LIFE=DEVOTION TO GOD (4/15)

"And all the believer's devoted themselves to...and prayer" Acts 2:42

A life devoted to God is a life of prayer. Most all people pray, and God hears their prayers. Effective prayer is prayer from the position of faith. When a person knows Jesus personally prayer takes on a who new level.

Prayer has the power over everything. James 5:16-17, "The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results." Many people consider prayer to be a time waster, or don't know how to pray, but effective prayer is as simple as worshiping, confessing, expressing adoration, giving praise, offering thanksgiving, dedicating our life, and making requests of God. Anyone of these attributes can revolutionize one's prayer life.

Prayer brings a freedom from fear. Psalms 118:5, "In my distress I prayed to the Lord,
and the Lord answered me and set me free."

Prayer brings strength to the weary. Psalms 138:3, "As soon as I pray, you answer me;
you encourage me by giving me strength."

Prayer offers direction. Isaiah 58:9, "Then when you call, the Lord will answer. 'Yes, I am here,' he will quickly reply."

Prayer gives wisdom and understanding. Daniel 9:22-23, "He explained to me, "Daniel, I have come here to give you insight and understanding. 23 The moment you began praying, a command was given."

Prayer protects from harm. Joel 2:32, "But everyone who calls on the name of the Lord
will be saved..."

Prayer has it's rewards. Matthew 6:6, "But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private. Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you."

Prayer brings the good gifts of the Father. Luke 11:13, "So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him."

Prayer brings joy. John 16:23-24, "At that time you won't need to ask me for anything. I tell you the truth, you will ask the Father directly, and he will grant your request because you use my name. 24 You haven't done this before. Ask, using my name, and you will receive, and you will have abundant joy."

Prayer brings peace. Philippians 4:6-7, "Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus."

Prayer removes the need to worry. 1 Peter 5:7, "Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you."

I know why it is so hard for people to pray. For the same reasons it is hard for people to trust God, faith. Prayer takes Faith. Prayer must come from a position of faith.

So start right now. Pray. A life devoted to God without prayer is a life devoted to nothing at all. Pray. Yes, right now.