Jesus’ life and teaching focused on love, forgiveness, faith, humility, justice, and the coming of God’s Kingdom all made possible through his openness and oneness with God the Father which he also desired for us. John 17:21. His desire for us is that we become increasingly open to God so that God’s transforming love and grace might flow through us into others. Jesus cultivated his relationship with God the Father through purposeful habits which we call spiritual disciplines. Jesus
modeled these practices for us. He regularly engaged in Prayer, Fasting,
Generosity, Worship, Bible Reading, Solitude and Silence, and Service. Throughout this series we will seek to become more like Jesus, live lives increasingly open to God, using the same practices Jesus used until they become part of our daily lives.
modeled these practices for us. He regularly engaged in Prayer, Fasting,
Generosity, Worship, Bible Reading, Solitude and Silence, and Service. Throughout this series we will seek to become more like Jesus, live lives increasingly open to God, using the same practices Jesus used until they become part of our daily lives.
Week 1—Prayer
Monday’s Focus - Jesus prayed regularly and with purpose Prayer was central to Jesus’ life. There are 25 references to Jesus praying in the Gospels. Jesus prayed early in the morning, late at night, sometimes all night. Jesus habitually withdrew to quiet places, mountainsides, gardens, wilderness. (Matthew 14:23, Mark 1:35, Luke 5:16, Luke 6:12)
How can you begin to pray regularly and with purpose?
What regular times could you set aside for prayer?
Where is a quiet place for your time with God?
No excuses, do you really want to get in an argument with Jesus over who is busier?
Tuesday’s Focus - Jesus prayed before major decisions and events His baptism (Luke 3:21), Transfiguration (Luke 9:28), before miracles like feeding the 5,000 (John 6:11), and he prayed all night for days leading up to choosing his
disciples (Luke 6:12)
What decisions need your prayerful focus?
What upcoming events?
Some dedicate themselves to 40 days of prayer before making a major life
decision. Pray until the way becomes clear.
Wednesday’s Focus - Jesus prayed during crises In the Garden of Gethsemane as he surrendered to God’s will before his arrest and crucifixion (Matthew 26:39, Luke 22:42) and on the cross including praying for forgiveness for his executioners Times of trouble, difficulty, or danger we especially need to be aware of God’s presence and prayer is all about God’s presence. During times like this it is natural to forget to pray, to feel unable to pray or that prayer does not make a difference. God understands and hears anyway. (Romans 8:26-27)
Thursday’s Focus - Jesus taught about prayer The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) includes the content of prayer in what we call the Lord’s prayer where he also displayed intimacy with God, Abba, Father, Daddy. He encouraged the practice of praying alone rather than public showiness. (Matthew 6:9-13 and Luke 11:2-4) He often quoted or paraphrased scripture in his prayers. Jesus prayed for others including his disciples and future followers (John 17)
How can Jesus’ teachings about prayer inform your developing prayer life?
Friday’s Focus – A.C.T.S. of Prayer - a simple guide to broaden and enrich your prayer life.
Adoration - God alone, by the very nature of being God, is worthy of our
reverence, love and respect. “Who is like you— majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders?” Exodus 15:11
Confession - Confess to God what you should not have done and what you have left undone. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9
Thanksgiving - Thank God for all of your blessings, for all that God had done for you. Every new day and every moment of that day is a gift from God. Awareness of God moves our heart to gratitude, from gratitude we move to generosity and
service. “Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.” Psalm 106:1
Supplication - Ask God for what you need. Ask God also on behalf of others which is intercession. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known 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
Prayer Tips
We seek to always be aware of God’s presence and responsive to God. Prayer is the heart of this ongoing relationship with God. It is open communication with the divine presence. Listening is as important or perhaps even more important than speaking. “Be still, and know that I am God” - Psalm 46:10
Pray intentionally. Set aside some time every day devoted to prayer.
Pray sitting, standing, kneeling, lying down.
Pray anywhere. You can pray standing in line at the grocery as well as on your knees by your bed.
Pray anything and do not worry about using the right words. God already knows what you need and what is really on your heart.
Prayer changes things - and mostly by changing you.
Prayer helps you see yourself and the world through God’s eyes.
Pray constantly - anything can be turned into a prayer as you dedicate your
activity to God.
Prayer does not always need to be in words. For example, picture the person you are praying for surrounded in the light of God’s healing presence.
Monday’s Focus - Jesus prayed regularly and with purpose Prayer was central to Jesus’ life. There are 25 references to Jesus praying in the Gospels. Jesus prayed early in the morning, late at night, sometimes all night. Jesus habitually withdrew to quiet places, mountainsides, gardens, wilderness. (Matthew 14:23, Mark 1:35, Luke 5:16, Luke 6:12)
How can you begin to pray regularly and with purpose?
What regular times could you set aside for prayer?
Where is a quiet place for your time with God?
No excuses, do you really want to get in an argument with Jesus over who is busier?
Tuesday’s Focus - Jesus prayed before major decisions and events His baptism (Luke 3:21), Transfiguration (Luke 9:28), before miracles like feeding the 5,000 (John 6:11), and he prayed all night for days leading up to choosing his
disciples (Luke 6:12)
What decisions need your prayerful focus?
What upcoming events?
Some dedicate themselves to 40 days of prayer before making a major life
decision. Pray until the way becomes clear.
Wednesday’s Focus - Jesus prayed during crises In the Garden of Gethsemane as he surrendered to God’s will before his arrest and crucifixion (Matthew 26:39, Luke 22:42) and on the cross including praying for forgiveness for his executioners Times of trouble, difficulty, or danger we especially need to be aware of God’s presence and prayer is all about God’s presence. During times like this it is natural to forget to pray, to feel unable to pray or that prayer does not make a difference. God understands and hears anyway. (Romans 8:26-27)
Thursday’s Focus - Jesus taught about prayer The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) includes the content of prayer in what we call the Lord’s prayer where he also displayed intimacy with God, Abba, Father, Daddy. He encouraged the practice of praying alone rather than public showiness. (Matthew 6:9-13 and Luke 11:2-4) He often quoted or paraphrased scripture in his prayers. Jesus prayed for others including his disciples and future followers (John 17)
How can Jesus’ teachings about prayer inform your developing prayer life?
Friday’s Focus – A.C.T.S. of Prayer - a simple guide to broaden and enrich your prayer life.
Adoration - God alone, by the very nature of being God, is worthy of our
reverence, love and respect. “Who is like you— majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders?” Exodus 15:11
Confession - Confess to God what you should not have done and what you have left undone. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9
Thanksgiving - Thank God for all of your blessings, for all that God had done for you. Every new day and every moment of that day is a gift from God. Awareness of God moves our heart to gratitude, from gratitude we move to generosity and
service. “Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.” Psalm 106:1
Supplication - Ask God for what you need. Ask God also on behalf of others which is intercession. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known 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
Prayer Tips
We seek to always be aware of God’s presence and responsive to God. Prayer is the heart of this ongoing relationship with God. It is open communication with the divine presence. Listening is as important or perhaps even more important than speaking. “Be still, and know that I am God” - Psalm 46:10
Pray intentionally. Set aside some time every day devoted to prayer.
Pray sitting, standing, kneeling, lying down.
Pray anywhere. You can pray standing in line at the grocery as well as on your knees by your bed.
Pray anything and do not worry about using the right words. God already knows what you need and what is really on your heart.
Prayer changes things - and mostly by changing you.
Prayer helps you see yourself and the world through God’s eyes.
Pray constantly - anything can be turned into a prayer as you dedicate your
activity to God.
Prayer does not always need to be in words. For example, picture the person you are praying for surrounded in the light of God’s healing presence.
Week 2—Fasting
Monday’s Focus—Jesus Begins with Fasting - Jesus began his public ministry by fasting for forty days in the wilderness. This act was not about proving spiritual strength, but about total dependence on God. As you begin your fast, reflect on Jesus’ willingness to set aside physical needs to seek the God’s will. Ask God to help you open your life to God, just as Jesus did.
“Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness, 2 where for forty days he was tested by the devil. He ate nothing at all during those days, and when they were over he was famished. Luke 4:1-2
What would a life that acknowledges dependence upon God for all things look like? Some have said this is easier to understand for children who are dependent on others for all their needs. How fasting help our faith become more childlike?
Tuesday’s Focus—Fasting as Openness to God - Fasting is a spiritual discipline that opens us to God’s transforming love and grace. Jesus modeled purposeful habits—prayer, fasting, solitude—that cultivated intimacy with the God. Today, consider what you need to set aside to be more open to God’s presence.
Jesus praying “21 that they may all be one. As you, Father, are in me and I am in you, may they also be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. John 17:21. “5 If we live by the Spirit, let us also be guided by the Spirit.” Galatians 5:25
Wednesday’s Focus—The Heart of Fasting - Jesus taught that fasting is not about outward performance, but about humility and drawing closer to God. True fasting is done in secret, seeking the God’s reward rather than humannition. Reflect on your motivations for fasting. Are you seeking God’s approval or the praise of others?forgiveness for his executioners Times of trouble, difficulty, or danger we especially need to be aware of God’s presence and prayer is all about God’s presence. During times like this it is natural to forget to pray, to feel unable to pray or that prayer does not make a difference. God understands and hears anyway. (Romans 8:26-27)
recognition. Reflect on your motivations for fasting. Are you seeking God’s approval or the praise of others?
16 “And whenever you fast, do not look somber, like the hypocrites, for they mark their faces to show others that they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. 17 But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, 18 so that your fasting may be seen not by others but by your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees in secret will reward you. Matthew 6:16-18
Thursday’s Focus—Fasting and Spiritual Strength - Luke 4:1-13—During his fast, Jesus faced temptation and overcame it by relying on Scripture and the Spirit. Fasting trains our bodies to serve the Spirit and sharpens our resistance to temptation. Use this day to meditate on God’s Word and let it strengthen you in areas of weakness. Consider memorizing scriptures that help you focus on God’s presence which is your strength such as Psalm 23.
But be doers of the word and not merely hearers who deceive themselves. James 1:22 Remembering that Jesus Christ is the Word of God.
Friday’s Focus—Fasting as Service and Generosity
Jesus’ life was marked by service and sacrificial generosity. Fasting is not just about abstaining from food, but about opening ourselves to serve others and let God’s love flow through us. Ask God to show you ways to be generous and serve during your fast.
What is the difference between what you need and what you want? How might simplifying your life open you more fully to God and provide service opportunities and resources?
For the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve and to give his life a ransom for many.” Mark 10:45
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight.6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6
Monday’s Focus—Jesus Begins with Fasting - Jesus began his public ministry by fasting for forty days in the wilderness. This act was not about proving spiritual strength, but about total dependence on God. As you begin your fast, reflect on Jesus’ willingness to set aside physical needs to seek the God’s will. Ask God to help you open your life to God, just as Jesus did.
“Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness, 2 where for forty days he was tested by the devil. He ate nothing at all during those days, and when they were over he was famished. Luke 4:1-2
What would a life that acknowledges dependence upon God for all things look like? Some have said this is easier to understand for children who are dependent on others for all their needs. How fasting help our faith become more childlike?
Tuesday’s Focus—Fasting as Openness to God - Fasting is a spiritual discipline that opens us to God’s transforming love and grace. Jesus modeled purposeful habits—prayer, fasting, solitude—that cultivated intimacy with the God. Today, consider what you need to set aside to be more open to God’s presence.
Jesus praying “21 that they may all be one. As you, Father, are in me and I am in you, may they also be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. John 17:21. “5 If we live by the Spirit, let us also be guided by the Spirit.” Galatians 5:25
Wednesday’s Focus—The Heart of Fasting - Jesus taught that fasting is not about outward performance, but about humility and drawing closer to God. True fasting is done in secret, seeking the God’s reward rather than humannition. Reflect on your motivations for fasting. Are you seeking God’s approval or the praise of others?forgiveness for his executioners Times of trouble, difficulty, or danger we especially need to be aware of God’s presence and prayer is all about God’s presence. During times like this it is natural to forget to pray, to feel unable to pray or that prayer does not make a difference. God understands and hears anyway. (Romans 8:26-27)
recognition. Reflect on your motivations for fasting. Are you seeking God’s approval or the praise of others?
16 “And whenever you fast, do not look somber, like the hypocrites, for they mark their faces to show others that they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. 17 But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, 18 so that your fasting may be seen not by others but by your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees in secret will reward you. Matthew 6:16-18
Thursday’s Focus—Fasting and Spiritual Strength - Luke 4:1-13—During his fast, Jesus faced temptation and overcame it by relying on Scripture and the Spirit. Fasting trains our bodies to serve the Spirit and sharpens our resistance to temptation. Use this day to meditate on God’s Word and let it strengthen you in areas of weakness. Consider memorizing scriptures that help you focus on God’s presence which is your strength such as Psalm 23.
But be doers of the word and not merely hearers who deceive themselves. James 1:22 Remembering that Jesus Christ is the Word of God.
Friday’s Focus—Fasting as Service and Generosity
Jesus’ life was marked by service and sacrificial generosity. Fasting is not just about abstaining from food, but about opening ourselves to serve others and let God’s love flow through us. Ask God to show you ways to be generous and serve during your fast.
What is the difference between what you need and what you want? How might simplifying your life open you more fully to God and provide service opportunities and resources?
For the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve and to give his life a ransom for many.” Mark 10:45
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight.6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6
Week 3—Generosity
Monday’s Focus - The Generosity of the Kingdom
Scripture: Matthew 14:13-21; Mark 6:30-44; Luke 9:10-17; John 6:1-14
All four gospels recount the miracle of Jesus feeding the multitude with five loaves and two fish. This act is more than a miracle of provision—it is a lesson in the abundance of God’s kingdom. This contrasts with the world falsely believes that the more you give the less is left. Jesus receives a small offering from a boy and multiplies it to feed thousands, with leftovers remaining. Generosity begins with a willingness to share, no matter how small the gift. Jesus shows that when we offer what we have, God can use it to bless many.
Are you more aligned with the generosity of God’s provision or as if the world is a pie and every new slice means less for others? However large or small how can you share today—your time, resources, or encouragement—and trust God to use it for good?
Tuesday’s Focus - Giving from the Heart: The Widow’s Mite
Scripture: Mark 12:41-44; Luke 21:1-4
Jesus observes people giving offerings at the temple. Many give large sums, but a poor widow gives two small coins—all she has. Jesus praises her, saying she gave more than all the others because she gave out of her poverty. Generosity is not measured by the amount, but by the heart and sacrifice behind the gift. It is also an expression of faith in God’s trustworthiness to provide.
Reflect on your giving—does it cost you something? Consider a sacrificial act of generosity this week.
Wednesday’s Focus - Generosity in Secret: Giving Without Recognition
Scripture: Matthew 6:1-4
Jesus teaches that true generosity is done quietly, without seeking praise or attention. “Do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.” Giving in secret honors God and protects the dignity of those who receive. A major part of opening to God is the movement from self-centered to focus on others. It is not and never has been and cannot be about you.
Find a way to give anonymously this week—whether a donation, a kind note, or a helping hand.
Thursday’s Focus - Radical Generosity: The Rich Young Ruler
Scripture: Mark 10:17-31; Matthew 19:16-26; Luke 18:18-30
A wealthy man asks Jesus what he must do to inherit eternal life. Jesus tells him to sell his possessions and give to the poor. The man goes away sad, unable to let go. Jesus teaches that generosity requires letting go of our attachments and trusting God’s provision. We often believe that wealth or possessions can provide security and happiness. This story shows that wealth provides neither.
Identify something you are holding onto and consider how you might use it to bless someone in need.
Friday’s Focus - Generosity Beyond Money: Compassion and Inclusion
Scripture: Luke 10:25-37 (The Good Samaritan); John 4:7-26 (The Samaritan Woman); Luke 19:1-10 (Zacchaeus)
Jesus’ generosity is not limited to material giving. He gives time, attention, and dignity to those who are marginalized—the Samaritan woman, Zacchaeus, the wounded traveler. Generosity means seeing others, welcoming them, and offering compassion. Never underestimate your power to bless others by simply noticing them and paying attention. It is not what you do or say, it is your time and your willingness to just listen that is a precious gift.
Reach out to someone who may feel excluded or overlooked. Offer a listening ear or a word of encouragement. Pay attention when someone comes to mind. It might just be a nudge from the Spirit to reach out or simply hold that person in prayer.
Monday’s Focus - The Generosity of the Kingdom
Scripture: Matthew 14:13-21; Mark 6:30-44; Luke 9:10-17; John 6:1-14
All four gospels recount the miracle of Jesus feeding the multitude with five loaves and two fish. This act is more than a miracle of provision—it is a lesson in the abundance of God’s kingdom. This contrasts with the world falsely believes that the more you give the less is left. Jesus receives a small offering from a boy and multiplies it to feed thousands, with leftovers remaining. Generosity begins with a willingness to share, no matter how small the gift. Jesus shows that when we offer what we have, God can use it to bless many.
Are you more aligned with the generosity of God’s provision or as if the world is a pie and every new slice means less for others? However large or small how can you share today—your time, resources, or encouragement—and trust God to use it for good?
Tuesday’s Focus - Giving from the Heart: The Widow’s Mite
Scripture: Mark 12:41-44; Luke 21:1-4
Jesus observes people giving offerings at the temple. Many give large sums, but a poor widow gives two small coins—all she has. Jesus praises her, saying she gave more than all the others because she gave out of her poverty. Generosity is not measured by the amount, but by the heart and sacrifice behind the gift. It is also an expression of faith in God’s trustworthiness to provide.
Reflect on your giving—does it cost you something? Consider a sacrificial act of generosity this week.
Wednesday’s Focus - Generosity in Secret: Giving Without Recognition
Scripture: Matthew 6:1-4
Jesus teaches that true generosity is done quietly, without seeking praise or attention. “Do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.” Giving in secret honors God and protects the dignity of those who receive. A major part of opening to God is the movement from self-centered to focus on others. It is not and never has been and cannot be about you.
Find a way to give anonymously this week—whether a donation, a kind note, or a helping hand.
Thursday’s Focus - Radical Generosity: The Rich Young Ruler
Scripture: Mark 10:17-31; Matthew 19:16-26; Luke 18:18-30
A wealthy man asks Jesus what he must do to inherit eternal life. Jesus tells him to sell his possessions and give to the poor. The man goes away sad, unable to let go. Jesus teaches that generosity requires letting go of our attachments and trusting God’s provision. We often believe that wealth or possessions can provide security and happiness. This story shows that wealth provides neither.
Identify something you are holding onto and consider how you might use it to bless someone in need.
Friday’s Focus - Generosity Beyond Money: Compassion and Inclusion
Scripture: Luke 10:25-37 (The Good Samaritan); John 4:7-26 (The Samaritan Woman); Luke 19:1-10 (Zacchaeus)
Jesus’ generosity is not limited to material giving. He gives time, attention, and dignity to those who are marginalized—the Samaritan woman, Zacchaeus, the wounded traveler. Generosity means seeing others, welcoming them, and offering compassion. Never underestimate your power to bless others by simply noticing them and paying attention. It is not what you do or say, it is your time and your willingness to just listen that is a precious gift.
Reach out to someone who may feel excluded or overlooked. Offer a listening ear or a word of encouragement. Pay attention when someone comes to mind. It might just be a nudge from the Spirit to reach out or simply hold that person in prayer.