If my people…Day 25

“Now it came to pass, as He was praying in a certain place, when He ceased, that one of His disciples said to Him, ‘Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.” Luke 11:1

When our children were young they would see us bless the food at our table, pray for God to watch over them as we tucked them in at night, and pray for healing when a loved one got sick. These and many more prayers went up in front of our children and this, I believe, is how they learned to pray. I remember one of my children asked me how I knew what to say to God when I prayed and I told him, you talk to God just like you would your best friend. You tell Him all your wants and needs, your secrets and your fears. You open up your heart and just let the words come out. I told him that there really is no wrong way to pray except when you are talking to people rather than God, meaning that they should concentrate more on the condition of their heart than the words.

We need to pray in childlike faith. We are to open our hearts to what the Holy Spirit is leading us to pray rather than thinking about what we think people want to hear. God calls us to pray so that we can be a part of His blessing in answering prayer.

My favorite verse of Revelation is verse 8 where John has seen the Throne Room and the twenty – four elders and the four living creatures each have a harp and a bowl of incense which is the prayers of the saints. I can imagine each prayer I speak to Jesus as being lovingly placed into one of these bowls as they lift up a sweet fragrance to God. Prayers that were called by God to be lifted up.

We must rely on the Holy Spirit to lead us to pray. We must use simple language revealing our hearts. We must get honest in our prayers for America and Americans.

Lord, we come to You with open hearts and ask that You speak to our spirits with words of wisdom and direction, that we may know how You wish for us to pray. Help Your humble servants to speak words of praise and adoration, for You are the King of kings and the Lord of lords. Teach us, Lord, that we may know You and the power of Your resurrection. Fill us with Your presence and forgive our shortcomings. Lead us, O Lord, to a higher place, that You might be lifted up and draw all men to you. In God’s will and Jesus’ Name, Amen

“If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14 ESV