October '23 Devotional

Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep

If God is all powerful and all knowing, why do we need to pray? We sometimes can make the act of prayer seem difficult and sometimes overwhelming, especially to those new to the Gospel. Not understanding why can make it harder. To begin, scripture says that we are commanded to do so. In His sermon on the mount, Jesus was clear: “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you” (Matthew 7:7) Jesus taught us to pray and we are to strive to be like Him.

As I have grown in my walk and relationship with Christ, I am realizing that prayer is the gateway to knowledge, acceptance and love between my heavenly Father and myself. It is my crucial foundation as a believer in Jesus Christ. Prayer changes us, not God.

We are commanded to pray but how? 1 Thessalonians 5:16-17 says to “pray without ceasing and give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you”. Praying during tough times, before meals or during devotions seems obvious but this scripture means so much more. It is an ongoing discussion with God himself......AND according to scripture, he wants to hear from us! He hears every sorrow, praise, question, and burden and never gets tired of listening. When we pray to bring glory to God, not ourselves, according to His will and in Jesus’ name, it helps us to become closer to Him. Not only is it a form of service but we can learn more about God’s individual plan for all of us. Prayer brings healing, peace, hope, and changes situations. Open your mind and heart and listen for guidance and answers. So, take that walk outside, turn apple play off, put your phone down, open THE book and let him speak light into your darkest days and He will sustain you through the night.