Saturday, November 2, 2024

Devotion: The Right Way to Pray

 The Bible in One Year: Proverbs 25-26/2 Corinthians 9

Today’s Reading: Matthew 6:5-15 – when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. ~Matthew 6:6

The Right Way to Pray

I admire people who record prayer request in journals tattered from daily handling, those who keep track of every prayer and praise and then faithfully update their lists. I’m inspired by those who gather with others to pray and whose kneeling wears out the carpet at their bedsides. For years, I tried to copy their styles, to emulate a perfect prayer life, and to imitate the eloquence of the so-much-more-articulate-than-me folks. I strived to unravel what I thought was a mystery, as I longed to learn the right way to pray.

Eventually, I learned that our Lord simply desires prayer that begins and ends with humility (Matthew 6:5). He invites us into an intimate exchange through which He promises to listen (v. 7). He assures us that prayer is a gift, an opportunity to honor His majesty (vv. 9-10), to display our confidence in His provision (v. 11), and to affirm our security in His forgiveness and guidance (vv.12-13).

God assures us He hears and cares about every single spoken and unspoken prayer, as well as the prayers that slip down our cheeks as silent tears. As we place our trust in God and His perfect love for us, we can be sure praying with a humble heart that’s surrendered to and dependent on Him is always the right way to pray. ~Xochitl Dixon

Lord, thank You for reminding us You hear every prayer.

Calling on Jesus as our loving Savior and Lord is the right way to pray.

Bible Verse

And Moses said unto the people, Fear not: for God is come to prove you, and that his fear may be before your faces, that ye sin not. ~Exodus 20:20

Prayer

Lord, open my mouth that I may speak to You throughout my day. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Bible Verse

That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. ~John 3:6-7

Bible Verse

For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning. ~Psalm 30:5

Prayer

Dear Lord, as I read the Scriptures, open my eyes so I can see you. in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

When You Feel Thankful

And let us not be weary in well doing: for in the season we shall reap, if we faint not. ~Galatians 6:9

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