Prayer

This weekend, I am encouraging you to think and study some Bible verses on prayer. I know some of you to be people of prayer, and perhaps others are interested enough to begin a prayer life.

Some folks keep a prayer journal, in which they keep tabs of the things or people they have prayed for, along with the date of  the prayer, and the answer to that prayer. Maybe the concept of a prayer journal would be beneficial to you.

Others like to pick a specific time such as early morning to spend quiet time with God in prayer. While there is nothing to prevent us from praying at any time of the day or night, getting into the habit of selecting a certain time for prayer and meditation is wise. 

Some suggestions of what to pray about:  Your family, your community, your nation, people who are sick, the families of those who have passed away, the homeless, the jobless, your neighbors, your neighborhood, your school district, your civil rulers.  Also, your prayers should include an attitude of thanksgiving and praise to God. Thank him for your provisions, for his love and forgiveness, for the freedom of worship, for spiritual gifts he has given you, for opportunities to tell others about him. You can think of lots more to pray about, perhaps specific problems and difficulties you face. One thing is sure. Anything you wish to talk over with God, he will hear, and the answer will come. 

Meditate on these verses which are directly related to prayer.

 Matthew 6:5-13  "And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. ⁶ But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. ⁷ And when you pray, do not like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.
⁹ “This, then, is how you should pray:“‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name,¹⁰ your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. ¹¹ Give us today our daily bread.12 And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. ¹³ And lead us not into temptation,  but deliver us from the evil one.'
2 Chronicles 7:14  If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
Psalm 5:3  In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you
 and wait expectantly.
Philippians 4:6  Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
1 Thessalonians 5:17  Pray without ceasing.

There are numerous other verses on prayer, and you are encouraged to discover them. Enjoy your time of study and prayer this weekend, and know I am praying for you. 

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