Recommended Reading for June 1 – 7
Sermon Series: Stronger Together Week 5Sermon Title: Elizabeth and Mary: A Friend Celebrates and Rejoices with You delivered on June 1, 2025
Day 1 READ: Luke 1:1-25. What was Zechariah’s response to God’s messenger? How does this encourage you to be hopeful in prayer and open to God’s call on your life, regardless of your age?
Day 1 PRAY: Take a moment to pause and pray, thanking Jesus for His call in your life and the gifts He has given you through the Holy Spirit. Invite Him to give you a fresh perspective on how your gifts can be used for His glory and His church.
Day 2 READ: Luke 1:26-38. How does Mary’s response to God’s messenger and message differ from Zechariah’s? How does God’s choosing of Mary reflect His grace and sovereignty, and not a person’s qualifications, age, or status?
Day 2 PRAY: Take time to pray and thank Jesus for His grace and for choosing you. Thank Him for saving you and fulfilling His promises in your life. Invite Him to give you peace, confidence, and comfort in any area of your life where you might be experiencing fear, uncertainty, or doubt.
Day 3 READ: Luke 1:39-45. How does Mary’s willingness to go and celebrate and share the news of her pregnancy with Elizabeth express their fondness and friendship for one another? How does the Holy Spirit’s presence in Elizabeth move her in joy and hope?
Day 3 PRAY: Find a quiet place or space to get alone with God. Thank Him for those close friends in your life who have walked with you in joy, confidence, and strength during uncertain times in your life. Invite Him to show you one way you can personally bless each of those friends in your life.
Day 4 READ: Luke 1:46-56. How does Mary’s response to the reality of her bearing the Messiah give us a picture of authentic and joyful worship even in times of uncertainty? As you read through the lyrics of her song, how do Mary’s words reflect what God has done for each of us?
Day 4 PRAY: Take some time to sit down and write out your own worship song of thanks to Jesus. Focus on who he is, what he has done for you, and who you are to Him. Pray over what you wrote, maybe even sing it to Him as a song of praise and prayer.
Day 5 READ: Luke 1:57-80. How does John the Baptist’s birth provide proof of God’s faithfulness and Zechariah’s renewed faith and trust in God’s plans and promises? In what ways is his song of praise similar to Mary’s song of praise?
Day 5 PRAY: Thank Jesus for His miraculous work in your life and for His Spirit’s guiding you and helping you walk by faith. If you have children, thank Him for the gift that each of your children is and pray for God’s protection, provision, and for His promises to be fulfilled in their lives. If you don’t have children, pray for God’s blessing on the children of your friends and family members.
Memorize and Reflect
Luke 1:46-48
“My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant.
Life Challenge
- Reconnect with and encourage a friend or relative who is walking through a complex or uncertain season of life.
- Create an opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments or milestones of a close friend.
- Invite a close friend or family member to join you at Night of Worship this week.
Series Challenge
Stronger Together Series Challenge:- Strengthen an Existing Friendship
- Reconnect with a Former Close Friend
- Make a New Friend