Liz’s Morning Devotional based upon Upper Room
October 23, 2021
Read Ephesians 6:18-20
18 Offer prayers and petitions in the Spirit all the time. Stay alert by hanging in there and praying for all believers. 19 As for me, pray that when I open my mouth, I’ll get a message that confidently makes this secret plan of the gospel known. 20 I’m an ambassador in chains for the sake of the gospel. Pray so that the Lord will give me the confidence to say what I have to say.
Good Morning! Pray continuously!
These verses come at the end of Chapter 6. Paul is giving basic instructions to the Christians in Ephesus to stand firm in their beliefs. Paul writes these words describing faith as he is in prison awaiting trial for his proclaiming of the Good News. He reminds them of the challenges they might face and how to put on the armour of God so that they may endure and not lose faith.
In these final verses, Paul discusses prayer. He reminds them and us that we should pray all the time for all things. He invites them to pray for him as he is called to preach the gospel regardless of the consequences that may come.
I have discussed how to pray on a few other devotionals, but many still struggle with praying. God doesn’t care what we say or how we say it; God just wants to hear from us and be in a relationship with us. No prayer is insignificant because God cares for each of his children. I remember a scene in one of those movies where a human suddenly has the ability to hear the prayers to God. This person is overwhelmed and you sense that their head is about to explode. As a human, we cannot possibly handle the influx of all these thoughts. I imagine that I would want to run away from the “noise” and seek silence.
God is omnipotent! God hears every prayer of joy, sorrow, grief, and happiness. He shares our cries and our laughs. Unlike us, God doesn’t want to escape to the silence, God embraces every word or thought we utter. Share your life fully with your creator and be blessed. Pray for all things all the time.
Loving God, Thank You for loving us. So many times, we lack the confidence to share ourselves fully with you. May we grow in our spiritual being to speak and listen to you in all things. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: Pray continually and be grateful for all things.
Pray! Pastor Liz
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