Take It To The Lord In Prayer...And In Devotions
By Woodrow Kroll
It's amazing isn't it, how many varied responses we get when we ask people about prayer? One person says, "Prayer? What a colossal waste of time." Yet someone else will jump to prayer's defense and say, "Prayer? Why, it's one of the most treasured experiences of my life!"
How could two people have such opposite views on the same subject? Don't you think it might have something to do with their view of God? If there is no God, and if everything we see around us evolved on its own, then prayer is indeed a waste of time. There would be absolutely no value in praying. After all, what purpose is there in asking an Almighty Creator for His favor if He doesn't exist? It would be ludicrous.
But aren't you glad to know the Bible says that there is a God and that He hears our prayers? Psalm 10:17 declares, "Lord, You have heard the desire of the humble; You will prepare their heart; You will cause Your ear to hear." Evolution teaches that there is no Supreme Being to hear our pleas, but the Bible says God hears our voice and He will answer.
Now that we can agree that prayer is for real, let's take it to the next level...and put prayer to practical use in our devotional life. I'd like to suggest ten good reasons to engage in daily, prayer-centered, personal devotions in God's Word, and I trust you'll open your heart and let God speak to you through these verses.
1. Devotions provide communication with God (Psalm 25:4-5; 119:145-154).
2. Devotions quench our spiritual thirst (Psalm 42:1-2; 84:2; Philippians 3:10).
3. Devotions are the basis for personal spiritual growth (1 Peter 2:2; 2 Peter 3:18).
4. Devotions provide a safeguard against spiritual immaturity (1 Corinthians 3:1-3; Psalm 119:9-11).
5. Devotions provide insight for daily living (Proverbs 10:4; 17:27-28).
6. Devotions prevent bipolar faith (1 John 4:1; Ephesians 4:11-15).
7. Devotions provide daily comfort and encouragement (Psalm 119:81; Romans 15:4).
8. Devotions prepare us to share our faith (1 Peter 3:15; Luke 24-27).
9. Devotions provide daily direction (Deuteronomy 5:27; Psalm 119:105).
10. Devotions show our respect for the Bible's Author (Psalm 19:9-10; 119:127-128).
Have I persuaded you that prayer and devotions go hand-in-glove? I hope so, because these elements of our faith are two of the greatest sources of spiritual power available to you and me in our Christian walk.
God bless you, my friend, as you and your family tap the power of prayer in your devotional life, and as you continue to be a Christian witness to those in your sphere of influence. Thank you for playing a key role in seeing lives changed for eternity, by the power and love of Jesus Christ.
Written By Woodrow Kroll
Copyright 2001, The Good News Broadcasting Association.
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