Daily Devotional
Do You Pray Like Jesus’ Disciples?
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.”
Philippians 4:6
October 27, 2020
Ponder This
Prayer is our greatest Christian privilege but—we may as well admit—our greatest Christian failure. We all need to learn to pray more and to pray better. But one of the reasons we don’t pray more than we do is that we have questions about prayer. We’re not sure what’s right and what’s not, so we become uncertain. Our uncertainly leads to less prayer.
But if we’re going to impact our families, nation, and the world, prayer is where we should begin. Just a casual glance at the book of Acts confirms how the disciples totally depended upon prayer. Just before Jesus ascended back to Heaven, He left them with The Great Commission and told them “Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high” (Luke 24:49). True to His command, “Then they returned to Jerusalem…unto the upper room” and “…all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication…” (Acts 1:12-14), waiting to receive the Holy Spirit.
They didn’t make a move without seeking God through prayer for His guidance. “And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers” (Acts 2:42). “But we will give ourselves continually to prayer…” they said (Acts 6:4).
Practice This
In these difficult days when there is such need for prayer—needs in our families and needs in the nation—are you making prayer a priority every morning as you begin your day? This commitment takes determination and discipline. If those who walked alongside our Lord for three years were dependent upon prayer, how much more so are we? What a grave mistake if we’re casual about our prayer life.
FOR YOUR GIFT TO THE MINISTRY
Front Porch Moments by Gayle Foster
WITH KEY INSIGHTS FROM HER FATHER, ADRIAN ROGERS
I try to unplug each morning with Jesus with just my rocking chair, my Bible, and a pen.
Having a secret place is very important because I know that Jesus is always there waiting for me. I know where I can find Him! His presence is everywhere, but there are places where it is so thick you can cut it with a knife. You may not even have a front porch, but there is a secret place for you as well. God’s invitations are for anyone who will respond. There is no more important request than the one found in Psalm 27:8: “My heart has heard You say, ‘Come and talk with Me.’ And my heart responds, ‘Lord, I am coming.’”
