Itâs easy for our prayer life to become routine. Perhaps, this is why Jesus warned us against meaningless repetition. When it becomes routine, it seems like the only thing that changes are the requests that we bring. Rather than just change the requests, try changing up the praise portion of your prayer time. Here are three ways that have worked … Read More
You can read all that Jesus said on prayer in a few minutes. In twice that time, you can read all the Gospel accounts of Jesus praying. However, you will never tap the God-given resource of meaningful prayer in that amount of time. You will need to put in the hours that Jesus did as he learned to pray. Jesusâ … Read More
I grew up in a church in rural Indiana. As a child I remember the uniqueness of the Sunday night before Thanksgiving. I remember that it was one of the few services that the pastor didnât preach. Instead I vaguely remember two microphones down front, and that people would just get up and share what they were thankful for. I … Read More
Lesson 3 in the 12th Man Training series introduces us to how Jesus progressed in prayer in his spiritual life (Mark 1:35; Luke 6:12; Mark 14:36). It gives simple instructions for how we can grow in this area as well. This lesson also introduces you to the pocket prayer journal — a simple resource you can download here: http://biblicalstrategies.com/downloads/The-Pocket-Prayer-Journal.pdf
The 136th Psalm provides an excellent pattern for developing your personal praise journal. Read the Psalm, purchase a blank journal or notepad and get started. Step 1: Start with the Godâs attributes. Psalm 136:1 declares âGive thanks to the Lord, for he is good.â Even if you believe your Thanksgiving list might be short, you can begin a praise journal … Read More
Perhaps youâve seen the picture of Jesus kneeling by a rock in the garden; hands folded, eyes turned upward, the perfect picture of serenity. The gospel writers paint a different picture; it doesnât include serenity. Mark records that he âfell to the groundâ in distress. Luke describes a dangerous condition known as hematidrosis in which, under extreme anguish or physical … Read More
Jesus spent time in prayer before he made major decisions. Two occasions bear this out. In the opening days of ministry Jesus was shifting ministry locations (Mark 1:35, 38). If youâve ever made a move, you know thereâs a lot involved in that decision. Jesus had previously moved his ministry operations to Capernaum (Matt. 4:13). Now he would extend his … Read More
I was introduced to Dick Eastmanâs book, The Hour that Changes the World, during my seminary days. Â Eastman suggests that you divide one hour into 12 periods of five minutes each. Once youâve spent 5 minutes in any one area of prayer, move to the next. Before you know it, you will have prayed for an hour. For those desiring … Read More
Great was your goodness    in undertaking my redemption,    in consenting to be made sin for me,    in conquering all my foes; Great was your strength    in enduring the extremities of divine wrath,    in taking away the load of my iniquities; Great was your love    in manifesting yourself alive,    in showing your sacred wounds … Read More
