The thing that stunned them was the instruction he gave

Listen carefully and let it shape what you do next

Treat it as one voice among many and ignore the hard parts

Look for something impressive but keep your life the same

If you would like to receive Jesus, pray this with me: Lord Jesus, I admit that I have sinned and gone my own way. I believe you died for my sins and rose again. I turn from my sin and trust you as my Lord and Savior. Teach me your truth, and lead my life with your wisdom. Make me yours. Amen.

Receive the Teacher and Savior

Lord, revive your Church so that we do not hear your word with dull hearts. Restore holy wonder, make us quick to listen, and turn our amazement into obedience. Let your words move us again, and make us eager to follow what you say, in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Make Your People Amazed Again

Give thanks for Jesus' words, for ears that can still hear them, and for the way truth can awaken wonder in a willing heart.

Gratitude for Jesus' Words

Father, keep me from hearing Jesus' words without really receiving them. Give me an attentive heart, fresh wonder, and the courage to change when you speak, in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Give Me Ears That Listen

Choose one saying of Jesus, ask God to help you hear it freshly, sit quietly with it, and pray for one concrete action you can take today.

Pray Through One Saying

Pray for people who hear Jesus' words today: that surprise would become trust, that curiosity would become faith, and that someone you know would respond with an open heart.

For People Hearing His Words

καὶ{KE###KEH###and} ἀκούσαντες{a-KOO-san-tes###ah-KOO-sahn-tehs###having heard} οἱ{EE###EE###the} ὄχλοι{OKH-lee###OHKH-lee###crowds} ἐξεπλήσσοντο{e-kse-PLI-son-to###eh-kseh-PLEE-sohn-to###(They) were astonished} ἐπὶ{e-PI###eh-PEE###at} τῇ{TEE###TEE###the} διδαχῇ{di-da-KHEE###dee-dah-KHEE###teaching} αὐτοῦ.{af-TOO###ahf-TOO###his}

Matthew 22:33 — FormalTAB

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