Devotion
Strive together in prayer
David Jacobs
How often do you pray? I don't mean a quick prayer at dinner. I mean really, really pray. For most Christians, I think it is safe to say that the answer is "not enough." I would put myself in that category.
There has been a recent explosion in mindfulness and meditation. My phone app store is filled with new meditation apps, trying to teach you how to be mindful and to meditate. I think that this is a great movement, although I also feel that Christians are not taught how to be similarly mindful. Paul sat in a jail cell for long periods of time, writing letters that became books of the Bible. He certainly spent a lot of time praying, but I am certain that it is not in the same manner that we pray in church or at home. I imagine that it was for a much longer period of time, like these mindfulness apps try to teach, and that you entered the meditative prayer session with a clear question in mind. At the end of the prayer, which could take a while, you may have gotten closer to an answer.
The importance of prayer cannot be overstated. In Christ's last moments before crucifixion, he was found in the garden with his disciples where he most liked to meditate in prayer (John 18:1-32. The art of prayer is being lost, and you can see how much Paul values even the prayers of other people, for he knows the value that it has had for him. What value has it had for you?
Prayer
Instead of a prayer, I would like you to sit down, quietly, with a question, idea, or praise to give to God. Relax and meditate on it for 15 minutes. How do you feel?
Night Prayer
To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.
Inspiration
When multiple flocks of sheep become blended, there is no need to worry. The good shepherd will call out to his sheep, and they come directly to him because they know his voice and will not confuse it with others. As God's people, we often become mixed up in things of the world. Sin is tempting as we surround ourselves with the wrong crowd; God is always watching and calls us back to the fold. We find Him when we are lost because we know the sound of His voice; it's the only one we've chosen to follow, and we do not confuse it with others.
Prayer
Dear God, when we are lost, we listen for You. Your voice is precious and will guide us back to the fold where we belong. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Devotion
The Word of God
Frances Taylor
If there's one thing I know about Christians and the Bible, is that there is an ongoing debate about whether it is the word of God or the word of men, and what that means. We all agree that the Bible is the living revealed word of God, but! There are wide differences in how that is interpreted. There are some who believe that every word of the Bible was dictated to someone who wrote it down. For others it is purely men's thoughts. For others, men were inspired by God to write their experience of God. I don't know where you find yourself on this continuum.
For most people who believe that the Bible is inspired either word for word or as guided by God, the Bible tells God's truth. Unfortunately for those of us who speak English, we have to rely the sources we have had over the years as guides to how the Scriptures should be interpreted. I have had many people ask me which translation is correct, but there's no clear answer.
The Bible has been translated ...
Morning Prayer
For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;
Inspiration
Suffering will be a part of our lives as Christians. The New Testament is filled with warnings about the suffering Christians will incur because of their decision to follow Christ and not the ways of the world. Millions of Christians across the world are subjected to torture, isolation, and mockery just because they have chosen to follow Christ. But Christ has also assured us that we will not endure this suffering alone, and a reward lies ahead for all of those who suffer for the name of Jesus Christ.
Prayer
Dear God, I pray that in times of persecution and great tribulations, may you strengthen me and encourage me to keep going on. I also pray for my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ who endure great pain and torture for choosing to follow you. May you comfort them in these trying times, Lord. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
