Prayer Tip--Serve Joyfully
Daily Scripture
Isaiah 58:10-11 (CEB), Matthew 20:25-28 (CEB)
If you open your heart to the hungry,
and provide abundantly for those who are afflicted,
your light will shine in the darkness,
and your gloom will be like the noon.
The LORD will guide you continually
and provide for you, even in parched places.
He will rescue your bones.
You will be like a watered garden,
like a spring of water that won’t run dry.
But Jesus called them over and said, “You know that those who rule the Gentiles show off their authority over them and their high-ranking officials order them around. But that’s not the way it will be with you. Whoever wants to be great among you will be your servant. Whoever wants to be first among you will be your slave— just as the Human One didn’t come to be served but rather to serve and to give his life to liberate many people.”
Daily Reflection & Prayer
Isaiah reminds us that faith isn’t meant to sit politely on a shelf—it moves. It stretches outward, toward those who hunger, who hurt, who could use a little light. When we “offer food to the hungry and satisfy the needs of the afflicted,” Isaiah says, our light rises in the darkness. Every time we reach out in love, we’re not just helping—we’re aligning our hearts with Christ’s. Our compassion becomes a quiet sermon, a living echo of His love.
Jesus shows us what that alignment looks like in motion. He flips the script on greatness—it’s not about being served but about serving. He invites us to see others through His eyes, to notice and to love well. Joyful service isn’t a duty to check off; it’s a heartbeat rhythm that keeps us close to Him. When we serve from that place, joy sneaks up on us—the deep, steady kind that tells us we’re right where Christ wants us to be.
And then Paul joins the chorus, reminding us that our ability to serve isn’t random; it’s gifted. Each of us carries something from God’s own heart—teaching, encouraging, giving, leading, showing mercy. When we use these gifts with open hands and open hearts, we become a reflection of Christ’s own love. That’s what alignment looks like—our hearts pulsing with His, our lives blooming like Isaiah’s “well-watered garden,” pouring joy and grace into the world around us.
Prayer
This week, imagine using your gifts in service, whether it is helping someone, listening with love, or offering a prayer. Pause and offer these words to God:
“Jesus, align my heart with Yours.
Teach me to see as You see,
to love as You love,
and to serve as You serve.
Let my faith move through my hands and my words,
so that my life bears witness to Your joy.”
Then take notice — when your heart and Christ’s begin to beat in rhythm, everything feels lighter. Service becomes song. Love becomes movement. And joy takes root right where you stand.
GPS Insights
Debbie Dellinger
This week's prayer tip is by Debbie Dellinger who serves as a Pastor of Connection and Care at Resurrection, Leawood and as National Team Leader for The Caring Congregation.
