Today’s Scripture: He said to them, “When you pray, say: “‘Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. Matthew 11:2 NIV
When the disciples asked Jesus to teach them to pray, He said to them “When you pray”. Those words are odd to me. The disciples faced times of not praying just like us. We must not forget or get too distracted to pray. We have the option and direction for prayer.
As I knelt before God this morning, Jesus’ words came to me and I knew there were instructions for being at this very place. I am praying; here I am.
Jesus’ instructions to the disciples are the same to us today. Matthew 6:6 we are given further instruction: “But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” (NIV)
Our Father will teach us and reward us, are we praying? How do you pray and when do you pray? What rewards have you received?
Today’s Prayer: Heavenly Father, how great is Your name, Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven today. Give me today’s bread. Forgive me for my trespasses and for the times I do not pray. Lead me not into temptation today and deliver me from evil. I am praying LORD, have me pray as You desire. Amen
Tom Raines
Christian Affirmations 4 Life
Jesus takes complicated life questions and makes them so simple.
Pray.
Pray the Lord’s prayer.
Don’t pray to be seen by others.
Thank you, Tom.
Thanks Julie, I am finding that allowing each word of the Lord’s prayer to speak to us in prayer and meditation opens up the rewards He promises. Blessings and prayer.
I receive the gift of eternal life that I can apply in the here and now. Prayer is the spigget through which the spring of everlasting life flows into the present world.
Amen Joseph! May we live in His overflowing. May we share His eternal life today with those with no hope. Blessings and praying.
Amen!
Prayer is the key to communing with our Father in heaven. Tom, I join you in prayer today that His will be done on earth as it is in heaven and that my heart is filled with His desire not mine! Amen!
Debby my heart is strangely warmed when I get to pray with my brothers and sisters here in blogchurch:) I am thankful for the opportunity and pleasure in praying with you! Amen and Amen.
My prayer is an all-day conversation with the Lord, Our Father–whether trivial bits or desperate cries for help, I am blessed to be in His “Always” Presence, knowing He’s listening and working on my behalf through the Comforter, His Holy Spirit. God bless you today, Tom (BIG).
Thanks Sis! Maybe that is why it seemed odd to me that Jesus stated “when you prayer”. I was thinking the disciples would be praying without ceasing as you confess. I confess I too often lose my way…I am drawn into His Way. Blessings and BIG prayers.
So “funny” that I read this this morning. I was praying about prayer and asked for wisdom concerning it. While my answer is not complete, I thought this a very timely post! God is so amazing!
Perhaps you can lend a hand here, Tom. There is one type of prayer request that I am unsettled with, and what I consider the very most important prayer: salvation for others. I’m sure we all have a list of people longer than our childhood Christmas list. So, how often should we pray for them?
God bless you, Brother!
(Traveling this week so it may be a couple of days before I can see your reply)
Welcome my brother John, great to hear from you and thankful you take a peak here when you can. Great question and my answer is also not complete. I am weak when keeping a list. I trust God’s plans yet know we are called to pray for others. I have a tendency to pray in generalities and act on specifics. If God places someone on that “list” in my spirit I pray to act on it. I am also of the persuasion of sharing my salvation, witnessing what God has done and is doing in my life. I pray through my story, a seed of the Kingdom is planted. I trust God to nurture that seed to grow it in His perfect timing for the salvation of others. I do not know His plan but I do know I can give what He has given me as often as He gives me. Share what you have my brother and trust God is in the salvation business perfectly. Thank you for your heart for others…keep giving your heart to them. Win their salvation with the salvation story you have been given. Travel safe! Blessings