"If you remain in Me and My Words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you." John 15:7
Prayer is to be thought of as a miracle. In the twinkling of an eye we can be in the presence of God. The channel is always open for us through the name of our Savior. We never get the "busy signal." The answer to our prayer is also a miracle. Perhaps there are myriads of details that will have to be ordered to work together for an answer to our prayer. God wants us to come with large petitions. He wants us to submit our case to Him even when it seems hopeless. He loves the faith that ascribes to Him the power to overcome seemingly insurmountable problems.
We may also think of prayer as worship. God Himself has taught us in the Lord's Prayer to seek His honor first. Prayer is more than just asking for things. It is bringing our sins to Him for forgiveness. It is telling Him how much we love Him, how much He means to us, and how earnestly we desire to serve Him.
We should also regard prayer as a ministry. Through prayer we can ask God to bless others. We invite God's blessing on people in our family, congregation, neighborhood, and in all the world.
Does God answer every prayer of His children? Yes, every prayer that is for our good and that achieves God's honor is answered.
PRAYER: Lord, give us the faith to come to You in the worship and ministry of prayer. Teach us to pray; for Jesus' sake. Amen.
(Devotions from "The Abundant Life" copyright 1998, CPH. All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be printed, reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior written permission of Concordia Publishing House. Permission is granted for one-time e-mailing of this link to a friend. For information on other devotional material, please contact CPH at 800-325-3040 or visit CPH at www.cph.org.)
Today's Bible Readings: Ezekiel 16-17 2 Timothy 2
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