Today's Scripture
"If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me." - (Jeremiah 29:13 NLT)
Thoughts for Today
Jesus has called us to the prayer closet. We need that time alone with him in prayer. But maybe you are saying, "I just don't know what to say. I've heard other people pray these beautiful prayers and I can't do that. I don't know how to pray."
"Let me borrow from a popular athletic slogan: 'Just do it.' Really! The only way you will learn to pray is by praying."
God is not looking for religious words. He doesn't care when you pray or what time you pray or how long you pray. He doesn't care if you sit, kneel, or stand. He doesn't care if you stay still or walk as you pray. He doesn't care if you say everything just right. Read today's scripture. What does he care about? He wants you to look for him wholeheartedly. It's your heart, your attitude, he cares about.
Consider this …
God does not want us to make a ritual and pray at a certain time in a certain place because we feel we have to. How would you feel if someone you care about says, "Well, I'm here to spend this time with you because I said I would. Let's see, it's 7:16 now and I said I'd be here for 30 minutes, so I'll be here until 7:46." You wouldn't feel the person cared much, would you?
God wants us to spend time alone with him in our prayer closet because we want to be with him! We want to tell him how much we love him and thank him for all he does. We want to let him speak to us. We want to tell him what kind of day we've had. We want to ask for his help and guidance. That's what he cares about.
So don't worry about finding the perfect place, the perfect posture, the perfect words. Just come to him with a loving and humble heart.
Just do it!
Prayer
Father, sometimes I've avoided any regular prayer time with you because I didn't know how. But now I realize it's not what I do or say . . . it's a matter of looking for you wholeheartedly. Thank you for your promise that if I do that, I will find you. In Jesus' name . . .
These thoughts were drawn from . . .
Lessons Learned: Moving from Homosexuality to Holiness by Tammy Webb-Witholt. This group study offers biblical tools, along with an abundance of hope, to anyone struggling with homosexuality. It is also a great group for anyone desiring a deeper walk with God. Note: This curriculum was written especially for small groups, and we encourage people to use it that way. However, it can also be used effectively as a personal study.
PO Box 22127 ~ Chattanooga, Tennessee 37421 ~ 423-899-4770
© Living Free 2007. Living Free is a registered trademark. Living Free Every Day devotionals may be reproduced for personal use. When reproduced to share with others, please acknowledge the source as Living Free, Chattanooga, TN. Must have written permission to use in any format to be sold. Permission may be requested by sending e-mail to [email protected].
