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?
Morning Prayer
I have not hid thy righteousness within my heart; I have declared thy faithfulness and thy salvation: I have not concealed thy lovingkindness and thy truth from the great congregation.
Inspiration
The story of salvation is precious, and we are eager to proclaim it to the world. We have personal stories and testimonies that help people relate to God and gain thorough knowledge regarding the path to righteousness. We will not keep the Gospel a secret! Instead, we will proclaim it from the mountain top; we will tell the world about the steadfast love of God and explain how faith in Jesus and repentance of our sin leads us to eternal life with our Heavenly Father.
Prayer
Dear Lord, Your love is precious, and we devote our lives to You. We will sing Your praises from the mountain tops with cheerful hearts. You are a loving Father, and we are thankful for Your faithful love. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Night Prayer
And Joshua said unto Achan, My son, give, I pray thee, glory to the Lord God of Israel, and make confession unto him; and tell me now what thou hast done; hide it not from me.
Inspiration
We are saddened to learn someone has been keeping a secret; and disappointed if we need to confront them regarding the truth. When the Israelites conquered Jericho, they received direct instruction to keep no treasure for themself; all riches went to the treasury of the Lord. Achan did not follow directions. He took goods for himself, and Joshua requested a confession. When we need to confront our brothers and sisters in Christ regarding sinful actions, we must maintain merciful hearts and ask the Holy Spirit for guidance in our wording. We must discipline one another with mercy and kindness, remaining a witness of God.
Prayer
Dear Lord, we do not enjoy confronting one another regarding sin. Help us discipline each other spiritually with loving, merciful hearts that reflect ...
