Scripture Passage: Acts 12:1-17
Last week's devotion focused on spending time with God on a regular basis and prayer is a critical part of that journey.
This week we look at prayer as a part of our relationship with Him. Remember, in any relationship there is two-way communication. This includes listening quietly as well as talking.
The main thing that God asks of us is to love Him and if we are to do this, we must be in a love relationship with Him (Matthew 22:37-38). When we are in His presence, we can behold his glory – II Corinthians 3:18 - and God lets us know personally what He is about to do in our life. When we are there in the presence of God, the Spirit of God takes us and transforms us into His image. He will show us the incredible dimension of His love. (Henry Blackaby, 2006)
Prayer yields amazing results! Acts 12:1-17 is a wonderful example of what can happen when the people of the church gather and pray together (vs. 5). Notice how shocked they were when their prayers were answered (vs. 13-16), In next week's devotion, steps to forming a prayer group will be shared.
Biblical Helps for Effective Prayer:
- Pray from a cleansed life and heart (James 5:16)
- Pray with perseverance and persistence (Matthew 7:7-11)
- Pray specific prayers (Matthew 9:35-38)
- Pray with a sensitivity to God's Spirit (Psalm 46:10)
- Pray Spirit-filled prayers (Ephesians 6:18-20)
- Pray in accordance with God's will (Luke 22:39-46)
- Pray with a view toward obedience and service (Psalms 126:4-6)
Taken from Prayer Prompts for Prayer Groups a publication of the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina
(Please ask Judy Williams or Faye Downs for this booklet if interested)
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May 20 - 27
May 27 - June 3
June 3 - June 10
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