Our Pray All Ways devotionals are based upon the sermon that you’ve heard today. Our aim is to have God’s truth accompany our lives so that we may grow spiritually and pray together as a congregation about the same things. Therefore, we submit these devotionals for your benefit. The devotionals are also posted to our webpage; if you would like to have each day’s devotional sent by email, text message, or telephone call, please contact our office to be added to the respective list: 515-576-2091. In Christ, Pastor Jeff
Monday, February 13, 2012
How to…
Scripture:
It happened that while Jesus was praying in a certain place, after He had finished, one of His disciples said to Him, “Lord, teach us to pray…” Luke 11:1
Reflection:
Who taught you how to pray? By the power of the Holy Spirit, we’re given access to the heart of God. We often take for granted the gift of prayer. In Jesus’ time, the perception was that God is not accessible, people felt hindered by their own sin and God’s holiness. In Christ Jesus we have our mediator and intercessor.
Prayer:
Thank God for the gift of prayer.
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Dad
Scripture:
Jesus said to His disciples, “When you pray, say: Father…” Luke 11:2
Reflection:
It was a radical transformation for Jesus to tell his disciples to begin their prayers with the word “Dad.” Our English translations do a disservice by replacing “Dad” with “Father.” God isn’t some alien Spirit who’s disassociated from humans. God is our “Dad” and He loves spending time with us.
Prayer:
Take a break and spend time with Dad, He’s waiting for you.
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Expectant
Scripture:
Then Jesus said to them, “Suppose one of you has a friend, and goes to him at midnight and says to him, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves; for a friend of mine has come to me from a journey, and I have nothing to set before him’; and from inside he answers and says, ‘Do not bother me; the door has already been shut and my children and I are in bed; I cannot get up and give you anything.’ I tell you, even though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his persistence he will get up and give him as much as he needs. Luke 11:5-8
Reflection:
Jesus describes prayer that is expectant. Because of God’s love for us, we pray knowing that He will provide what we need out of His abundance.
Prayer:
Pray for God’s will to be done according to your desire.
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Alignment
Scripture:
Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness. Delight yourself in the Lord; and He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He will do it. Psalm 37:3-5
Reflection:
As you seek to live in a trusting relationship to God, His will soon becomes the primary desire of your heart. When you’re praying, are you praying that God’s will and your desire are in harmony? Give it a try and see how much smoother life seems to go when your alignment is properly adjusted.
Prayer:
Pray for the Lord to help you align your desires with His will.
Friday, February 17, 2012
Knock, Knock
Scripture:
Jesus told His disciples, “So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives; and he who seeks, finds; and to him who knocks, it will be opened. Luke 11:9-10
Reflection:
Look what happens when your desire and God’s will come together. Father knows best, and He hopes to bless your life with the best… His perfect will. Trust that He will provide.
Prayer:
Pray for the endurance to hold firm in faith for God’s will.
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