Tag: praying

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Victory

Are you aware God has put a promise inside each one of us? We often must go through the wilderness before reaching our promised land. Oftentimes, like Joseph, we feel like we are in a pit long before we ever see the palace. Maybe you’re in a season right now where you don’t see anything happening. You think, “I’ve been praying and believing for a year, five years, ten years. It’s never going to work out”.

Scripture says the eyes of the Lord search to and fro to find someone who will be faithful on His behalf. Be the person He finds faithful. Keep believing, keep praying, keep obeying and stay the course.

Today be encouraged. You may be tired, discouraged, and frustrated, but don’t give up on your future. Stay on the high road. Our God is a faithful God. It may be taking a long time, but what He started He will finish in your life. He will lead you into victory!

“Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’ ” (Isaiah 30:21, NIV).

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for leading and guiding me in paths of righteousness. Father, I choose to trust even when I don’t understand. God, I believe that You are working behind the scenes for my good. I will stay the course knowing that You have blessing and victory in store for me in Christ’s name, Amen.

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Wisdom Wednesdays

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.

Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should. – Paul, The Apostle of Christ, Ephesians 6:10?-?20 NIV

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Umoja (unity) Christ Prayed For Unity

Let’s be clear, Kwanzaa is a cultural and not religious holiday created by an African American. However, the principles of Kwanzaa (from Swahili) can be found in scripture and can build and enhance families and communities and elevate the political dialogue on issues of importance to all.  Hence, 7 days before the start of the year, I offer this Kwanzaa perspective for Christians, as it relates to the Seven Principles of the first fruits (kwanza).

Principle 1. Unity/Umoja: Psalms 133:1. How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity. This bible verse reinforces the unity principle of togetherness and harmony and instructs that our speech, strategies, and behaviour should be directed toward bringing people together as opposed to the divide and conquer, demonize, and dominate approach that is all too present in our social relations and politics.

Politicians seem to thrive on division. Income brackets separate communities into one side of the tracks or the other. Even people who share the same beliefs bicker about how to live out those beliefs. Unity may seem far-fetched, but unity is what Christ prayed for before going to the cross. More than anything, His desire was for the church to be one because their uncommon unity would be a powerful witness of God’s love. (John 17:23).

Today Umoja (unity) teaches us with so much division in our world, Christians’ ability to be unified, even when we’re not the same, is what will set us apart. This kind of unity doesn’t happen naturally. It comes from God. As we experience God’s love for us, it leads us to love others with pure, unselfish motives. We stop trying to push ourselves to the top and begin submitting to God and one another. Just as God is unified, we are to be unified to bring God glory. We are His plan to reconcile people with Him. But reconciliation must start with us. When believers live in harmony, people take notice and get a glimpse of Christ’s love

 

How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity (Psalms 133:1).

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, when I think of places lacking in unity, the church is not the first thing I imagine. Yet today the church is full of division. Father, whether the topic is racial, same-sex relations, abortion or others, churches are not on the same page. God, how can we be of the same body but cling to so many different beliefs? We read the same text and have drastically different takeaways? Are we interpreting the Bible the way we want or are we genuinely confused? Whatever the answer, I pray that you would help the church find unity on various salvific issues. Please give us clarity on issues of culture or politics. I ask that you help us to be clear about what is most important to You in Christ’s Name, Amen!

In Reflection 

When you look at your relationships, how much unity do you see at home, at work, or at school?

What is one practical way you can build unity in the church and your community?

When is the last time you prayed for the church? Take a moment to follow Jesus’ example in praying for your church family. Pray that we would experience the same unity that Jesus had with God and the Holy Spirit.

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Overcome Life’s Problems With Godly Strength And Wisdom

man reading a book

It was Norman Vincent Peale who once said, “One of the great truths in life is that you are bigger than anything that can happen to you—as long as you know it and act accordingly.” Every challenge and crisis that comes your way provides the opportunity for you to ask God to release the creative ingenuity, wisdom and strength that lie within you.  

You may ask how you tap into your inner strength: 

  1. Pray to God and place your entire situation in his hands. Say, “God, I commit my challenges to you. Show me the way through them. Give me eyes to see your solutions and strength to act on them.” God wants to help you solve your problems—and who could be a better counsellor? “I am the LORD, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?” (Jeremiah 32:27). 
  2. Sit down and lay out your entire problem, perhaps on a piece of paper. Sketch out possible solutions and pray over them, asking God to show you which one is right. When you feel you have an idea of how to proceed, move forward resolutely, praying all the time for the power to succeed. Affirm that you can do anything through the strength that Christ gives you (Philippians 4:13). 
  3. When doubt creeps in, set your plans firmly aside with a quick prayer: “God, rid me of these fears and give me your strength.” God will answer that prayer, and, step by step, you will find yourself drawing upon an inner power you perhaps never knew you had. In Jeremiah 33:3, God promises, “Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.” 

Today remember you can face your difficulties in the presence of Christ so stay close to Him through His Word and prayer. For He is stronger than all your problems. He is the antidote to discouragement and fear. Draw upon His power. Walk tall and stand up to your situation! 

“It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure” (Psalm 18:32). 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, I need to know that you care and that you love me. Father, be my refuge from pain, replace my distress with peace, and be my strength when I feel weak and find it hard to carry on. God, help me not to fear the future but to boldly trust that you are in control when my emotions plunge me down, and when I am in despair. In Jesus’s name, Amen. 

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Teaching Your Children About Faith 

Is Teaching Christian Character in the Home Necessary?

You may ask how I teach my children about faith. The bible gives us a simple way, tell them about your faith and encourage them to tell their children about their faith and so on. This way, a living testimony for truth, is always kept alive in the world. Those that love the Lord are to hand down their witness of the gospel, and the covenant to their heirs. These heirs will pass it along to the next generation. 

Our first duty is to our family. A person who does not start his ministry at home is an inadequate witness. Now, all people who do not know Christ are to be sought by all means, and all the highways and hedges are to be searched. But home has a greater priority, and woe to those who reverse the order. 

To teach our children should be a personal duty. We cannot delegate it to teachers, or other friendly aids. These can assist us but cannot deliver us from the sacred obligation. Any substitutes are evil and insufficient. Mothers and fathers must, like Abraham, command their households in the fear of God, and talk with their offspring concerning the wondrous works of the Most High. Parental teaching is a natural duty. Who are more fit to look after a child’s well-being as those who are the authors of life? 

Today I believe to neglect the instruction of our children is worse than wicked. Education in the faith is necessary for the world, for the family itself, and for the church of God. In a thousand ways insidious false teaching is covertly advancing in the world, and one of the most effective means for resisting it is almost always neglected, namely, the instruction of children in the faith. 

“Tell it to your children, and let your children tell it to their children, and their children to the next generation.” Joel 1:3 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh I pray that parents would awaken to the importance of educating their children in faith. God help us to talk about Jesus with our sons and daughters, so that they can be saved. My we never stop praying and instructing them in ways of God and may every house where this devotion is read honour the Lord in Christ’s name Amen. 

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I’ve Been Waiting To Long

woman in brown top

Just recently, I got frustrated because what I had been praying for was taking a long time. What are you praying for? Is it taking longer than you thought or expected? No matter how long you may have been standing on God’s promises, don’t give up! Your season is coming. Your harvest of blessing is on its way. It might be today, it might be tomorrow, it might be next week, next month or next year; but remember, at just the right time, you will experience your breakthrough.

Today, Be encouraged! God is faithful and His promises are true. Keep standing, keep hoping, and keep believing. Keep doing good. Keep declaring the promises of God over your life. Choose to be around people who are going to encourage you and fill your heart and mind with God’s Word. Let a song of praise come out of your mouth at all times. Press on in faith and keep an attitude of victory. Don’t get tired of doing what is right because your harvest of blessings is on the way. Hallelujah!

“So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up” (Galatians 6:9, NLT)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for Your goodness and faithfulness in my life. Thank You for refreshing and renewing my heart. Father, I’m struggling with Your timing. Things have become difficult for me and I can’t hear from You. Fill me with Your peace; fill me with Your strength as I wait on You. God, I await my harvest of blessings from You. Help me to do good, stand firm and not give up until I see my harvest of blessings in Christ’s name. Amen.

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Erect A Spiritual Firewall

The battle for our minds and hearts is real and ongoing. Have you ever been ambushed by spontaneous impure thoughts — thoughts that undermine your faith? Lots, of distracting thoughts, sometimes infiltrate our minds, especially when we’re praying or contemplating God’s Word. I ask myself are they my thoughts or are they the strategic mind games of an oppressive offensive by the enemy attempting to sabotage my psyche, envelope me in false guilt and shame, and hinder my devotion to loving the Lord with all my heart and mind? 

In scripture, Paul says that the only way to counter, confront, and combat enemy mind games are for us to recondition our minds by focusing on wholesome thoughts, and ultimately, on the irrefutable truth of God’s Word. Interestingly, Scripture uses the words hearts and minds interchangeably — reflecting an intentional intimate connection that the mind is the gateway to, and the battleground for, the heart. The devil employs psychological guerrilla warfare on Christ-followers who aspire to sanctify their hearts and minds — hindering their thriving faith walk. 

Today like Paul, I advise you to protect, fortify, and recondition your mind with a spiritual firewall. Daily and prayerfully strive to sanctify a sound mind fully devoted to purity by taking “captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” Throughout the day ask the Spirit to make you sensitive to any lie or ungodly thought you begin to entertain. Invite him to turn your eyes fully on Christ so that your thoughts are filled with worship as you go from task to task. 

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things.” Philippians 4.8 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank you for your faithfulness. Father, help me to recognize the enemy’s mind games. Give me the strength to counter, confront, and combat the devil’s mind games by erecting a spiritual firewall. God help me to avoid toxic media and immerse myself in your Word and take every thought captive in obedience to you. In Christ’s name Amen! 

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I’ve Never Seen Anything Like This Before!

Is your breakthrough taking longer than you hoped? Have you been praying for a loved one, or maybe you believed that a situation would change for years? Don’t get discouraged. God is going to finish what He started! He is faithful, and He has something unmatched, unparalleled coming your way, breakthroughs, restoration like you haven’t seen before, hallelujah!

God has been good to us, but I believe we’re coming into a time of greater anointing, greater power, and greater victories! The key is that we must stay in agreement with God. We should get up every morning and say, “Father, thank You for Your unprecedented favour. Thank You for the immeasurable, unlimited, surpassing greatness of Your power.” If you keep standing in faith, I believe you’re going to come into more of those days where you stand in utter amazement and say, “wow, God! I’ve never seen anything like this before!”

Today, remember the question that Scripture asks, “is there anything too hard for the Lord?” and the answer is “no”, nothing is impossible when we put our faith and trust in Him. So, keep standing, believing, and hoping because God has something astounding in store for your future. He will finish what He started!

“Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1:6, NIV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, today I give my heart and my mind to You, so You can finish what You started in me. Father, I trust and believe that You are working on my behalf. God, I will stand strong on Your promises today, knowing that victory is mine, in Christ’s Name! Amen.

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In The Midnight Hour

Recently I spoke on Acts 16, where Paul and Silas were beaten and accused without a trial, then put in jail for the gospel’s sake. It wasn’t fair. As they sat in the prison, bloodied, bruised and helpless, it looked like things were over for them. They had no human help, nowhere to turn. When they were trapped and bound in their circumstances, they began to sing praises to God at midnight during their darkest hour. Then suddenly there was a great earthquake. The prison doors flung open, their chains fell off, and they walked out as free men! Hallelujah!

We’ve all had times when we felt completely trapped by circumstances. We’ve all felt lonely and hopeless. So many people today are facing their darkest hours and feel humanly there is nowhere to turn. You’ve done nothing wrong that’s directly linked to your current situation, but still, life has beaten you and you feel helpless.

Today, I encourage you to do what Paul and Silas did and begin to praise God! When you praise Him no matter what, that’s when God enters your situation. That’s when He can break the chains that hold you back and that hold you down and set you free. Praise Him in your midnight hour and watch Him show up and set you free. When things are at their darkest, pray and sing praises, and watch Him shake your darkness away. Hallelujah!

“About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose.” (Acts 16:25-26, NIV)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, right now I lift my heart to You. Father, You are worthy to be praised! I will bless You in my midnight hour when I feel victimised and beaten up by life for nothing that I have overtly done wrong. God, I know that You are good, and You have victory and freedom in store for me despite the darkness that’s all around, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.
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Tired Of Waiting

6 Qualities of A Man Worth Waiting For

Much of life is spent waiting. Too often, when things don’t happen on our timetable, we get down and discouraged or anxious and fretful. That’s because we’re not waiting for the right way.

Today’s scripture talks about the return of our saviour, but God has placed dreams and desires in every person’s heart. But most times, there’s a season of waiting involved. Maybe you’re waiting for a relationship to improve; waiting to get married; waiting for a promotion; or waiting to overcome an illness. But there’s a right way to wait and a wrong way to wait.

Notice that today’s verse below doesn’t say if you wait, it says as you wait. The fact is that we’re all going to have to wait. It goes on to say that we should consider how the farmer waits — patiently and eagerly. We’re not supposed to sit around and be discouraged; we’re supposed to be hopeful, positive, and full of expectancy!

Today, no matter what you are praying for, expect things to change in your favour. Today could be your turning point. As you wait with patience and expectancy, you’ll open the door for God to move. He’ll fight your battles, and you’ll see the abundant harvest He’s promised in every area of your life. Hallelujah!

“Dear brothers and sisters, be patient as you wait for the Lord’s return. Consider the farmers who patiently wait for the rains in the fall and in the spring. They eagerly look for the valuable harvest to ripen.”(James 5:7, NLT)

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, today I choose to wait expectantly for You. I know that You are working behind the scenes. Grant me the patience to believe that my wait won’t be in vain, and my spiritual dreams and aspiration will come to pass. I put my total trust and hope in You, knowing that You have good things in store for my future. God, as I wait for Your second coming, teach me to help others to be ready also, in Christ’s name! Amen.

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At Just The Right Time

God! I have fasted and prayed but still no answer. Why is it taking so long? This was my conversation with God. Are you praying for something that’s taking longer than you thought or expected? No matter how long you may have been standing on God’s promises, don’t give up! Your season is coming. Your harvest of blessing is on its way. It might be today, it might be tomorrow, it might be next week, next month or next year; but remember, at just the right time, you will experience your breakthrough. Hallelujah! 

Be encouraged because God is faithful, and His promises are true. Keep standing, keep hoping, keep believing. Keep doing good. Keep declaring the promises of God over your life. 

Today, choose to be around people who are going to encourage you. Make sure you fill your heart and mind with God’s Word. Let a song of praise come out of your mouth. Press on in faith because at just the right time, your harvest of blessing will come! Because God cares. 

“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7, NIV) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You for Your goodness and faithfulness in my life. Thank You for caring, refreshing and renewing my heart. Fill me with Your peace; fill me with Your strength. Help me not to get weary as I wait for my blessing, trusting that Your timing is best. Teach me to do good and stand firm, until I see my harvest of blessing, in Christ’ name! Amen. 

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God I Can’t Wait Any Longer

“So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up” (Galatians 6:9, NLT)

Just recently I got frustrated because what I had been praying for was taking a long time. What Are you praying for? Is it taking longer than you thought or expected? No matter how long you may have been standing on God’s promises, don’t give up! Your season is coming. Your harvest of blessing is on its way. It might be today, it might be tomorrow, it might be next week, next month or next year; but remember, at just the right time, you will experience your breakthrough.
 
Today, Be encouraged! God is faithful and His promises are true. Keep standing, keep hoping, keep believing. Keep doing good. Keep declaring the promises of God over your life. Choose to be around people who are going to encourage you and fill your heart and mind with God’s Word. Let a song of praise come out of your mouth at all times. Press on in faith and keep an attitude of victory. Don’t get tired of doing what is right because your harvest of blessing is on the way. Hallelujah!
 
“So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up” (Galatians 6:9, NLT)
 
Let’s Pray
Yahweh, thank You for Your goodness and faithfulness in my life. Thank You for refreshing and renewing my heart. Father, I’m struggling with Your timing. Things have become difficult for me and I can’t hear from You. Fill me with Your peace; fill me with Your strength as I wait on You. God, I await my harvest of blessings from You. Help me to do good, stand firm and not give up until I see my harvest of blessing in Christ’ name. Amen.

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The Enemy Did It

The Enemy Will Flee

Have you ever done what you thought was right, only for everything to go wrong? in Matthew 13 there is a parable about a man who went out to his field and planted wheat in the ground. He sowed good seed. But while he slept, an enemy came in and planted weeds. The man didn’t know what had happened. He was expecting to have a great harvest; after all, he did all the right things, but the weeds sprang up among his wheat.  

This represents that the man did the right thing, honouring God with his life, and being good to others, he sowed good seed. Sometimes, things happen in life. Weeds spring up that we didn’t have anything to do with, it was the enemy. The key is to keep the right attitude and stay focused on the goodness of God. When these unexpected challenges happen, we can say, “It’s just another weed. I didn’t sow it. I don’t have to reap it.” Then we let God handle what the enemy has done. 

Today, don’t let the enemy’s weeds take root in your life. Don’t let him choke your good deeds. Don’t let discouragement creep in. Instead, lift up your eyes of faith to what your Father God can do for you. Keep believing, keep praying and keep hoping, because your harvest is on the way! 

“Jesus told them another parable: ‘The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field. But while everyone was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away.’” (Matthew 13:24–25, NIV) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You for Your Word which sets me free. Father, help me to keep my heart and mind focused on You. Please destroy the evil weeds the enemy has planted in my life. God, give me Your peace so I can focus on the harvest that You have for my future, in Christ’s Name! Amen. 

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The Power Of Possibility

Same Power As Jesus

During this pandemic, many have lost hope and trust in God. God reminds us with this simple promise that “with Him, all things are possible!” Possibility is powerful! Possibility isn’t limited. It means you have options. No matter how you may feel right now, you aren’t stuck and you aren’t confined to your circumstances. No, you have a door of possibility in front of you, the question is: will you walk through it?  

You may ask, “Ray how do you walk through that door of possibility?” By placing your faith in Him. By trusting that He keeps His promises, and by being confident that He is at work even when you can’t see it. That confidence, praying, believing and worshiping will open doors, and allow you to walk through them in good times and in bad times. 

Today, meditate on the fact that God is still doing the impossible. He still has the power to restore broken families. He can restore lost dreams and work miracles beyond what you could ever imagine. Please choose to trust and believe, look for His goodness and know that with God, all things are still possible! Hallelujah! 

“…with God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:26, NIV) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You for choosing me and using me for Your glory. Father, I rest in knowing that my life is in Your hands. I trust You and believe You that all things are possible. I choose to walk in Your power of possibility, knowing that doors will open and that all things will work together for my good. In Christ’s Name! Amen. 

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Good Friday

Where Feelings Are Not Facts 

On Good Friday some 2000 years ago Christ was overwhelmed, the pressure of the world was on His shoulders, it was going to be a hard day. He was weak but he had to push through. On good Friday Christ teaches us how to handle being overwhelmed and feeling weak. We all have seasons in life when we feel overwhelmed. When unexpected things happen, we can be tempted to get discouraged. We may feel like we don’t have what it takes, or we may feel weak. Anytime you feel this way, you have to realise that feelings aren’t facts. Hallelujah! 

Today, just like that Friday when Christ was crucified, let’s not forget God has equipped you just like Christ was, and He already has a plan for you to come out of that difficulty. Scripture says, when you feel weak, that’s when God’s strength rises in you. His strength will overcome any opposition you may face. Anytime you feel weak, that’s when God is strong in You! Keep praying, keep believing, keep pressing forward and rise up in the victory He has in store for you! 

“That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Corinthians 12:10, NIV) 

Let’s Pray 

Yahweh, thank You for going through the pain of good Friday for me, this gives me strength for any adversity I face in this life. Father, I know that with You, I will overcome. God, please help me to keep my heart and mind focused on You as I move forward in victory. In Christ’s Name! Amen. 

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Develop A Habit Of Prayer

“God said to Moses, ‘I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: I AM has sent me to you.” (Exodus 3:14, NIV)


During these unprecedented times we have to be diligent to make time every day, throughout the day, to stop and pray and call on Him. God promises so many things to those who call on Him. He is always listening, He is always ready to receive us when we come to Him. The question is, how often are you calling on Him? A lot of times people think, “Oh I need to pray about that.” But then they get busy going about their day and distracted with life. But thinking about praying isn’t the same as actually praying. Knowing that you need to pray isn’t the same as praying.  

Scripture tells us there is power in agreement. When two or more come together in His Name, He is there to bless. One way to develop a habit of praying is to have a prayer partner, or prayer warriors, friends who you agree to connect with and pray together. It doesn’t have to be long or formal. If you don’t have a prayer partner, let Jesus be your prayer partner! Talk to Him throughout the day, carve out time each day to develop a habit of prayer! 

Today, start formulating your prayer habit! Open your calendar/diary right now and make an appointment with God. Schedule a daily prayer appointment in your calendar for the next few weeks. Then, choose a prayer partner or friends to hold yourself accountable and agree with. Make a plan of what you will do and your expectations and get started. Please give yourself grace if you miss a day, but then get back on track and keep going. Prayer will be the best habit you ever form! 

“To You, O LORD, I called, and to the Lord I made supplication.” (Psalm 30:8, NASB) 

Let’s Pray

Yahweh, thank You for answering my half-hearted prayers. Thank You for Your promises and blessings, and the awesome benefits for those who are faithful in prayer. God, help me to be faithful, help me to be diligent to keep You first in everything I do. Father, teach me to have deeper conversations with You. Send me praying faithful people to agree and connect with, in Jesus’ Name! Amen. 

 

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