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Too Busy To Pray?

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Prayer is the oxygen of our spirit; our survival depends upon it. We must always pray and not give up (Luke 18:1). In order to be equipped for an enemy attack, we must do as the psalmist declared, “Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice” (Psalms 55:17 KJV). If you have found yourself becoming too busy to pray, try this prayer:

Lord, I’m ready to conquer my prayerlessness. I want my time with you to be my top priority—not just in word but in deed. There are activities that I have put before you and in so doing, decided that they are more important. I know that I’m responsible for every activity that I have put on my too-busy schedule.

I am not allowing you the time to develop in me the fruit of the spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. (Galatians 5:22-   23)

I know that apart from you I can do nothing (John 15:5).  Trying to run my life in my own strength is more than I can bear.  I want to commit now to a regular prayer time with you, for prayer is as important to my spirit as oxygen is to my body.   Father, help me to start with just _______ (be specific)  minutes each morning of waiting quietly before you—absorbing your love, your wisdom and your enabling power for the day.

Teach me to pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17) by being conscious of your presence throughout the day. Thank you in advance for a dynamic prayer life that will bring glory to you. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

 

A Prayer of Thanksgiving

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Thank God for the victory!

Father, I want to thank you for your loving kindness and faithfulness to me. You have always been my strong tower.  You are a shield for me, my glory and the one who lifts up my head (Psalms 3:3). You have heard all of my petitions, you have seen my tears, and you have answered me according to your divine purpose.  I stand in awe of your great power.

I do not have adequate words to express the depth of my gratitude to you for all that you have done in providing for me, protecting me, comforting me, empowering me, and adopting me into your family. I lift up to you the words of Mary, the mother of your dear son Jesus:

“For he, the Mighty One, is holy, and he has done great things for me.

His mercy goes on from generation to generation, to all who fear him.

His mighty arm does tremendous things! How he scatters the proud and haughty ones! He has taken princes from their thrones and exalted the lowly. He has satisfied the hungry with good things and sent the rich away with empty hands” (Luke 1:49-53 NLT).

Thank you, Father, for never reneging on your word. It has been my anchor in the midst of every storm. I am eternally grateful to you for your goodness and for your wonderful works. I exalt your name above every name on the earth.  In the name of Jesus. Amen!

 

(Excerpted from EMERGENCY PRAYERS by  Deborah Smith Pegues.)

Jesus: The Model Celebrity

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I’m doing an exciting study from the Gospels on how Jesus handled his “celebrity” (celebrity simply means to be well-known). No matter how much He grew in fame, He consistently:

1) PRAYED (Mark 1:35-37 NKJV : Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed. 36 And Simon and those who were with Him searched for Him. 37 When they found Him, they said to Him, “Everyone is looking for You.”

2) PRIORITIZED His activities to align with His purpose: (Mark 1:38 But He said to them, “Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also, because for this purpose I have come forth.” NKJV)… NOTICE: The crowds didn’t dictate His schedule.

3) PURSUED a life of purity (John 8:29…”He one who sent me is with me; he has not left me alone, for I ALWAYS do what pleases him.” {‘ALWAYS???’  BOY, I WANT THIS TESTIMONY!!!}

 This message is to all whom God has given a mandate but who are finding themselves distracted from the MAIN THING because of the pull of others.