Today’s Scripture: Keep on praying. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 NLT Tyndale 1996
What came first the chicken or the egg? As I read 1 Thessalonians 5:16 this morning “Always be joyful” I initially thought there is the affirmation for the day. “I am always joyful”. Even though I find that to be true I thought there are some that are in a place where they aren’t feeling joy. Then the very next verse hit me, Keep on praying. What comes first the joy or the prayer?
As I continued to read through first and second Thessalonians I kept seeing other powerful affirmations that come from prayer such as:
- I am always thankful.
- I hold on to what is good.
- God calls me.
- I belong to God.
- God gives me grace and peace.
- I know God.
- I believe the Good News.
- I receive the undeserved favor of God.
- God gives me strength.
- I am confident in the Lord.
- The Lord of peace Himself gives me peace.
What wonderful things come as a result of praying without ceasing. Yes we can always be joyful no matter what happens if we are praying and worshiping Him. I encourage you to try it. If you don’t know how to pray just go to Him and He is faithful and will do it for you. I used to pray rarely and I also rarely experienced joy. What came first?
Today’s Prayer: Father, thank You for giving us prayer. How awesome it is that we can meet You in prayer and be filled by Your Spirit. God I welcome Your Spirit. I believe in the Good News that You have given. Help me to be faithful to Your calling and keep me confident in knowing it is You who do all things. I seek You in prayer not for what You do but for who You are. Thank You for Your peace. Amen
Tom Raines
Christian Affirmations 4 Life
Prayer is our form of communication with God but it doesn’t have to be formal. We can talk to God as we talk to each other. Of course, I hope our conversation to each other is respectful. So many don’t know how to pray because they feel they need to “get the words right” but God longs to hear our prayers (our communication.)
Amen Kimberly, I find some of the most powerful times of prayer are when I have nothing to say at all. Just being with Him and telling Him I have nothing allows me to experience the communion of Him and His Spirit within me. Just go to Him and seek to be filled with His will. I long for this too. Blessings and prayers!
Great word, Brother Tom!!! After many years, talking to God now comes naturally to me–no formal language or structure, and in every mood, I just say what I’m thinkin’ about. Sometimes it’s hard for Him to get a word in edgewise, but boy did He sweet-talk me Saturday! In case you missed it before I closed the old blog, God showed great love and mercy by rescuing my lost neighbor–the one who suffers from schizophrenia and had wandered far from home. He won’t be returning to this apartment, and I’ll miss him–but I won’t have to fret over him, knowing he’ll be somewhere more secure and structured. GOD IS GOOD. If you feel like some poetry, come on over to my new digs. God bless you BIG–always sis Caddo
I join you Sis in praising the LORD for His sweet talk and for the rescue of your neighbor!! Yes, GOD IS GOOD! I am excited to come over to your new digs! On the road now for an early meeting but will certainly come over to visit and follow:) BIG blessings!
Will greet you with a Big Sister hug (cyber) when you get here–have a blessed meeting!
Hi Sis Caddo…I just wanted you to know that I have been WAITING to hear the good news that your neighbor was found…safe and healthy, as I have been PRAYING for this! I praise God and share your joy! God’s choicest blessings to you, Cindy
Oh what a sweetie you are! Thank you so much for your prayers, as I was so scared! God’s people are SO GOOD, can’t beat ’em! I’m thrilled to meet you, Cindy–and cordially invite you to my party on Thursday, come on over to my blog!! God bless you BIG!
Cindy, we do not know where all of or prayers lie, do we? How many silent prayers must God be using on our behalf. I know sister that you are truly a praying woman and I thank you for your prayers and it is comforting to know you are there praying even when we aren’t physically hearing it. You are a blessing to all of us. Blessings as we also pray for you.