Welcome to Thursday, August 5th!

Today’s episode of The Cross Talk Daily Devotional is titled:

Rules For Growth: Prayer

Thanks for listening!

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Scripture references are from the New American Standard Bible: 1995 Update (La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation, 1995}

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  Rules For Growth: Prayer

Yesterday's Rules For Growth topic was Bible reading and study and was the first of four foundational aspects concerning our Christian faith. Today's emphasis is on prayer.

First of all, what is prayer? Prayer is a personal heart-to-heart talk with God.

Every time that I pray, I am in awe over what I am doing. I am having a conversation with the Creator and Sustainer of the heavens and the earth. Think about that!

Isn't that the most fantastic privilege that you could ever imagine?

Why do we pray? We are commanded to pray.

At the end of 1 Thessalonians, the Apostle Paul notes this command in:

1 Thessalonians 5:17 NASB

Pray without ceasing.

Jesus begins the parable of the Persistent Widow in Luke 18 with the words:

Luke 18:1 NASB

Now He was telling them a parable to show that at all times they ought to pray and not become discouraged.

These words indicate to me that we should always carry around an attitude of prayer.

Paul makes the point in Philippians 4:6 that all areas of our lives are of concern to God.

Philippians 4:6 NASB

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and pleading with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

If asked, we often overstate the time we spend in prayer. Take a moment to add up in your mind the time you have spent praying the last three days. Was it much less than what you thought? For most of us, that is the case.

Too often, prayer is the short opening and closing to our devotional time. Our prayers repeatedly even use the exact phrases and the same thoughts. As a result, we end up praying by rote.

How can we improve our prayer lives?

An excellent first step is to acknowledge that our prayer life needs improvement. Once we admit to this fact, then we must determine to set aside time to pray. It might sound strange to you that I must include both Bible reading and prayer as a line item in my own calendar, even as a pastor.

Life tends to get so busy that we forget to engage in both. Deciding on a time and place to have your devotions will significantly improve your spiritual life.

You say, what should I pray about? My mind sometimes goes blank, and I end up praying the same short prayer over and over again.

For myself, I find it helpful to use the acronym CAST when praying to structure my prayers. The letters stand for Confession, Adoration, Supplication, and Thanksgiving.

We confess and repent of our sins, asking God to forgive and cleanse us because we all struggle with daily sin. Then, continuing, we spend time worshiping and recounting who He is. As human beings, we also need God's help in so many areas of life. Consider all that is going on in your life and the lives of your family, friends, neighbors, and country. Lastly, we express our gratitude for our salvation and the many blessings God bestows upon us.

Being intentional in your Bible reading and prayer time will create a consistent growth process in your Christian walk.

Tomorrow’s devotional will consider the Rules For Growth topic of Christian Fellowship.

Let’s Pray,

Gracious Heavenly Father,

Help us not to substitute busyness for that which is truly important.

Help us to find joy in prayer and studying Your Word.

Guide and direct our hearts and minds towards intentional fellowship with You.

In the Name of Jesus,

Amen!