Tag Archives: prayer

October 17
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“The first thing I want you to do is pray.  Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know.  Pray especially for rulers and their governments to rule well so we can be quietly about our business of living simply, in humble contemplation.  This is the way our Savior God wants us to live.”  (1 Timothy 2:1-3, The Message)

As disciples of Jesus, we are we instructed to stay engaged as persons devoted to prayer — at all times and for all people.

Do not be discouraged because it seems that a prayer is too small to make any difference.  Do not be discouraged because it seems that a prayer is too private to be heard.  Great floods begin with raindrops; and the One who hears our prayer sustains the universe.

Pray first.  Pray often.  Pray for everyone.  – Luther

NOTE: Daily Encouragement will be on break tomorrow.  Lord willing, see you again on Monday.  Have a great day in Sunday worship!

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October 15
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“Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near.”  (Isaiah 55:6, NIV)

God is omnipresent, yet, there are times when we feel closer to Him, and He seems more accessible than at other times.

When we are not pressed by circumstances, or stressed by the sense that things are out of control; it is particularly in such mundane moments that we need to draw near to God.

Use the “boring” level stretches of time to cement your relationship to your heavenly Father.  Hunting for divine companionship while descending into the dark valley of trial, or while climbing the mountains of adversity are not the best conditions.  Get into tune with Him before the performance begins!  – Luther

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August 29
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“I love the Lord because he hears my voice and my prayer for mercy. Because he bends down to listen, I will pray as long as I have breath!” (Psalm 116:1-2, NLT)

Imagine having the private telephone number to the President of the United States; or Warren Buffet’s personal e-mail address; or Bill Gates’ unlisted Skype number (yes, Microsoft owns Skype, too!).  Imagine having an invitation to contact any one of them, at any time you wanted, for any reason, as often as you would like.

Imagine the resources at your disposal!

All rolled into one — and any 100 other people you would choose to add — this resource would not be as big, or as powerful, as the help we have available from our heavenly Father.

As children of God, we have God’s “ear.”  The psalmist reminds us that He “bends down to listen” to us.

Prayer is the lifeline for the child.  God values this relationship, as well.  He answered the prayers of the ancient saints.  His only begotten Son taught us how to pray.  The Holy Spirit intercedes for us.

There is no substitute for prayer in the life of a Christian disciple.  There is no substitute for prayer in a disciple’s relationship with his or her Lord.  Resolve, as the psalmist did, to “pray as long as I have breath.”

In the words of the hymn: “O, what peace we often forfeit; o, what needless pain we bear; all because we do not carry, everything to God in prayer.”  – Luther

REMINDER: Daily Encouragement is on break tomorrow. Have a great day of rest, reflection, and worship.  Lord willing, see you on Monday! 

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