“And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us.” — 1 John 5:14
Happy Wednesday to you, friends. How is your week going so far? I know for many of you, you’ve got this week under control and everything is going off without a hitch. For others, you are so far behind that you’ve been looking for a reset button since yesterday. Wherever you may be, I want to encourage you and give you three reasons to stop and take a DIVINE TIME OUT. Stop everything you are doing for a moment and simply PRAY.
- Pray today to thank God for His great love. (Romans 5:8)
The relationship and access we have with God is solely because of His incredible love that was demonstrated for us. As you pray, thank Jesus for saving you from your sins. Thank Him for the life of hope and forgiveness you have because of the great love He has lavished upon you! In effect, praying in response to Jesus’ love will flood your heart with deeper affection for Him.
2. Pray today with a heart of gratitude. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
When you pray, express the gratitude that you have for everything He has graciously given you. From eternal life to earthy provisions to friends and family — express your thankfulness for all you have received in this life by His hands. When you pray like this, it demonstrates your trust and dependency on Jesus for the faithful God that He is.
3. Pray today so that you can know Jesus more deeply.
There are few things in life as sweet and lovely as when my children come to me and ask me questions! My kiddos believe their dad knows the answer to EVERYTHING! Children are always learning, absorbing and asking questions; I believe we can learn a lot from them. As you pray today, ask for the Lord to help you “turn and become like children.” (Matthew 18:3). That we, like little children, would desire to know Him more! As you approach God with this heart of wonder and adoration, it expresses your faith and love toward Him.
I hope you can make the time today to reach up to your amazing Father.
Grace to you,
Posted in A Word from the Pastor