Best Ways to Grow in Prayer – 3

The best way to grow in prayer is to understand what it is. It’s the conversation of relationship.

Are you at odds with God? Can two people walk together without agreeing on the direction? (Amos 3:3)

The decision to get right is yours, not God’s.

• The Publican said, “O God, be merciful to me, for I am a sinner (Luke 18:13).
• The thief on the cross said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom (Luke 23:42).”

God has already done and still does his part in our relationship.

• While we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8).
• If anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ, the righteous (1 John 2:1).

Best Ways to Grow in Prayer -2

The best way to grow in prayer is to understand what it is. It’s talking with someone who knows you very well.

Every one of us can pray this: O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away. You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do. You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord. You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head (Psalm 139:1-5).

Best Ways to Grow in Prayer – 1

The best way to grow in prayer is to understand what it is. It’s talking with someone. That someone is God, who is a person.

• He has a will and he wants us to understand what it is (Ephesians 5:17).
• He has emotions. He gets angry, rejoices, grieves and laughs (Psalm 18:7, Zephaniah 3:17. Genesis 6:6, Psalm 2:4).
• He has opinions. I want you to show mercy, not sacrifice. . . Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them. (Matthew 12:8; Mark 10:14).
• He has a personality. He is humble and gentle at heart (Matthew 11:29).
• He has interests. He wants to bring God glory (John 12:28).
• He has abilities. Nothing is too hard for him to do (Jeremiah 32:17).
• He has relationships. Abraham was his friend (Exodus 32:27).

Chicago During Covid-19 #17

 

While walking, I looked down.

In the shadow of the cross, surrounded by danger, death, and disease, we pray with hope.

Chicago During Covid-19 #14

This is more than a sign speaking hope. The proceeds from its sale help provide for people in need.

If someone is poorly clothed and lacking daily food and you say, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled, without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that?” So also faith by itself, if it does not have good works, is dead (James 2:16-17).

Let your faith produce prayer, and your prayer produce good deeds.

Chicago During Covid-19 #10

One yellow daffodil outside a brick building. Alone.

When you are alone, remember God has said: “I will never leave you or forsake you (Hebrews 13:5).”

He is always there to hear your prayer.

Chicago During Covid-19 #6

Good work continues in locked-down Chicago. The ultimate good work is prayer. “Prayer is the work. Ministry is the fruit.”*

Let’s remain faithful!

*Ben Patterson, Deepening Your Conversation with God.

Eternal Life

This sign stops cars. Covid-19 stops people. As you’re stopped, pause and consider: 

Just as each person is destined to die once and after that comes judgment, so also Christ was offered once for all time as a sacrifice to take away the sins of many people  (Hebrews 9:27-28).

For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have everlasting life (John 3:16 bold mine).

You can pray, believing.

Loved by God – 2

Conceived
and wanted.

Prayed for
Loved.

Mother
with father beside her
delivered
baby girl;
named her Jaema Kaye.

Now we praise.
Through prayer,
sharing God’s joy.

For baby,
our granddaughter,
Who is loved by God.

 

Loved by God – 1

Conceived
yet unwanted.

A handful of us
who knew prayed.

Mother
abruptly
ended
baby’s
life.

Now we mourn.
Through prayer,
sharing God’s sorrow.

For baby.
For mother.
For grandmother.
Who are loved by God.