May I make a very bold statement? You cannot be a Christian and not pray. It simply defies logic. To be Christ-like is following and adhering to the teachings of Jesus Christ. One thing was very clear about Jesus…He prayed! He prayed at the beginning of his ministry on earth. Jesus…
“When I think of the wisdom and scope of God’s plan, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth” (Ephesians 3:14-15 in the Holy Bible, New Living Translation)
The Apostle Paul, the writer of the Book of Ephesians, wrote these words while imprisoned and perhaps even chained to a Roman guard. Despite the circumstances; the prison walls; the discomfort of iron chains and the onlooking jailer; Paul was kneeling in prayer focused on God’s overall purpose. The present trial was put in perspective in light of God’s overarching plan.
Prayer: Lord, some of the most important prayers that I will ever pray are in the middle of crisis and difficult circumstances. In the midst of trying times, it is my habit of prayer that will convey the message of my faith louder than mere words ever could. Amen.
Devotion by Julie Long
“The LORD hear thee in the day of trouble; the name of the God of Jacob defend thee; Send thee help from the sanctuary, and strengthen thee out of Zion;” Psalm 20:1-2 Many years ago the Lord spoke to my heart from this Scripture, and a few months later I…
Let me hear about your mercy in the morning, because I trust you. Let me know the way that I should go, because I long for you. (Psalm143:8, God’s Word Edition) If I could change one thing about myself, I would definitely become more of a morning person. I would give…
Life Reference: John 11:1-44 Focus Verse: “This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby” (John 11:4). Have you ever cried out, “Where are You God? I need You now!” This is what happened with Mary and…
“Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done” Luke 22:42 As we count down the days until Easter Sunday, I remembered this poem that I wrote about three years ago. In the stillness of the garden Jesus knelt to…
“When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him.” Isaiah 59:19b I read this quote recently: “He who walks in prayer shields his soul from the enemy.” What does it mean to walk in prayer? I know people…
“Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day. I also, and my maidens will fast likewise, and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: …
By example, Jesus showed us that when His energy waned, He took time to recharge. The Bible says in Mark 1:35, “And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed” (King James Version of the Holy Bible). We lead such busy lives making it that much more important that we realize we are not immune to the pressures of life. We too must recharge our spiritual batteries in His presence. Determine today to get away from the noise of all that is calling for your attention to allow God to restore your soul.
Prayer: Lord, I too need a quiet time with You away from the distractions of the day and the thousands of thoughts that bombard my mind. Thank You, for renewing, restoring and refreshing my spirit as I sit here in Your presence. I lean on You, Lord! Amen.