Daily Scripture Reading: Luke 11:1 KJV
Luke 11:1 KJV And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.
Today’s Devotional is “THE SCHOOL OF PRAYER”
Christ is the only such teacher. He was the master in prayer and taught all of the greatest intercessors to men. They have been inspired by his example. One of His disciples asked Him to teach others how to pray after seeing Him doing it. This is an example of unconscious influence. A boy who kneels in prayer in a school bedroom will almost certainly start praying for others.
Pray naturally. Don’t repeat prayers that have lost their meaning due to repeated usage. Ask for grace as a child from your father to help you determine what your needs are.
Help others. Don’t use “I”, “me”, and “my” as your only language. Use “we,” the “our” and “us” instead. Keep in mind how Christ interwove intercession for every prayer He taught His disciples.
Always be willing to give as well as to ask. Asking is not enough for a beggar. He does his best until he gets what he wants. We are often so content to ask without thinking about receiving, After we have pleaded for something in the Divine promises, it is time to get up from our knees and believe that we will receive the petitions we desire. “Have faith in God” means to count on God’s faithfulness. Don’t look at your faith. Whoever is constantly concerned about his health will eventually become an invalid. He who looks down on his faith will cut the roots of faith and shut off the light that enables faith to live. The character of God is the faithful God, who keeps covenant and mercy forever.
He will provide the answers to all your prayers. Children often ask for stones, not bread, and they also want scorpions, not fish, as a way to reverse the words of our Lord. In such situations, it is wise and right of God to deny our requests and to answer what we would ask if He knew. We will have to give Him thanks for both the unanswered and answered prayers when we reach heaven.
Give the Master enough time to show you how to pray. Waiting for Him is important when we are less earnest or when the fire burns more vehemently. He enjoys regular hours for His pupils and encourages them to not rush away from His kind words.
PRAYER for TODAY
Teach me to pray O Lord, just as Thou taught Thy disciples of the past, and winnow mine prayers so that I may ask only the things that Thy will requires. AMEN.