Today is the National Day of Prayer! Our nation and world have seen and felt so much heartache and pain as of late, so let’s take a moment today to continue praying specifically for people we personally know who are hurting and in our sphere of influence to show God’s comfort and light to, for our hearts to be broken over the pain of others both like and unlike ourselves all over the world, for our ears and hearts to be opened to where Christ can meet and heal those same people’s hurts (and how we as His people can be a part of that), and for leadership both locally and globally to seek His heart and guidance to show people the life-changing peace and hope found only in a committed relationship with Him. The only way the fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control can pour out of us is by being in a constant, devoted relationship with God and continual self reflection in light of His truth filled Word and revelation (Galatians 5:22&23). Not our will, but His, be done, and His will is always for the best (John 10:10)!
“Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them. Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep” (Romans 12:13-15).
“Prayer makes a Godly man, and puts within him the mind of Christ, the mind of humility, of self-surrender, of service, of pity, and of prayer. If we really pray, we will become more like God, or else we will quit praying.” – E.M. Bounds
“Prayer should not be regarded as a duty which must be performed, but rather as a privilege to be enjoyed, a rare delight that is always revealing some new beauty.” – E.M. Bounds
“To desire revival and at the same time to neglect personal prayer and devotion is to wish one way and walk another.” — A.W. Tozer