Ask a thoughtful question that helps the conversation move toward truth

Stay quiet so nothing challenging has to be discussed

Use the moment to win the argument quickly

Repeat familiar answers without really listening

If you would like to receive Jesus, pray this with me: Lord Jesus, I come to you honestly. I admit my sin and my need for mercy. I believe you died for my sins and rose again. I turn from my sin and trust you as my Lord and Savior. Speak to me, lead me into truth, and make me yours. Amen.

Come to Jesus in Truth

Father, revive your Church so that when we gather, we are not closed off but ready to hear your Son. Turn our pride into humility, our noise into listening, and our certainty into teachability. Make us a people who welcome Jesus' searching questions and answer with repentance and faith, in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Revive Your People to Listen

Lord, thank you that Jesus is not afraid of gathered people or hard questions. Thank you that he meets people where they are and speaks with purpose. Help us to trust his wisdom and receive his guidance, in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Thank You for Jesus' Gentle Questions

When you pray, name one place where you need more humility than certainty. Ask Jesus to give you one good question to ask, and one quiet moment to listen before you answer.

Pray Before You Answer

Pray for: a church gathering, Bible study, or family conversation that needs honesty; people who are defensive when challenged; a spirit of truth and gentleness in the way you speak.

For Every Gathering

Bring these to God: your habit of speaking too quickly; the pride of thinking you already know the answer; your need to receive correction from Jesus.

Open My Ears, Lord

Συνηγμένων{see-neeg-ME-non###see-neeg-MEH-nohn###having been gathered together} δὲ{DE###DEH###now} τῶν{TON###TOHN###of the} Φαρισαίων{fa-ree-SE-on###fah-ree-SEH-ohn###Pharisees} ἐπηρώτησεν{eh-pee-RO-tee-sen###eh-pee-ROH-tee-sehn###(He) asked} αὐτοὺς{af-TOOS###ahf-TOOS###them} ὁ{ho###hoh###(the)} Ἰησοῦς{ee-ee-SOOS###ee-ee-SOOS###Jesus}

Matthew 22:41 — FormalTAB

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