Prayer

The man after God’s own heart knew his share of difficult times. David experienced disappointment and discouragement firsthand. He wrote of his hard times openly and often in the psalms. But David also knew that God never wastes our time.

During our times of prayer or praise, what is the posture of our hearts?

Pray according to God’s will. That’s where His blessing will be and where great things will happen in your life.

Thank Him for His past answers. Thank Him for all His future promises. And then from the depth of your being, make this declaration, “Sovereign Lord, you are God!” Don’t ask God to change His answer; ask Him to change your heart.

How many times do I make decisions without spending time in prayer? How many times do I decide to do or not do something by simply “sampling the provisions” (spreadsheets, test-drives, investment returns, outward appearances, etc.). Decisions require prayer.

What road are you on? Are you headed to the destination of death or life? Have you trusted in Jesus alone as the only One who can place you into a loving, personal, and eternal relationship with God?

Aaron’s “Priestly Blessing” is a great prayer to pray for our children. I introduced this prayer yesterday and considered the first three requests. Here are the final four.

My prayers too often default into worn-out requests that lack specifics. But today’s passage gives great help in putting power into praying for our families.

Jesus didn’t stay an infant for long. It was time for Mary and Joseph to prepare Jesus to become a “son of commandment” (bar mitzvah). At that age young boys were obligated to observe the religious practices personally. So Jesus made the trip for Passover. Two decades later he would make the trip again, one last time, giving his life on the cross.