Intentional Prayer
Saturday, January 25, 2025
Good morning, LordFather in Heaven, I seek You first-Your peace-Your knowledge and discernment. Build my trust. I take up my cross and follow...In Jesus' name…
Verse of the Day: James 4:10
10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you. Memory verse: Psalm 139:23–24 -- Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! 24 And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!Today's reading: Exodus 14-15 Matthew 17
Intentional Prayer
Yesterday we talked about unceasing desire as a way to understand Paul’s words to ‘pray without ceasing’. Today we look at intentional prayer as God’s way of increasing our desire.
One writer said, “Rather, prayer and desire are linked like body and soul. Our desire for God gives life to our prayer. And intentional prayer shapes and strengthens our desire for God.”
Jesus prayed intentionally and God had some of the prayers recorded but more than that had instances recorded where Jesus prayed and if He was alone or with His people. The Bible records at least 25 times where Jesus prayed.
Jesus gave us the model prayer and then showed us how He prayed.
Jesus prayed for :
For all believers-for our unity with Him and each other and His divine power for us. (John 17:20-23)(John 17:6-19)
In(Luke 23:34), Jesus even prayed for the ones who crucified Him while in all that pain and suffering.
All this to say that Jesus made the time, found the place, and prayed intentionally and specifically. He is our ultimate example.
So make a list and pray intentionally and specifically. Some think a list is too ‘legalistic’. I say. Plan the prayer and sit back and watch the Holy Spirit work.
Think and plan. Talk it over with our Lord. Remember what God said, “Come, let us reason together”, Isaiah 1:18.
Meet with God; talk and reason; confess and pray for others and let God shape your desire for Him.
...because He loves us…
Father in Heaven,
Your name be praised and may Your kingdom come. Increase my desire to obey and pray. Give me your bread today and forgive me my sin of laziness. Lead me away from the enemy.
Great God of wisdom and right thinking,
In the name of Jesus,
Amen
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