humble

Day 16 – The Prayer Cafe “31 Day Challenge”

October 22, 2015

prayer-bear

Day 16

 

If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place. – 2 Chronicles 7:14-15

 

“The praying of Jesus Christ drew on the mightiest forces of His being. His prayers were His sacrifices, which He offered before He offered Himself on the cross for the sins of mankind. Prayer-sacrifice is the forerunner and pledge of self-sacrifice. We must die in our closets before we can die on the cross.” – E.M. Bounds

 

Let us pray:

Coming to the prayer closet is something I am trying to make my MAIN business, above my businesses. And E.M. Bounds writes about dying in the prayer closet. Wow. I have so much further to go.

It is so easy for me to sacrifice myself for the sake of others. I have seen that my whole life by my family’s example. Doing that is normal to me. But what about this “prayer-sacrifice” as the forerunner? What do I make of that? Have I been doing it at all? If so, has it had the same weight as my self-sacrifice? Do I have the cart before the horse? What would my service to others look like if I offered this “prayer-sacrifice” just as much and with the same passion? This is so intriguing.

Thank you Lord for stirring me up this morning. “Prayer-sacrifice” is my word for today. And may it guide me in my prayer closet ever more. Amen.

 

#Prayer #Sacrifice #Intimacy #Intentionality

 

 

Day 10 – The Prayer Cafe “31 Day Challenge”

October 16, 2015

bedtime-prayer-sterling-brown_grande

Day 10

 

Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. – Jeremiah 29:12

 

A Prayer for the Grace of Devotion

O Lord, my God, you are my all and every good.  And what am I, that I should presume to address you?  I am the poorest of your servants and a wretched worm, far more poor and worthless than I can ever realize or express.  Yet, Lord, remember that I am nothing: I have nothing, and can do nothing.  You alone are good, just and holy; you can do all things, fill all things, bestow all things, leaving only the wicked empty-handed.  Remember your mercies, Lord, and fill my heart with your grace, since it is your will that none of your works should be worthless.  How can I endure this life of sorrows, unless you strengthen me with your mercy and grace?  Do not turn your face from me; do not delay your coming, nor withdraw your consolation from me, lest my soul become like a waterless desert.  Teach me, O Lord, to do your will; teach me to live worthily and humbly in your sight; for you are my wisdom, who know me truly, and who knew me before the world was made, and before I had my being.

Amen.

– Thomas Kempis

 

Let us pray:

Share with God what is in your heart.

 

#Honesty #Grateful #Mercy #Grace