Daily Thoughts about God Posts

Published April 25, 2009

Redefining Prayer

by Max Lucado
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“Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving.�
Colossians 4:2 (NKJV)

Early Christians were urged to

-         “pray without ceasing� (1 Thessalonians 5:17 NASB);
-         “always be prayerful� (Romans 12:12 NLT);
-         “pray at all times and on every occasion� (Ephesians 6:18 NLT).
 
Sound burdensome?  Are you wondering, My business needs attention, my children need dinner, my bills need paying.  How can I stay in a place of prayer?
 
Do this.  Change your definition of prayer.  Think of prayer less as an activity for God and more as an awareness of God.  Seek to live in uninterrupted awareness.  Acknowledge his presence everywhere you go.  As you stand in line to register your car, think, Thank you, Lord for being here.  In the grocery as you shop, Your presence, my King, I welcome.  As you wash the dishes, worship your Maker.

You can comment on this devotional online at:
https://thoughts-about-god.com/blog/2009/04/25/ml_prayer/
Not to be reprinted without permission

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Max Lucado
From: Come Thirsty
Copyright (W Publishing Group, 2004)

To learn more about Max Lucado visit his website at:
http://www.maxlucado.com/about/

Thoughts by All thoughts by Max Lucado Thoughts by Men

Published April 20, 2009

Thank You – But

by Marilyn Ehle
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“May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer�. Psalm 19:14

Christian DevotionalMy husband thanked me this morning for something I had said in an earlier conversation. I’ve no doubt of his sincerity.  I’m confident that he loves and respects me.  His words of thanks brought a glow to my heart…until—with hardly a breath between the words of thanks and the next phrase—he added, “but…�  What followed were not words of spite or disdain, but simply what he considered to be a flaw in my attitude.  The glow evaporated as quickly as a wisp of smoke and although I didn’t verbally respond (I am slowly learning to bridle my tongue!), those “but words� roiled within until I could later totally relinquish them to God and thus regain a sense of peace.

How often do I speak “but words� to my Heavenly Father?   I express gratitude for His great gifts but quickly add, “but couldn’t you do a little more?� Or I say thanks that He has promised to never leave or forsake me, then add, “But I want to feel your presence.�  God will be pleased when both my words and my inner attitude express contentment with his will.

Help me, Lord, to be honest and simple before you so that my words and my attitude express trust in who you are and how you lead.

You can comment on this devotional online at:
https://thoughts-about-god.com/blog/2009/04/20/me_thank-you/

Thoughts by All thoughts by Marilyn Ehle Thoughts by Women