Dear Daily Message Readers,
READ: Luke 2:21-40
Luke 2:36 (NIV) "This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel..."
It is so easy to forget to do. When you have tasks to accomplish, it is often the last thing on your mind. What am I talking about? I am talking about prayer.
In reality, however, we all need to be in prayer all the time. When we are faithful in prayer, we follow in the tradition of so many biblical examples. For instance, Daniel prayed three times a day despite opposition (Daniel 6:10). In a relevent Christmas theme from today's suggested reading, the widow Anna, who "worshiped [God through] fasting and prayer," did so night and day (Luke. 2:36-37). And Cornelius, a God-fearing soldier who encourtered the apostle Peter, was always in constant prayer (Acts 10:1-2).
The Bible contains many commands when praying. A few essential ones are as follows:
It is not difficult to find enough things to pray about during your devotional time. Even talking to one person can yield a throughough list of needs and requets. The tough part, however, is following through on our commitment to pray. Remind yourself throughout the day that you have a job to do. People are counting on you. You are always called to pray. Faith Lesson: "I thank God, whom I serve, as my forefathers did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers."--2 Timothy 1:3
In Christ,
Darin Smith
READ: Luke 2:21-40
Luke 2:36 (NIV) "This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel..."
It is so easy to forget to do. When you have tasks to accomplish, it is often the last thing on your mind. What am I talking about? I am talking about prayer.
In reality, however, we all need to be in prayer all the time. When we are faithful in prayer, we follow in the tradition of so many biblical examples. For instance, Daniel prayed three times a day despite opposition (Daniel 6:10). In a relevent Christmas theme from today's suggested reading, the widow Anna, who "worshiped [God through] fasting and prayer," did so night and day (Luke. 2:36-37). And Cornelius, a God-fearing soldier who encourtered the apostle Peter, was always in constant prayer (Acts 10:1-2).
The Bible contains many commands when praying. A few essential ones are as follows:
- Pray without ceasing (1 Thessolonians 5:17).
- Pray morning, noon, and night (Psalm 55:17).
- Pray always and do not get discouraged (Luke 18:1).
It is not difficult to find enough things to pray about during your devotional time. Even talking to one person can yield a throughough list of needs and requets. The tough part, however, is following through on our commitment to pray. Remind yourself throughout the day that you have a job to do. People are counting on you. You are always called to pray. Faith Lesson: "I thank God, whom I serve, as my forefathers did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers."--2 Timothy 1:3
In Christ,
Darin Smith
