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| Daffodils in my yard - the beauty of spring |
Scripture has many passages that address the topic of prayer.
For example:
Philippians 4:4-7
"Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be know to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made know to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."
I. John 5:14-15
"Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him."
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| My feather friends. Finally some nice weather!!! |
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| We love the spring!!! |
The general purpose of prayer is to establish a personal fellowship with God and fulfill our own spiritual needs.
I think the following quote from the book: "A Handbook for Christian Maturity" by Dr. Bill Bright describes the urgency that each believer must establish a consistent prayer life.
"The study of the Word of God and practice of prayer are vitally important to spiritual growth. We may miss a day without feeding on the Word of God or praying and not feel any apparent ill effects in our lives, but if we continue this practice, we will lose the power to live the victorious Christian life."
A Prayer Journal is a good idea!!!
One method that I have found that keeps me consistent and focused in my prayer life is keeping a prayer journal. Also maintaining a prayer journal has deepen my fellowship and worship of God. If I write things down I become more accountable. The key words for me are focus and reflect.
In keeping my prayer journal the following points have become a part of my daily prayer time.
First, I focus on the one to whom I am speaking, God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.
Second, I focus on the people, events, and circumstances that I present to Him.
Third, I focus on the needs that I present to Him.
Fourth, I read and record specific scripture that relates to my requests
Fifth, I can review and reflect on God's promises, His conditions, and His answers.
As you think about your devotional time, make it a time that is unhurried. Take the time to concentrate on your fellowship with the Lord Jesus Christ. Your devotional time should include Bible study, prayer, personal worship, and quiet meditation. Yes, all of these aspects of your devotional time are very closely related and you can engage in them as you have your personal time with God.
In our class on Sunday, April 6, I will give you instruction of how to organize your prayer journal that will be user friendly.
I like to read the benedictions that Paul includes at the end of his letters. One of my favorite is II Corinthians 13:14
"The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all."
