as God’s holy children. No, we
of God Revealed Through Jesus.”
follow the example of our Savior.
John 1:1-18
Isaiah 9:6-7

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Whoever claims to live in him must live as I woke up today with this question in
Jesus did. 1 John 2:6 NIV my mind. I believe it was the Holy Spirit
bringing me some gentle correction.
Allow me to ask you a question. Are you
Jesus, the Lord of all creation, made
living as yourself, or as Christ? Really stop
Himself nothing. Why do I ever try to
and consider this. Ask the question again,
make something of myself instead of
placing your own name in the blank
making much of Him?
below. Prayerfully consider your answer.

“Am I living as
or as Christ?”

Character of God Revealed Through Jesus

A B I D E BY T H E S P I R I T
Read over the full list you just made of the names and character of Jesus.
Pick one character quality that you need to cling to God and seek His help
for right now.

Next, choose one character trait or name of Jesus to delight in.

Finally, choose one character trait of Jesus that you would like to learn about and
understand more fully.

As you consider the list, can you see what a powerful, personal, and provisional God we
have? The fullness of God is actually more than we can comprehend! As you continue
to pray and consider the character of God revealed to us in Jesus, I hope it stirs you to
press on to take hold of knowing our glorious God more and more!

You can start learning more about these attributes of God today by doing a Bible word
search. It’s easy! Just get on your YouVersion Bible App or go to Bible.com and click on
the search icon. There, you can type in the word or words you’d like to learn more about.

REACH OUT
Bless someone who crosses your path today by sharing a truth that you learned from
today’s study.

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Day Three || I Am Who I Am - YHWH, The Lord

SEEK GOD
Consider the following verses.

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life …” John 14:6 NIV

When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart’s delight, for I bear
your name, Lord, God Almighty. Jeremiah 15:16 NIV

Soak your soul in the presence of God and bring your heart to the feast of Him. He is the
way, the truth and the life. And you, dearest sister, are called by His name!

O B TA I N T R U T H
Today, we are going to look at the which is why that name looks so strange
ultimate and utmost names of our God. to us. We believe it might have been
My prayer is that we will more fully grasp pronounced “Yahweh.”
the great awesomeness of the God we
YHWH is God’s proper name in Hebrew. It
love and serve.
appears 6,828 times in the Old Testament,
Look up and read the following passage. and is best translated “I AM WHO I AM.”
The Jews came to regard this word with
Exodus 3:1-15
such reverence that they never spoke it.
Notice the verbs that are attributed to God They didn’t want to inadvertently take the
on behalf of His people. Write them down. name of God in vain. So when they came
to the name YHWH in their reading, they
pronounced the word “Adonai” which
means “my Lord.” The English versions of
the Bible have basically followed the same
What are the three names that God calls
pattern. They translate the proper name
Himself in verses 13-15?
YHWH with the word Lord, often noted
in all capital letters. Whenever you see
this, you know that the name Yahweh is
behind it.
In verse 15, God instructs Moses to tell
I just love knowing God’s proper name,
the Israelites, “The Lord . . . this is my
don’t you? When I really want to become
name forever.”
acquainted with someone, I want to know
Have you ever seen times in Scripture and call her by her given name. But in
when Lord is written in capital letters and God’s case, how can any name ever truly
wondered why? When you see this, it is convey or encompass the fullness of His
because the original Hebrew translation glory? With the meaning “I AM WHO I
refers to God here as YHWH. The Hebrew AM,” YHWH is likely the closest a name
written language does not contain vowels, could get.

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Let’s pause a moment and ponder: What For in him we live and move and have our
do you think God meant by declaring being. Acts 17:28 NIV
Himself “I AM WHO I AM?”
David understood the sufficiency of God
I believe the name YHWH reveals God’s when he composed the famous Psalm 23.
totality and supremacy. There is only one
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
God and He is the One. Over and over
Psalm 23:1 NKJV
again, God stresses the uniqueness of
Who He is. Scripture shows us how Peter also knew
this provisional quality of God.
I am the Lord, and there is no other; apart
from me there is no God. Isaiah 45:5 NIV His divine power has given us everything
we need for a godly life ... 2 Peter 1:3 NIV
In 1 Timothy 1:17, we see that the apostle
Paul understood this about God when And Paul realized Christ’s sufficiency
he penned the words, “the King eternal, is actually more than enough and it is
immortal, invisible, the only God.” powerfully at work within us!

Yes, God’s name is forever YHWH. “I AM Now to him who is able to do

WHO I AM.” He is the only God. As my immeasurably more than all we ask or
daughter Joy once said, “… and there’s imagine, according to his power that is at
nothing you can do about it!” work within us… Ephesians 3:20 NIV

What does the name YHWH, or “I AM Should we pause and pinch ourselves? It’s
WHO I AM,” mean to you? mind-blowing, isn’t it? Our all-knowing,
all-powerful, ever-present God has
There isn’t only one right answer here. I
provided everything we need to live the
really want you to think about what your
life He has for us! He is powerfully at work
answer to this question might be. To me,
in us! He wants us to know this, believe
“I AM” conveys the absolute sufficiency of
this, and live from this. Let’s take all this
God. His very nature and being provides
truth in and embrace it!
everything we need, everything we are,
and everything that exists.

A B I D E BY T H E S P I R I T
I don’t know about you, but after studying about the great “I AM,” one scripture jumps to
the front of my mind.

What is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him?
Psalm 8:4 ESV

Seriously! God, the “I AM,” lives in you and me! (1 John 3:24) He intercedes for us!
(Romans 8:26-27) He has written our names on the palms of His hands! (Isaiah 49:16)
Take these next moments to reflect, pray, and worship the awesome and wonderful “I
AM.” Bring Him your needs. Praise Him for being your everything!

REACH OUT
Pray and ask the Holy Spirit to open your eyes and show you some ways you can reveal
the sufficiency and power of God to those around you. He may ask you to engage in
simple acts of loving sacrifice to others. He may call you to do things that require more
boldness and prayer. May all the ways you serve be to the glory of our God, the “I AM.”

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Day Four || God Is ...

SEEK GOD
Read the following passage aloud as your personal prayer to God.

O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; I thirst for you, my whole body longs for
you, in a dry and parched land where there is no water. I have seen you in the sanctuary
and beheld your power and your glory. Because your love is better than life, my lips will
glorify you. I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands.
I will be fully satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will
praise you. On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night.
Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings. My soul clings to you; your
right hand upholds me. Psalm 63:1-8 NIV

O B TA I N T R U T H
Did you know the psalmist David wrote Next, look up Psalm 23. As you read this
Psalm 63 while in the desert? Not a familiar passage, add each and every
figurative desert, we’re talking a real name and characteristic revealed about
desert—a waterless, temperature-breaking, God to the list you have begun.
life-draining, lonely wasteland. Knowing
Once you are finished, continue your hunt
that information as we study David’s
through the Scriptures printed below.
desperate words gives us a glimpse of his
profound intimacy with his God. Clearly, For the Lamb in the midst of the throne
David knew God well and clung to Him will be their shepherd, and he will guide
despite his harsh circumstances. them to springs of living water, and God
will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”
From this psalm, we learn that David
Revelation 7:17 ESV
knew God as his God—personal, yet
powerful. David knew God to be glorious, He will tend his flock like a shepherd; he
praiseworthy, overwhelmingly satisfying, will gather the lambs in his arms; he will
a helper, a protector, having indescribable carry them in his bosom, and gently lead
love, ever present and supporting. This those that are with young.Isaiah 40:11 ESV
was David’s personal “God Is” list.
As we consider all of these passages
Let’s create our own “God Is” list today as together, may our hearts be overwhelmed
we go treasure hunting in the Scriptures with awe and wonder at the tender beauty
for more names and character qualities of that flows from our Almighty God!
God. Start by writing the title “God Is…” in
a notebook, on a piece of paper, or in the
space provided.

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God Is ...

A B I D E BY T H E S P I R I T
Glance through the “God Is” list you just made. What name or quality of God grabs your
attention the most right now? Circle, highlight, or underline it. Consider writing it on a
sticky note and displaying it in a prominent place as a reminder to cling to, delight in,
or seek Him.

Whatever circumstance you are facing, whatever your need is, God says, “I AM.” I AM
able. I AM present. I AM holding you. I AM your guide. I AM trustworthy. I AM.

REACH OUT
Look up and read Ezekiel 33:21-35:15.

When we compare the good shepherd to those who have failed to look after the flock, it
is clear that there are a number of things that we are called to do.

Strengthen the weak. We do this through good teaching, encouragement, prayer, and
by building community.

Heal the sick. Honor all those in the medical profession and all those involved in the
healing of the sick. All of us can lay hands on the sick and pray for them in Jesus’ name.

Bind up the injured. There are so many broken people in our society. They can be
found in our prisons, in the homeless on our streets, and even in the boardrooms of
companies. Many are injured by the circumstances of life. The Spirit of the Lord enables
us to bind up the broken-hearted as we pray for them, embrace them, listen to them,
and care for them in our community.

Go after the strays. Like the Prodigal Son Jesus speaks about in Luke chapter 15, many
prodigal sons and daughters have strayed from the Father. They are like lost sheep. We
can help them come back to the Father’s arms.

Search for the lost. At times, we may have to leave the other sheep to search for the
one who is lost, to bring them back to repentance and cause more joy in heaven
(Luke 15:1-7).

Shepherd with justice. Seek justice on behalf of the oppressed, the needy, and the poor.
We should rescue children, women, and men from slavery, bring the perpetrators to
justice, set the captives free, and care for them.

What will you do? You can begin by encouraging someone as you share a fresh insight
that you learned about God from today’s study.

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Day Five || God is Love

SEEK GOD
Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always. Psalm 105:4 NIV

God longs for you to draw near to Him. Come close and seek His face. Before beginning
today’s study, stop and pray. Lovingly acknowledging that God is with you right
now. Ask Him to give you a deeper understanding of who He is through this time
in His Word.

O B TA I N T R U T H
What is the meaning of love to you? How Love is the greatest of all virtues. It even
would you define it to someone? trumps faith and hope. In its perfection,
love dispels all fear. Why is this? It’s
because love is a Person. Love, in its very
essence, is God. Therefore, love is only
realized and demonstrated from the soul
who possesses Love—God.
Look up the following passages. Make a
list of what these scriptures say love is and Our love is simply an overflow of our
what it isn’t. loving relationship with God. We love
others because God loved us first. I believe
1 John 4:7-21
we will always need a growing revelation
1 Corinthians 13
to further grasp the love of God.
Does reading these passages change
… I pray that you, being rooted and
your answer about the meaning of love?
established in love, may have power,
Multitudes of people search for love, even
together with all the Lord’s holy people,
as much of the world is sorely void of it.
to grasp how wide and long and high and
This lack of love is evident in every broken
deep is the love of Christ, and to know
and wounded soul. Love, when truly
this love that surpasses knowledge—that
experienced, ushers hope and healing to
you may be filled to the measure of all the
our hungry hearts.
fullness of God. Ephesians 3:17-19 NIV
From the Scriptures listed above,
we clearly see that love isn’t merely
determined by the things we do.
Appearances can be deceiving. What
may look loving can be laced with false
motives, right? We can do many things
that appear to be loving. But oddly and
sadly, we can be void of love in the midst
of our “good deeds.”

25
We have been rooted and established Why do think this fullness is connected to
in love, and we need God’s supernatural God’s love?
power to take hold of deeper insights
concerning His love for us. Take
a moment and consider the
following questions.

What does being “filled to the measure of

all the fullness of God” mean to you?

A B I D E BY T H E S P I R I T
Take a moment and reflect on the nature of God’s love being unchangeably who He is.
Worship Him for being patient with you. Praise Him for His kindness and forgiveness.
Bask in the wonder of His humility. Realize that God, Who is love, lives in you. You can
live from the abundance of this love when you give the Holy Spirit control. Have you
been living as an overflow of God’s love or from the overflow of your old nature? Make
this choice today. Who will you serve, yourself or your God?

REACH OUT
Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for
whoever loves others has fulfilled the law. Romans 13:8 NIV

God has lavished us with His unchanging, indescribable love. We repay this “debt” of
love as we love those around us. Make a list of the people with whom you are in regular
contact. This can include your next-door neighbor, a store clerk, or the person who
does your hair. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide your mind and heart to reveal specific ways
you can demonstrate the love of Christ to someone on your list today.

26
WEEK THREE
Pursuing God through Prayer
Day One || The Call to Pray
Watch the teaching video from Amy before you begin.
go2.lc/thepursuitwk3

SEEK GOD
Are you ready to begin your private time with your loving Father today? Quiet your
heart and mind. Enter into a time of prayer as you read this verse.

I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. Psalm 119:10 NIV

O B TA I N T R U T H
Before we go any further, I must admit Why? What is missing? Perhaps a better
that the task of expressing all that is in my understanding of prayer will help. Let’s
heart and spirit about the subject of prayer start by looking to the Scriptures for an
in five daily lessons is quite daunting to answer to this basic question.
me. Prayer is so deeply rich and personal
Look up the scriptures listed below. As you
to me. This subject contains the very heart
read each passage, pay special attention
of pursuing and knowing God. We will
to the “what” and “how” of prayer found
start by looking at two questions: What is
in these passages. You’ll notice the “what”
prayer? And, why should we pray?
and “how” of prayer reveal the importance,
What is prayer? Prayer is a turning of our or the “why,” of prayer. As you notice these
hearts and attention to God. It is giving things, write them down in a list entitled
God our desires and will and asking for “Why Should I Pray?”
His. It is an outcry of the soul to God. It is a
1 Peter 3:12
primary way in which we abide in Christ.
1 John 5:14-15
Prayer is our high privilege! Prayer offers Nehemiah 1:11
us entrance into a divine and intimate Matthew 14:23
communication with the Lord of Lords Mark 1:35
and King of Kings. At its core, prayer is James 5:13-16
all about a relationship—the most vital 1 Peter 4:7
relationship we will ever have. Jude 1:20
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Why should we pray? As amazing an
2 Thessalonians 3:1-2
honor as prayer is, I often still hear the
Matthew 7:7-11
question, “If God is all-knowing and in
control, why should we bother to pray?” Are you grasping the importance of prayer
And many who confess that they do pray yet? I could go on and on adding more
still seem to lack the rest, satisfaction, and verses for you to look up! You can always
confidence that being before the Almighty search on your own if you want more
Father should provide. evidence and encouragement. The Bible is
full of great insights on prayer.

28
Before we move on, based on what you’ve What beautiful truth about prayer is
just studied in the Word of God about explicitly conveyed in each of the
prayer, I’d like you to write out a few of above verses?
your own thoughts and conclusions about
the significance of prayer.

The Lord hears us! Isn’t that too wonderful

to fully comprehend? Of course, we
know and assume a major function of
Of all the reasons that I could give about prayer is that we are communicating to
why we should be people of prayer, be heard by God. But how many times do
the following verses in Psalms display we feel doubtful and question whether
it clearly: or not our prayers are ever penetrating
past the natural realm? Our faith needs
The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears
to be built up in this area! When we pray,
them; he delivers them from all their
aside from the hindrances of unrepentant
troubles. Psalm 34:17 NIV
sinful living, unbelief, and greedy prayers
Evening, morning and noon I cry out in (James 1:6-8, 1 John 3:21-22, and James
distress, and he hears my voice. 4:3), God’s ears are open and attentive to
Psalm 55:17 NIV us! His heart is bursting to bless and make
known His loving faithfulness!
The Lord hears the needy and does not
despise his captive people.
Psalm 69:33 NIV

A B I D E BY T H E S P I R I T
God tells us to pray. God wants us to pray. Here are some questions to consider. Are you
praying? If your prayer life is weak and minimal, why do you think that is?

Do you need to ask God to increase your faith? Maybe you need to ask for a softened
heart. Remember, we often do not have because we have not asked. What do you need
to ask and believe God for personally? Examine your motives and be specific.

Are you seeking God in prayer purely out of a desire to know Him? If not, what is
holding you back?

What can you commit to do in order to better know God intimately through prayer?

I hope and pray that today’s lesson has strengthened your faith as to why we pray. Let’s
all resolve to live a life more connected to God through the gift of prayer.

REACH OUT
I encourage you to seek out a prayer-partner relationship. This is someone with whom
you can share prayer requests as you hold each other accountable in prayer.

29
Day Two || Prayer Attitudes

SEEK GOD
… I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned
child is my soul within me. Psalm 131:2 ESV

No matter what the state of your soul is right now, you can receive rest and peace as
you come before your loving Daddy. Allow His arms to sweep over you and bring you
in close for a soul embrace. He loves and desires to minister wholeness to every part
of you—spirit, soul, and body. Sink deep into Him and breathe deeply. Thank Him for
His love.

O B TA I N T R U T H
I get crazy excited when sharing about now. I can’t wait to see what God will
what I call “Prayer Attitudes.” What do I do!” Whatever your attitude about prayer
mean by “attitude”? An attitude is a way is right now—whether weak, weary and
of thinking or feeling about someone or indifferent, or eager and passionate—
something and is typically reflected in a know that it truly matters. It matters
person’s behavior. to God.

What’s your general attitude when you Personally, I’ve been all over the prayer-
approach God in prayer? What you think attitude spectrum. I am so thankful that
and feel about God determines the way in more recent years, as I’ve grown in
you will approach Him in prayer. Maybe my relationship with God, He’s led me to
you’ve thought or said something like a place of passion about pursuing Him
this, “I’m not sure God hears my prayers. in persistent prayer. Luke 18 is a favorite
What’s the use?” or, “I’ve already tried chapter of mine on the subject of prayer.
praying about it. Nothing’s changed.” Or Over the next two days, we will look at
maybe you’re full of faith with a more four prayer-attitudes that the Lord Jesus
positive stance, like, “I want to pray right teaches us.

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Prayer Attitude 1 – Passionate Perseverance
Read Luke 18:1-8. As you do, be sure to In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice;
note why Jesus told this parable! in the morning I lay my requests before
you and wait expectantly. Psalm 5:3 NIV
Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to
show them that they should always pray We’ve got to learn to be patient. After all,
and not give up. Luke 18:1 NIV God’s been so very patient with us! We
often have impatient prayer attitudes.
A prayer attitude of passionate
Sorry, but there will never be a Divine
perseverance says, “My God is just and
Instant Answers App. I’ve prayed for the
good. Therefore, I won’t give up! I will
salvations of some family members for
continue to ask and believe!” Jesus would
y-e-a-r-s! (Most are now Christians!)
say to us, “My child, keep asking, hour
I’ve been asking and waiting for over 12
by hour, day and night, week after week,
years now for my own physical healing
month after month, and year after year.
concerning a certain issue. But God’s
Don’t give up! Trust Me. Have faith in Me!”
delays aren’t always denials. Only He
When my first-born daughter Catie was knows the full story! In the meantime, you
18 months old, she was obsessed with and I can trust God completely! His ways
American cheese slices. Every time she are always faithful and trustworthy for His
finished eating a slice, she ran over to the children. We won’t always understand His
refrigerator door and pulled its handle. purposes. But we DO know ours! We are
Unable to open the refrigerator, she would to keep asking! We are to remain on the
then look to me and plead, “Eezze!” Over path of passionate, persevering, faith-
and over again, she would eagerly beg filled prayers! This. Is. God’s. Will. For.
for more. And over and over again, this Us. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 tells us to pray
stubborn mom would eventually give in continually. And I pray that Jesus will find
to her cuteness. (Within reason—I didn’t a multitude of faith-filled, praying, Christ
want her to make herself sick.) followers when He returns.

I don’t know about you, but I want this

kind of passionate perseverance! I believe
God wants our prayers to be intensely
heartfelt. Don’t just pray because you
should. Pray because He hears! And He
wants to know that we desperately love
and cling to Him in all things.

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Prayer Attitude 2 – A Humble Heart
To some who were confident of their Afterward, I began to ask myself, “Father,
own righteousness and looked down on do I ever do this to you? Do I try to
everybody else, Jesus told this parable: impress You or try to win Your favor and
blessings?” I have to admit I sometimes
“Two men went up to the Temple to
see this attitude subtly creep into my
pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax
thinking. “God will hear and answer me
collector. The Pharisee stood by himself
when I’ve kept up with my Bible reading,
and prayed this prayer: ‘God, I thank you
prayer time, giving, serving, etc.” This is
that I am not like other people – robbers,
wrong thinking! It places confidence in
evildoers, adulterers – or even like this tax
my efforts. As if I could add anything to
collector. I fast twice a week, and I give
Christ’s finished work! It is pride. Pride
you a tenth of all I get.’
seeks to make me the focus. Other people
“But the tax collector stood at a distance. must come beneath us when we seek to
He would not even look up to heaven, elevate ourselves.
but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit;
mercy on me, a sinner.’ I tell you that this
a broken and contrite [repentant] heart, O
man, rather than the other, went home
God, you will not despise. Psalm 51:17 ESV
justified before God. For all those who exalt
themselves will be humbled, and those Jesus became our righteousness when
who humble themselves will be exalted.” we received Him by faith. We don’t need
Luke 18:9-14 NIV to “butter-up” or try to impress God! His
loving work in and through our lives is
What prayer attitude did the
based on the grace and faith given to
Pharisee have?
us when we became His adopted child!
Therefore, we should come before our
gracious and loving God with a heart of
humility. A humble heart in prayer says,
What prayer attitude did the tax “Gracious Father, I am amazed by your
collector have? great mercy and love for me! Thank you
for teaching me through Your Word that I
can boldly ask you to hear my requests!”

Did you notice how this prayer’s focus was

My youngest daughter Joy approached on God’s goodness? Living in feelings of
me one day with a request to eat dinner guilt over sins we’ve already confessed or
at her favorite restaurant. She began her taking pride in our own good works will
entreaty with a syrupy string of, “Mommy, make our prayers about us. Our identity
I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you, and confidence should be in Christ alone!
and I LOVE YOU!” I guess she thought she A self-righteous attitude won’t get you
needed to earn some points to entice me very far with God in prayer. We must
to comply. To her great surprise, I said, seek to maintain an attitude of humility
“Sorry, no. Not tonight, Honey. But I love through which God graciously hears and
you, too!” Although Joy had appeared responds to us with His best.
to come to me humbly, her insecure
If you crave more study time about prayer
pride was revealed as she tried to win
today, read Matthew 6:5-18. Make a prayer
my approval by flattery. (Yes, pride and
attitudes list in a notebook or this guide
insecurity go hand-in-hand.) Her pride
from the teachings of Jesus. I hope
said, “Be good enough, and that will get
you will do this and be blessed with
me what I want.”
rich insights!

32
A B I D E BY T H E S P I R I T
Consider the question again. What is your general attitude when you approach God
in prayer?

Remember, what you think and feel about God determines the way you will approach
Him in prayer. Are you praying with a passionate perseverance or have you given up on
some of your requests ever being answered?

If you’ve realized that you need to engage once again in prayer for certain people and
situations, create a prayer list. Commit to a daily routine of prayer.

Do your prayers display a humble, yet confident approach? Or do you often feel the
need to earn merit points with God through good behavior in order for your prayers to
be truly heard?

Dear sister, there is no special sauce, formula, or right words to pray for God to respond.
Be set free of this lie today! The truth is your prayers don’t have to be perfectly eloquent
or powerful in Bible terminology. They simply need to be sincere, constant, humble, and
with a confident faith in the goodness and ability of your God.

REACH OUT
Do you know someone who is full of anxiety right now?

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with
thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all
understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7 NIV

This verse is a great encouragement and reminder to exchange all our worry and doubt
and commit to taking everything to God in prayer. Who can you lovingly share this
verse with today?

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Day Three || Prayer Attitudes (Continued)

SEEK GOD
Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice. Look to the Lord
and his strength; seek his face always. 1 Chronicles 16:10-11 NIV

Before you begin today’s study, seek the Father’s heart. Don’t rush this. Take your time.
Your relationship with Him is far more important than anything else.

O B TA I N T R U T H
People were also bringing babies to Jesus for him to place his hands on them. When the
disciples saw this, they rebuked them. But Jesus called the children to him and said, “Let
the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs
to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a
little child will never enter it. Luke 18:15-17 NIV

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Prayer Attitude 3 – Childlike Dependence
Of all the prayer attitudes, this one is My own children are still ridiculously
probably my favorite because it rightly dependent on me at times. They seem
makes much of God. Let’s take another to think that I’m a nurse, a wastebasket,
look at that last verse. a water fountain, a snack bar, and an
entertainment center. “My tummy hurts!
Truly I tell you, anyone who will not
Here’s my empty wrapper. I’m thirsty!
receive the kingdom of God like a little
I’m hungry! I’m bored.” Sometimes it’s
child will never enter it. Luke 18:17 NIV
a little annoying. But hey, at least these
All the promises of God and His Kingdom are honest, humble, and very dependent
must be received like a little child. But requests! They cling to me. Some do it
what does that mean? It doesn’t mean literally! They need me.
that God wants us to become immature
And God knows we desperately need
and ignorant. On the contrary, we know
Him. Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, how we need
that God would have us grow in spiritual
our Father God! On our own we are so
maturity and in wisdom and knowledge.
terribly poor, weak, and unable. You don’t
So what are the childlike qualities that God
believe me? Who is sustaining your every
desires for us to have? Faith, dependence,
heartbeat and breath right now? Only
and sincerity are certainly some good
through God do we live and move and
characteristics of a child-like attitude. But
have our being (Acts 17:28). Apart from
sadly, the world pulls us towards self-
Him, we can’t do anything (John 15:5).
reliance, pride and pretension. We must
resist the world’s system! As Christians, This is how I now come to God in prayer.
Christ calls us to be made new in the Clinging to His wisdom and strength,
attitude of our minds. my prayers are often unpolished, messy,
and unmistakably simple. They are
You were taught, with regard to your
more specific, faith-filled, and open to
former way of life, to put off your old
listening in silence rather than babbling
self, which is being corrupted by its
on. My trust is deeper and my heart is
deceitful desires; to be made new in the
more willing to obey. So while my prayer
attitude of your minds; and to put on the
relationship has become more childlike, I
new self, created to be like God in true
am growing in maturity at the same time!
righteousness and holiness.
All glory to God for being my faithful,
Ephesians 4:22-24 NIV
perfecting Father!
One way to beat the traps of the world and
Proverbs 3:5-6 truly explains in perfect
its spiritual darkness is to have the attitude
clarity the childlike dependence we should
of a little child. I believe that our prayers to
strive to maintain. Read it carefully now, as
God should have a childlike disposition.
if for the very first time, like a little child.
About five years ago, I asked God to give
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and
me a greater revelation of what it means
lean not on your own understanding; in all
to live by His Spirit. His answer? “Depend
your ways submit to him, and he will make
on Me.” “And how am I to depend on You,
your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV
Father?” I asked. “Like a helpless infant
depends on their caregiver,” was His
gentle revelation to my heart. Gasp! I was
dazed as I reflected on His clear message.
“Really, Lord? This sounds like complete
and utter dependence, but yes. Yes! This
agrees with Your Word, ‘Apart from Me you
can do nothing.’”

35
Prayer Attitude 4 – Joyful Surrender
No one displays this quality better eternal life but not at the expense of a fully
than Jesus. surrendered earthly life. What a tragedy!
He needed a prayer attitude of joyful
... For the joy set before him he endured the
surrender. Instead, he was deceived into
cross, scorning its shame, and sat down
caring more about temporary pleasures
at the right hand of the throne of God.
than eternal glory.
Hebrews 12:2 NIV
We must all first come to Christ by making
Look up the following passages. As you
a great exchange—all of His life for all
read them, be sure to examine Jesus’
of ours. But it doesn’t end there! That’s
prayer-attitude closely.
just the beginning! As we remain in
Hebrews 5:7-8 Him, we are to continue in a life of joyful
Luke 9:23 abandonment. This is easier said than
done, right?
Although we see Jesus as fully
surrendered, these passages seem far As God’s child, your spirit longs to follow
from joyful. And what about His daunting your Father and bring Him glory in all
words, saying we must deny ourselves and you do. That means our attitude in prayer
take up our cross to follow Him? What’s should be without any self-seeking
joyful about that? agenda and with a heart surrendered to
His will.
I believe the joy is found in the midst of
our obedience. That’s because no matter A few years ago, the Holy Spirit led me
how difficult, our obedience demonstrates to begin a new ministry endeavor. I will
our faith. We know there are future be frank. It thrilled me and terrified me.
rewards for the Kingdom of God, and God gently asked me, “Amy, if I lead
amazingly, for us too! you, are you willing to follow no matter
what the cost?” His call to me entailed
To glimpse this awesome truth for
great sacrifice, discomfort, and many
yourself, look up 2 Corinthians 4:7-17.
unknowns. But we don’t have to have all
Did you read what I just read? Does His the details and answers to obey God fully
Word really promise daily renewal and in what He shows us to do. Therefore, in
eternal glory for me, for you, for us? Yes! faith and with joyful surrender, we can
Are you feeling any joy now? willingly take up our cross and follow Him.

Now, let’s shift gears and look again at Oswald Chambers once said about
Luke 18. There we read about a certain obedience, “Obey God in the thing He
rich ruler who had the honor of a face- shows you, and instantly the next thing is
to-face encounter with Jesus Christ. A opened up.” He also said, “God will never
wealthy leader, he already had many reveal more truth about Himself until you
blessings from God. But this man knew have obeyed what you know already.”
that he lacked what was needed for true There is no other way to live a life to its
righteousness and eternal life. So he asked fullest than to joyfully surrender your life
Jesus, “What must I do to inherit eternal to Him.
life?” This ruler claimed to have kept all of
Are you craving more Bible study? You can
God’s commands since childhood, but to
discover more about prayer attitudes by
reveal his true devotion, Jesus answered,
reading Luke 18:35-43. As you read, make
“You still lack one thing. Sell everything
note of any insights by adding to your
you have and give to the poor, and you
“prayer attitudes” list.
will have treasure in heaven. Then come,
follow me.” The man became very sad
because he had great wealth. He wanted

36
A B I D E BY T H E S P I R I T
How childlike are your prayers? Explain.

Little children are typically not wise in their own eyes. Are you?

Unfortunately, there have been too many occasions when I think too highly of my
“wisdom,” even in my prayers. I’ve caught myself trying to “help” God know how to
handle a certain matter. I don’t think God has ever said, “Gee, Amy, thanks for that
great idea! I hadn’t thought of that.” Instead of trying to be so clever and spiritually
sophisticated, we need to allow God’s Spirit to prompt our hearts and minds and guide
us in how to pray—and we can do this even while we are praying!

How joyfully surrendered are you in prayer?

Do you live before God as a fully yielded soul, or are you holding tightly to a harmful
habit, a sinful pleasure, or the easy (lazy) way? What else may be keeping you from
joyfully surrendering everything to Him?

Will you ask God to show you any way that you might be deceived? Are you willing to
lift your hands in abandon and give everything to Christ Jesus? I pray you will know the
joy of a life fully surrendered to Him.

REACH OUT
Ask your Heavenly Father what childlike act of obedience He has for you today. This
could be anything, but be aware; it will take faith and it may not make sense! Don’t
hesitate to follow through. Blessings await you!

37
Day Four || Continuous Prayer

SEEK GOD
He [the Sovereign Lord] wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like
one being instructed. Isaiah 50:4 NIV

Spend time being still, quiet, and just listening to the Father. Ask Him to open your
spiritual ears so that He can teach you. Write out any lesson He blesses you with.

O B TA I N T R U T H
I believe it’s vital that we develop a lifestyle Right now, you might be thinking,
of continuous prayer. Prayer is not just a “Continually? Really? How is that even
part of our daily spiritual rituals; it should possible? What would it look like? I’m busy
be the most thriving conversation we and I don’t have that kind of time. This
have throughout each and every day. Our sounds too hard.”
prayers are needed. God even asks for
I want to encourage you as someone who
them. Just look at these Scriptures that
used to compartmentalize my prayers
encourage us to pray.
and rarely did spontaneous praying, I
They all joined together constantly in understand. But you can do this! Ask for
prayer … Acts 1:14 NIV God to help you. That’s all I did to learn
all-the-time prayer. I simply asked God to
… pray in the Spirit on all occasions...
teach me, nudge me (I’m easily distracted),
Ephesians 6:18 NIV
and remind me of my continual need
Continue steadfastly in prayer … for him.
Colossians 4:2 ESV
Some of you might argue, “But I’m too
We also thank God continually … undisciplined and weak to go to God in
1 Thessalonians 2:13 NIV constant prayer.” The following passage
should dispel that fear and doubt.
As we pray most earnestly night and day ...
1 Thessalonians 3:10 ESV For we do not have a high priest [Jesus]
who is unable to empathize with our
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction,
weaknesses, but we have one who has
faithful in prayer. Romans 12:12 NIV
been tempted in every way, just as
Pray continually. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 NIV we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then
approach the God’s throne of grace with
King David provides us a great example of
confidence, so that we may receive mercy
being faithful in prayer:
and find grace to help us in our time of
Evening, morning and noon I cry out in need.” Hebrews 4:15-16 NIV
distress, and he hears my voice.
Psalm 55:17 NIV

How often are we told to pray?

38
Jesus empathizes with your weakness! Look up Daniel chapter 6 in the Bible.
He understands your reluctance! And As you read this passage, I pray you are
He’s waving you towards the throne of inspired by Daniel’s example of faithful
God saying, “Come here, my child! Come and dedicated relationship to God.
and receive the mercy and support you
What prayer attitudes do you see Daniel
need.” In fact, realizing your inabilities is
exemplifying in this chapter?
a perfect condition for continual prayer!
Paul E. Miller, author of A Praying Life,
explains, “You don’t need self-discipline
to pray continuously: you just need to be Remember, our prayer attitudes—patient
poor in spirit.” I completely agree. Why? persistence, a humble heart, childlike
Because I believe that our communication dependence, and joyful surrender? Daniel
with God is most frequent when we realize seemed to completely possess all these
our complete and utterly desperate need qualities in his relationship with God!
for God.
Why do you think Daniel was so fearless
Think about this. What is a young child about disobeying the king’s decree?
often like around their caregiver? If you
don’t know, allow me to paint you a
picture: They love to cling to your legs
What do you think you would do now if it
and cry out, “Hold me!” Some love to ask
were against the law to pray to God?
questions over and over again—all in the
same hour. They are continuously needy
talkers, playmates, and snugglers who
don’t want you to miss out on a moment What stood out to you most in this
of enjoying them. Ever. They’re needy, chapter? Why?
right? They can be exhausting! But unlike
a human caretaker, our loving, faithful
Caregiver does not grow weary. Instead,
He is delighted when we constantly look
to Him!

A B I D E BY T H E S P I R I T
It’s time to be doers of the Word and not just hearers (or readers). So pray! Pray when you
need to type that email. Pray as you walk into that store. Pray as you drive. Pray before
opening your mouth when talking to your child, spouse, friend, boss, or co-worker.
Pray when you don’t know what to do with your free time. Pray because you just need
to express gratitude. Pray before, during, and after that test. Pray when you can’t sleep.
Pray when you are sad, angry, happy, bored, confused, worried, depressed, or sick. Pray
simple, one-word prayers like, “Help!” Pray when you’re writing a Bible study. (Oh yes, I
am praying now! God, please guide my thoughts and give me your words to instruct my
dear sisters and build them up.) In everything, just keep praying.

REACH OUT
As you pray, pray, and pray some more, don’t forget to make and keep a prayer request
list going of people who are in need of your prayers! I have a prayer list on my phone
and in a prayer journal.

39
Day Five || Intercessory Prayers

SEEK GOD
Be still, and know that I am God... Psalm 46:10 NIV

You may be very familiar with that verse, but how well do you practice its command?
Use the next few minutes applying this verse to your life. Yes, right now, just be still and
know that He is God.

O B TA I N T R U T H
Besides repentance, to me there is nothing Colossians 1:9-12
more meaningful and beautiful than Ephesians 6:18-20
time spent interceding for others. True Colossians 4:12
intercession is a selfless act where our Luke 6:27-28
hearts connect with the suffering and Ephesians 1:17-20
needs of others. It’s where we stand in the Philippians 1:9-11
gap for the weak and believe all things
I’d love to continue adding Scriptures for
are possible with God. It’s where miracles
you to read, as the Bible is full of lessons
and maturity happen and the fullest joy is
and examples in prayer! But for the sake
found. Advocating in prayer for people is
of time, I’m hoping and praying that this
not just for the church “prayer team.” It is
small sampling will open your eyes and
a high privilege that all believers in Christ
increase your hunger to go further with
should faithfully commit to.
this subject in your personal studies.
Read 2 Corinthians 1:8-11. This will help Go get that PhD in knowing God
us grasp the importance of our prayers through prayer!
for one another. What action did the
As you read over your completed lists,
missionary author Paul give credit to for
I hope you’ve come to realize how
their ability to receive deliverance from all
important your prayers are. So, if it’s
their troubles?
going to be, is it all up to thee? (Sorry for
the cheesy rhyme! Sometimes rhymes
happen.) Seriously though, do we have to
carry our prayer burdens alone? The Bible
As you look up and read the following has great news for us in answer to this
Scripture verses, begin two columns with question. Amazingly, we are not without
the titles, “What to Pray” and “How to Heaven’s support in our prayer efforts!
Pray.” List your findings in the appropriate Paul’s words in the following passage
column. I really hope that you are making encourage us with profound truth.
these lists! They reinforce and promote
personal discovery.

40
What to Pray: How to Pray:

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our My prayer is not that you take them out of
weakness. We do not know what we ought the world but that you protect them from
to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes the evil one. They are not of the world,
for us through wordless groans. And he even as I am not of it. Sanctify them by the
who searches our hearts knows the mind truth; your word is truth. As you sent me
of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes into the world, I have sent them into the
for the saints in accordance with the will of world. For them I sanctify myself, that they
God.” Romans 8:26-27 NIV too may be truly sanctified.

“Christ Jesus, who died—more than that, My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also
who was raised to life—is at the right hand for those who will believe in me through
of God and is also interceding for us. their message, that all of them may be
Romans 8:34 NIV one, Father, just as you are in me and I
am in you. May they also be in us so that
Christ Jesus is interceding for us! This is
the world may believe that you have sent
encouraging, isn’t it? But how does the
me. I have given them the glory that you
Holy Spirit help us in prayer?
gave me, that they may be one as we are
The good news is that we don’t have one - I in them and you in me - so that
to fully understand how this whole they may be brought to complete unity.
process works. We can simply know and Then the world know that you sent me and
be confident that God has us covered! have loved them even as you have loved
God provides all we need for Christian me. Father, I want those you have given
living and that certainly includes the me to be with me where I am, and to see
important area of prayer. In God, we have my glory, the glory you have given me
a Holy Advocate, a Divine Prayer Partner, because you loved me before the creation
continually! That’s how much God is for of the world. John 17:15-24 NIV
you and loves you!
I love the desire of Jesus’ heart throughout
Before we conclude our study in the Word this prayer and especially in verse 24. He
today, I want you to read the following wants us to be with Him. Amazing, isn’t
passage. It is a prayer that our Savior Jesus it? Doesn’t it sound like something a best
prayed for us before He left this earth! As friend would say? What a wonderful Savior
you read, you may want to add more to we have!
your “What to Pray” list.

41
A B I D E BY T H E S P I R I T
Look over the “What to Pray” list you made in today’s study. Do these prayer topics
resemble the things you often pray about? Circle any specific subjects on the list that
you often pray for and list them here.

Next, underline the topics you need to begin praying for others. Which ones stand out
the most as things you want to begin praying for?

Now, look at your “How to Pray” list. Do these words describe how you often pray? What
do you think the Holy Spirit would want you to add to your prayers?

REACH OUT
Sister in Christ, if you have not joined the ranks of God’s prayer army to advance the
Kingdom of God, now is the time! Consider joining or starting a prayer group. Better
yet, enlist your existing small group, friends, or family members to join you in a
commitment to deeper prayer. I have two personal prayer partners—one is my husband
and the other is a friend. I am also a part of two prayer groups. One is a texting group,
and the other connects through email.

42
WEEK FOUR
Pursuing God through Worship
Day One || Crush the Idols
Watch the teaching video from Amy before you begin.
go2.lc/thepursuitwk4

SEEK GOD
Read King David’s final words to his son and then turn to God for a time of prayer.

And you, my son Solomon, acknowledge the God of your father, and serve him with
wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the Lord searches every heart and
understands every desire and every thought. If you seek him, he will be found by you;
but if you forsake him, he will reject you forever. 1 Chronicles 28:9 NIV

O B TA I N T R U T H
This week, we are going to talk about After one of our state college teams wins a
worship. Everyone worships. Every day national championship title, everyone in
we are giving our affection, adoration, the state seems to become a fanatic. Many
devotion, honor, and reverence to fly team flags off their home, flags out
something or someone. We were created their car windows and some even paint
to worship. But what exactly is the biblical their bodies or acquire a tattoo to proclaim
meaning of the word worship? their faithfulness.

The primary Hebrew word for worship Similarly, when we truly fall in love
is shachah, which means to lower or to with God, the only natural response to
bow down. The Greek words for worship truly knowing Him intimately is a life of
convey the meanings to adore, revere, and worship! When you realize the depth that
serve. In the most basic sense, worship is you have been forgiven, you may want to
an outward expression towards what we fall to your knees weeping and worshiping
deem as truly awesome and worthy of our because of the love and mercy you have
whole adoration and commitment. All experienced. This is spontaneous and
too often our devotion is given to these true worship! Because of Who He is and
false gods: pleasure, possessions, power, a what He’s done, we should be complete
relationship, or pride in our own opinions Jesus fanatics!
and lifestyles.

44
In the following passage, Jesus gives What do these commands teach you about
a very explicit example of the kind of the nature of God?
worship He is worthy of.

Anyone who loves their father or mother

more than me is not worthy of me; anyone
who loves their son or daughter more than
me is not worthy of me. Whoever does not Like me, I hope your view of God is
take his cross and follow me is not worthy growing bigger and your attitude is
of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, becoming more reverent. God is so worthy
and whoever loses his life for my sake will of our worship!
find it. Matthew 10:37-39 NIV
To conclude today’s Bible study, read
Notice that Jesus wasn’t saying that loving Jeremiah 2:1-13 and observe what God’s
your family is wrong. Loving them more chosen people, the Israelites, had done.
than Jesus is what is unacceptable. God
My people have committed two sins: They
wants our whole heart—a heart that will
have forsaken me, the spring of living
follow Him no matter what the sacrificial
water, and have dug their own cisterns,
cost is to us. We are found worthy of Him
broken cisterns that cannot hold water.
when He has become fully worthy to us.
Jeremiah 2:13 NIV
Can you recite all of God’s 10
Cisterns are vessels used for storing water.
commandments by memory? I tried this
The cisterns in the above passage are
as a “fun” Bible pop quiz with my kids and
idols—things that claim our hearts, our
found that we were a little rough around
worship and our attention instead of God.
the edges with some of our answers. Still,
Sad isn’t it? Idols had claimed hearts of
God’s Word says that the commandments
God’s people in the days of Jeremiah, and
of God were written on our hearts when
so it continues today. Rejecting the one
we believed and confessed Jesus to be our
true God, countless people are fashioning
Lord and Savior.
more and more broken water containers
… I will put my law in their minds and write that can never satisfy or save.
it on their hearts. Jeremiah 31:33 NIV

Look up Deuteronomy chapter 5.

As you read, write down a list of all
Ten Commandments. How many
commandments have something to do
with worshiping and loving God? Well,
technically all of them do. But I mean,
how many are our heart’s relationship
to God directly?

45
A B I D E BY T H E S P I R I T
I recommend reading the lyrics recorded by Jimmy Needham in Clear the Stage, by
Ross King—search for them online, and may they become your song as you prayerfully
search your heart to identify any idols that need crushing in your life.

Who or what do you worship? What idols need to be crushed in your heart? Be open
to really think this through. Write down any thoughts of conviction that come to
your mind.

Now cross out the idols you have written down and commit yourself to worshiping and
serving God alone as you cry out in a prayer of repentance to Him. If you would like to
extend your worship today, I recommend Wonder by Bethel and You Won’t Relent by
Misty Edwards.

REACH OUT
Sister in Christ, if you have not joined the ranks of God’s prayer army to advance the
Kingdom of God, now is the time! Consider joining or starting a prayer group. Better
yet, enlist your existing small group, friends, or family members to join you in a
commitment to deeper prayer. I have two personal prayer partners—one is my husband
and the other is a friend. I am also a part of two prayer groups. One is a texting group,
and the other connects through email.

46
Day Two || The Postures of Praise and Worship

SEEK GOD
Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said
among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.” Psalm 126:2 NIV

On average, children laugh 25 times more often than adults laugh. Just as there is a time
for sorrow, there is also a time for rejoicing. Reflect on the great things that God has
done for you. Let these memories stir up your soul in joyful praise and even laughter.
Remember, Jesus taught us to become like little children.

O B TA I N T R U T H
As a child, I grew up regularly attending • Shabach means to exclaim or
a Christian church. I remember watching shout aloud
the choir each Sunday and wondering, • Tehillah means to sing or laud
“Why don’t these people’s faces reflect the • Zamar is the Hebrew word for
wonderful lyrics of the songs they sing?” instrumental praise
As a young teen, my thoughts were not as • Yadah is an expression of worship
sweet. “These people look like someone with the hands extended
peed in their Post Toasties!” The choir in • Barak means to kneel down
my church often appeared bored or even in adoration
a tad cranky. (Sorry, Mom. I know your
Psalm 95 contains a beautiful use of barak.
heart was in the right place and that you
were simply keeping the church’s choral Come, let us bow down in worship, let us
culture.) But my spirit knew that worship kneel before the Lord our Maker.
should have more expression! Yes, it Psalm 95:6 NIV
should be reverent, but shouldn’t it also be
I wonder to what extent we who follow
joyful and demonstrative?
Christ miss seeing Him for all He is and all
Let’s not assume that I have all the He brings to those who love Him.
answers to these questions. Instead, we
I pray that the eyes of your heart may be
should go to God’s Word and see what it
enlightened in order that you may know
teaches us. “Halal” is the primary Hebrew
the hope to which he has called you, the
word for praise. It is the root word of our
riches of his glorious inheritance in his
word, “Hallelujah” which means “Praise
holy people, and his incomparably great
Yahweh” or “Praise the Lord.” I love the
power for us who believe. That power is
meaning of halal. It means to shine, to
the same as the mighty strength he exerted
celebrate, to boast, to be clamorously
when he raised Christ from the dead
foolish. Isn’t that just awesome? There are
and seated him at his right hand in the
other Hebrew words used to describe the
heavenly realms ... Ephesians 1:18-20 NIV
postures of praise.

47
What if we had a greater revelation of Below is a list of the forms of worship
Him? What manner of worship would expressed in Psalm 100 as an example
result? Today we will take a look at just for you.
a small sampling of the postures of
Postures of Worship in Psalm 100
worship found in the Bible. Let’s start
with Psalm 100. 1. Giving God joyful, noisy praise
2. Happily serving Him
Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all 3. Singing before Him
the earth.
4. Acknowledging Him as the Lord God
Serve the Lord with gladness;
and Creator
Come before him with joyful songs.
5. Expressing heartfelt words of thanks,
Know that the Lord is God! praise, and blessing
It is he who made us, and we are his; 6. Proclaiming His goodness, love,
we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. and faithfulness

Enter his gates with thanksgiving Now, it’s your turn! Look up Psalm 95,
and his courts with praise; 96, and 97. Make a list of the postures of
Give thanks to him and bless his name. worship you find in these passages. If you
have the time and want to keep going,
For the Lord is good
read through Psalm 148, 149, and 150 too,
And his love endures forever,
continuing to list the postures of worship
his faithfulness continues through
you find there.
all generations.
Psalm 100 NIV

A B I D E BY T H E S P I R I T
Worship leader Bruce Leafblad defines worship as “centering our mind’s attention and
our heart’s affection on the Lord.” Considering all that you have learned in this study so
far, write out your own definition of worship.

Review the list you made on the postures of praise and worship. Are there any forms of
worship that stood out to you? Why do they stand out?

Think about how you can begin to intentionally incorporate these postures of worship
into your life as a response to who God is. He is worthy!

REACH OUT
Oh yes, we were created by God to know Him and bring Him glory through our praise.
The amazing thing is that when we lift up our King in worship, it magnifies Him,
yet changes us. We become more aware of who He is and who He calls us to be. He
draws us out of self-centered living to live a life of loving service. Our lifted hands in
praise become a sign of our willingness to use them for Him as representatives of Him.
Ministry and serving people should always be an overflow of our worship.

Do you want to learn more? Watch or listen to the wonderful sermon series Come to
Worship at Life.Church by my husband Pastor Craig Groeschel.

48
Day Three || Whatever You Do

SEEK GOD
I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.
Revelation 22:13 NIV

Before you begin today’s study, pause and reflect on the greatness and awesomeness of
Yahweh. Give your whole mind, emotions, and physical being to loving, knowing, and
serving Him. Ask God to mature and complete you in Him.

O B TA I N T R U T H
Whatever you do, work at it with all your Therefore, I urge you, brothers and
heart, as working for the Lord, not for sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer
human masters, since you know that you your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and
will receive an inheritance from the Lord pleasing to God—this is your true and
as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are proper worship. Do not conform to the
serving. Colossians 3:23-24 NIV pattern of this world, but be transformed
by the renewing of your mind. Then you
I’m very eager to begin today’s lesson. We
will be able to test and approve what God’s
are going to peer in and look intently at
will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
what it means to live a life of wholehearted
Romans 12:1-2 NIV
worship to God in whatever we do.
What does Romans 12:1-2 teach us about
Look up 1 Chronicles 29:1-22. There we
worshiping God?
discover how worship is a whole-life
expression. In what ways do you worship
God intentionally?

This passage became very personal to me

one day. I was in my late 20’s with three
True and proper worship comes from
daughters when the Holy Spirit tugged at
sincere, humble, and yielded hearts –
my spirit and revealed that I was to offer
hearts that have come to the realization
my body—more specifically, my uterus—as
that apart from God there is no hope. He
a living sacrifice. This absolutely terrified
deserves all of our heart’s affection, all
me. I was very content with three children.
of our mind’s capacity, all of our multi-
Craig and I continually said, “We are so
faceted emotions, all of our sacrifice, and
done.” I was sure that if I surrendered
all of our physical gusto!
this, we would end up having a bazillion
What do the verses teach us about children. But never mind what I wanted
worshiping God? Grab a pen and write or what we wanted. I knew I needed to
your answers in your notebook under the trust God with my whole life. I remember
title “As Unto the Lord.” thinking, “If I can trust God with my

49
salvation, I surely can trust Him with this.” Next, read Colossians 3:1-17. There we
Fast-forwarding to the present day and discover many more ways we can offer
our six amazing children, I am absolutely ourselves as living sacrifices. Continue to
thrilled that I gave God my whole body in write down your insights.
worship to Him.
Lastly, let’s read Romans 14:5-11. Here Paul
Our bodies and minds belong to God. We gives us some clear instructions about
are not our own. We have been purchased worship. Write these instructions down
by God through Christ and are called to and prayerfully consider the insights
His kingdom mission. My children all you’ve gained about worship through
have kingdom purposes that are outside these verses.
of my temporary plans for them. They are
What do these verses have to do with
The Lord’s just as I am the Lord’s.
worshiping God with your whole life in
As wholehearted worshipers, we should be whatever you do?
driven by the Holy Spirit’s desire to fulfill
God’s greatest commandments to love
God and love people.

Look up Matthew 25:31-46. This passage

is a powerful example of how we worship
(love) God, and simultaneously, love
others. Read through this passage and
be sure to take notes on the truths that
God uniquely reveals to your heart
about worship.

A B I D E BY T H E S P I R I T
I can’t think of a better way for you to respond to what you have just studied than to go
before God in prayer. I’ve written a simple prayer to help get started.

Father, I want to know you so fully and intimately that my heart overflows with worship
to you. May everything I do be for You, bringing You glory, and furthering your Kingdom
purposes. Reveal to me any part of my life that is not a reflection of worship to You.

May the Holy Spirit lead you as you continue in prayer.

REACH OUT
Who can you serve and demonstrate consistent love to in the name of Jesus? The best
place to start is with the people under your roof, in your neighborhood and in your
church home. Take an inventory. Who do you know in need? What can you do to help
them? When you serve and bless them, whatever you do, do it for and through the love
of Christ Jesus.

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Day Four || Worship in Spirit and in Truth

SEEK GOD
“More spiritual progress can be made in one short moment of speechless silence in the
awesome presence of God than in years of mere study.” A.W. Tozer

Take some time right now to be still in God’s presence. Listen for His whispers.

O B TA I N T R U T H
What do you think of when you hear the Read Hebrews 12:18-29 and Exodus 19:16-
words, “a place of worship?” I typically 23, then answer the following questions.
think of a church building. What does this What was the physical mountain of Mount
place of worship look like to you? What Sinai like when God’s presence descended
kind of atmosphere should it have? Are upon it?
there stained glass windows, a choir, and
soft organ music playing? Maybe you
see a contemporary worship band and
How is the heavenly Mount Zion described
a gathering of energetic, smiling people
in Hebrews 12?
ready to praise God singing the newest
Christian worship tunes. What if you lived
in a village near the jungles in Papua New
Guinea or in the plains of Sudan, Africa?
What would worship look like then?
Which way of worship is right and
pleasing to God?

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We see a stark contrast between the our spirits are reborn and reconciled to
physical mountain where the law was God. We connect with Him through our
given to Moses before the awesome spirits. But what does it mean to worship
presence of God in the Old Testament God in truth? Let’s look at the words
and the heavenly Mount Zion where of Jesus in this passage. What idea of
Christ-followers worship God along with a worshiping “in truth” is do you think is
multitude of angels. This contrast reveals implied here?
that our worship of Christ Jesus should
be from hearts full of deep reverence as
well as joyful gratitude because we realize
that our gracious and loving God is also
completely holy and a consuming fire.
True worshipers worship from their spirits
Our worship of God should be a space and and from the basis of the truth. We know
place of freedom! Because of the death what or who we worship, and that is Jesus,
and resurrection of Jesus Christ, we no The Truth! The Word of God is truth; all the
longer have to go to a specific physical Scripture teaches about God and His ways
place to experience the presence of God. and the commands and instructions about
Now we can worship anywhere! The Holy holy living are truth. So when we worship
Spirit lives in us and we have become God “in truth,” it is worship derived
His holy temple! We are the place of from what we know as the one and only
worship! We are the living stones of truth—a truth which we live out and
Christ’s living Church! proclaim. Our spirits know and worship
the truth. We declare, shout, and sing the
… you also, like living stones, are being
truth. We live the truth. This is worshiping
built into a spiritual house to be a holy
God in spirit and in truth!
priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices
acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. Now read Revelation 4. As you do, I pray
1 Peter 2:5 NIV this chapter will reveal a deeper level of
perspective in your worship of God.
Now let’s go to John chapter 4 and read
verses 1-30, paying careful attention to
verses 20-24. We know that God is spirit,
so it’s not too difficult to understand the
need to worship Him in spirit. In Christ,

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A B I D E BY T H E S P I R I T
The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. Psalm 145:18 NIV

In light of this verse, do you think you have ever prayed to God with requests that were
not in line with His truth? Have you ever thought God was your personal celestial Santa
Claus who should give you what you want? Sometimes we come to God with anger
and pain because we don’t fully understand who He really is or His ways. Our attitude
towards God and ourselves should be like as the following verse describes.

Let God be true, and every human being a liar. Romans 3:4 NIV

I agree with John Piper when he said, “Any form of worship outside of ‘spirit and
truth’ is false worship.” God is not interested in where we worship, or in our cultural
style of worship as long as it comes from the love and purity of our spirit that
embraces the truth.

Where and how do you like to worship God?

Here some ways I worship God:

• I pray throughout the day. This is my way of staying connected to God’s heart.
• I take my anxious thoughts captive and trust God.
• I play worship music in my car or at home.
• Besides reading the Bible, I often listen to an audio of the Bible through the
YouVersion Bible App. God’s Word renews my mind and heart.
• During our singing at Life.Church, I love to worship God in prayer and shout out
faith statements that I’m believing for the Church around the world, for our church
body, or for an individual.
• Throughout my daily activities, I worship God by really trying to keep His Word by
walking in love and following His voice.

Have you limited your worship to a certain place or activity? Maybe it’s time to live a
lifestyle as a true worshipper. Don’t just set aside a time and place for worship and then
go through the rest of your day or week without it. Realize that your whole life can and
should be an expression of true “spirit and truth” worship.

REACH OUT
All Christians need to be built up in their faith and encouraged in the truth. Whose faith
can you build up in the truth today? In what ways can you do this? Could you share a
Scripture or a worship song? Would you be willing to call or even visit them just to pray
with them? Do they need some assistance or a meal? Ask God to show you what to do
and tune in to listen for His guidance. These are all spiritual acts of worship.

As you worship this week, I recommend the songs The Love Inside by Laura Hackett
Park, Still Believe by Kim Walker-Smith, and Good Good Father by Chris Tomlin.

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Day Five || Worship in Your Warfare

SEEK GOD
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. 1 Chronicles 16:34 NIV

Declare this verse. Sing it. Share your love and gratitude to your awesome and
good Father!

O B TA I N T R U T H
Prepare to be amazed today by battles I believe that Judah’s success started when
fought and won through the power of Jehoshaphat immediately looked to God
God! Let’s start by looking up 2 Chronicles for help and called for all of Judah to fast
20:1-25. As you read this passage, take and pray. And I love how humble and
notes of all the significant acts of worship dependent King Jehoshaphat was when
God’s people engaged in. he prayed!

What do you think was the most critical For we have no power to face this vast
decision Jehoshaphat made? Why was the army that is attacking us. We do not know
decision so important? There is no right what to do, but our eyes are on you.
or wrong answer here. Just write down 2 Chronicles 20:12 NIV
your opinion.

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King Jehoshaphat understood that we I truly cannot imagine the level of pain
don’t have to have all the right answers that Silas and Paul must have been in. I fall
and might to win our battles. We just need apart when I stub my toe. And what about
to call and rely on the One who does. Look their emotional state? We can tell from
again at verse 22. When did the victory this passage that they remained spiritually
for Jehoshaphat’s people actually begin to positive. Still, this could not have been
take place? easy for them emotionally.

Clearly, Paul and Silas were spiritually

very strong. Their strength was in their
Isn’t it incredible? The songs of praise
unwavering faith in the God they knew
from God’s people brought down the vast
firsthand. Sure, they were chained and
army of men. How profoundly simplistic!
locked up in a cold, hard, prison cell.
To their enemy, and maybe even to some
But the Holy Spirit was still with them,
of them, it must have seemed so weak and
strengthening them. And so they prayed.
weird. Imagine for a moment that you
But that wasn’t all they did! Around
were there that day. What would you have
midnight, they began to sing songs of
learned about God?
worship, not because they felt good
or because they enjoyed the horrible
circumstances they were in, but because
their source of joy, peace, and love
The Bible tells of another amazing event remained. The Living Water was bubbling
that occurred during the ministry of up in their soul!
Paul and Silas. You can read this story for
Did they know their songs of praise would
yourself in Acts 16:16-30. As you do, write
release them from their chains? I doubt
down your own simple descriptions of
that they consciously used their singing as
what took place.
a warfare tactic. Sure, it is possible. They
Paul and Silas were committed to time did know the Old Testament stories. But
with God in prayer. Wherever they went, I tend to think that their singing was just
they preached the good news of Jesus out of the overflow of their hearts. What do
and displayed His healing power to those you think?
in need. They even patiently put up with
If you’d like to continue studying
the stalking of a fortune-teller girl for days
examples of warfare fought with worship,
before casting out the demon that had
read Joshua 6:1-21.
possessed her. All those things should
have earned them great favor from God to
protect them from all trouble, right? But
soon after the demon was expelled, the
girl’s owners and the people of the town
were stirred up to conspire against them.
They were lied about, stripped down,
brutally beaten, flogged, and imprisoned.

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A B I D E BY T H E S P I R I T
Have you ever fought a problem with your heart so near it, as these songs of
praise? It can feel very awkward and praise. They create a sense and delight in
unnatural at first. When facing life’s God, they awaken holy desires, they teach
problems, praising God is usually the exact you how to ask, and they prevail with God
opposite of how you really feel, right? to give. They kindle a holy flame, they
When I have done this, it always begins turn your heart into an altar, your prayers
through a tear-streaked face, a voice into incense, and carry them as a sweet-
cracking with sorrow, and a heart bursting smelling savor to the throne of grace.”
with pain. But as I push through that pain
But what if you don’t feel like praising?
and keep praising my Daddy, something
What if we’d rather give someone a piece
powerful always happens. Supernatural
of our mind? How many times have you
strength, wisdom, peace, and joy takes
opened your mouth too quickly in order
over my overwhelmed soul—even though
to defend yourself or someone else? We
nothing concerning my current problem
usually don’t even allow God to battle for
has seemed to change yet! But as I praise
us! What are we thinking? There would
God in my pain, I am reminded that He is
be much less drama in our friendships,
always at work, and His work will be for
our families, and in our world if we would
my good.
learn to continually trust, pray, and sing
And we know that in all things God works praises to the Father. When we do this,
for the good of those who love him, who we are giving Him the room to fight our
have been called according to his purpose. battles. What situation or relationship in
Romans 8:28 NIV your life looks more like a warzone or
prison instead of a place of peace, love,
What might happen if you and I followed
and freedom?
the example of Jehoshaphat, Paul
and Silas?

Are you ready to fight these battles

In his book, A Serious Call to a Devout and
through the Word of God, prayer, and
Holy Life William Law explains the power
praise? Remember, the Holy Spirit is
of singing songs of private praise. In it he
always with you, in every circumstance,
writes, “Just as singing is a natural effect
no matter how dark, chaotic, or hopeless
of joy in the heart so it has also a natural
things may seem. Allow Him to strengthen
power of rendering the heart joyful…
you and fill you with songs of deliverance.
There is nothing that so clears a way for
It’s time to get your praise on and worship
your prayers, nothing that so disperses
God. He is waiting to prove to you just
dullness of heart, nothing that so purifies
how mighty He is!
the soul from poor and little passions,
nothing that so opens heaven, or carries

REACH OUT
We all know people who are in desperate need of support in their battles. Who will you
commit to war in prayer and praise for? Encourage them today by letting them know
that you are standing with them.

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