Jonah 4:1-11; 1 Corinthians 3:9; 2 Corinthians 6:1

But it displeased Jonah exceedingly, and he was angry. And he prayed to the LORD and said, “O LORD, is not this what I said when I was yet in my country? That is why I made haste to flee to Tarshish; for I knew that you are a gracious God and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, and relenting from disaster. Therefore now, O LORD, please take my life from me, for it is better for me to die than to live.” And the LORD said, “Do you do well to be angry? Jonah 4:1-4

For we are God’s fellow workers. You are God’s field, God’s building. 1 Corinthians 3:9

Working together with him, then, we appeal to you not to receive the grace of God in vain. 2 Corinthians 6:1

Praise and Thanksgiving

Psalm 145:9 – “The Lord is good to all; His mercy is over all His works.”

1. Worship God for who He is — for His goodness, faithfulness, mercy, and unchanging love toward us throughout the past week.

2. Thank God for His protection, provision, healing, peace, and the gift of life He graciously gave us in the past week.

3. Praise God for His Word spoken to us on Sunday, for the correction, rebuke, guidance, encouragement, and instruction it brought to our lives.

4. Thank God for the grace given to us to act on the Word we received which is equipping us for every good work, and for empowering us to walk in obedience and fulfill His purpose.

Prayer

1. Obedience should go beyond fear — God is calling us from obedience to passion. Pray that we move beyond reluctant or minimal obedience into joyful, passionate partnership with God. Pray that we never serve out of duty alone, but with a heart aligned to God’s purposes, fully engaged and joyful where He has placed us. Ask God to remove silent or passive rebellion and ignite a willing, delighted spirit in our service.

2. By nature, God is merciful — and His grace has no boundaries. Pray for a heart that reflects God’s mercy, kindness, and long-suffering toward the lost. Pray that we see people as God sees them — not through prejudice, stereotypes, or personal bias, but as souls loved by God and candidates for heaven. Ask God to help us extend the same patience and mercy we have received, believing no one is beyond His reach.

3. We cannot afford to be reluctant co-workers with God — He wants our heart in the work. Pray for deliverance from self-centeredness and selfish standards of grace that make us expect forgiveness for ourselves while being hard on others. Pray that we value faithfulness over reputation and allow God to be God in how He chooses to show mercy. Ask for a heart that rejoices when the lost are saved and not one that resents God’s compassion.

4. Be the channel of God’s kindness — intercede even for your Nineveh. Pray for a transformed perspective toward those we find difficult to love or forgive. Pray that we will intercede for even the most wicked, believing God desires all to come to repentance. Ask God to help us obey with the right heart, to be concerned beyond our comfort, and to consistently reflect His character so that others encounter His love through us.