Tag: Pray always

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09
Oct '18

Much More Than Words

Posted on Oct 9, 2018 in Devotions | Tags: ,

09
Oct '18
Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. (Romans 8:26) 
 
At a dedication ceremony during which a Bible translated into a local African language was presented, the area chief was presented with his own copy. In appreciation, he lifted the Bible to the skies and exclaimed, “Now we know God understands our language! We can read the Bible in our own native mother-tongue.” 
 
No matter our language, our heavenly Father understands it. But often we feel unable to express our deepest longings to Him. The apostle Paul encourages us to pray regardless of how we feel. Paul speaks of our suffering world and our own pain: “the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together” (Romans 8:22), and he compares that to the Holy Spirit’s work on our behalf. “The Spirit also helpeth our infirmities” he writes. “For we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.” (v. 26). 
 
God’s Holy Spirit knows us intimately. He knows our longings, our heart-language, and our unspoken words, and He helps us in our communication with God. His Spirit draws us to be transformed into the image of God the Son (v. 29). 
 
Our heavenly Father understands our language and speaks to us through His Word. When we think our prayers are weak or too short, His Holy Spirit helps us by speaking through us to the Father. He yearns for us to talk with Him in prayer.
Thank You, Lord, for understanding my language and innermost longings. When my prayers are weak and dry, bear me up through Your Spirit. Amen. 
 
I feel so many times we allow discouragement to creep in when we pray, thinking it’s not good enough or your words aren’t eloquent enough and we just choose not to pray all together but God understands our every prayer just as today’s devotion says. Go to Him, sup with Him, share your heart with Him and watch Him bear you up through His spirit. Make time for God today, in the shower, in your car on the way to work, while your doing dishes, feeding the kids, whenever it may be just take time today to pray. He’s waiting for you and He hears. 
 
Have a beautiful and uplifting day in The Lord! 
 
Today’s Reading is Proverbs 18:24 

17
Jan '18

All Day With God

Posted on Jan 17, 2018 in Devotions | Tags: ,

17
Jan '18
Pray without ceasing. (1 Thessalonians 5:17)

Brother Lawrence (1614–1691) felt intimately close to God as he humbly scrubbed pots and pans in the monastery kitchen. Certainly Brother Lawrence practiced specific times of devotional prayer. But what he found more life-transforming was prayer during the workday. In his devotional classic Practicing the Presence of God, he says, “It is a great delusion to think our times of prayer ought to differ from other times. We are as strictly obliged to cleave to God by action in the time of action as by prayer in the season of prayer.” In short, he advocated that we “pray without ceasing” (1 Thess. 5:17).

That’s a helpful reminder, because sometimes we tend to compartmentalize our lives. Perhaps we pray only during church worship, small-group Bible study, family devotions, and personal quiet times. But what about during our workday? To pray on the job does not mean we have to fall to our knees with clasped hands and pray aloud. But it does mean that work decisions and relationships can be brought to God throughout the day.

Wherever we are and whatever we’re doing, God wants to be a part of it. When prayer enters every aspect of our lives, who knows what God might do for His glory!

Let’s always keep the prayer lines open,
Knowing God is always there;
For we upon His name may call
Anytime and anywhere. Amen!

This blessed me so much, there are times I get so busy during the day I’ve found myself talking with God as I’m doing the dishes, laundry, vacuuming, cooking dinner, driving in the car and the list goes on but I’ve come to realize that as today’s devotion says, true prayer is a way of life, not an emergency detour! No matter what you have on your to do list today, include Him in it, talk to Him, visit with Him, make time for Him. That’s all He wants, to be included in your day, in your life. It’s amazing how He adds joy and purpose to those moments when you include Him. He is incredible. Happy Moments, Praise God. Difficult Moments, Seek God. Quiet Moments, Worship God. Painful Moments, Trust God. Every Moment, Thank God and Pray without ceasing. 

Make today beautiful!

Today’s Reading is 1 Thessalonians 5:12-18