5 Minute Read
Be Still
To the best of your ability, get rid of all distractions. Take a couple of minutes to breathe deeply, to quiet yourself in the Lord’s presence. Then, prayerfully ask the Lord to speak to you in this time and let Him know that you will be listening and will make whatever adjustments He will reveal to you.
Today’s Bible Reading:
Ezra 1:1–2:70
1 Corinthians 1:18–2:5
Psalm 27:7-14
Proverbs 20:22-23
Listen to the Lord
Slowly and reflectively read the following verses and listen to what God will say to you through them. Then, consider writing down any insights He reveals to you.
Psalm 27:7-8 (NLT): “Hear me as I pray, O Lord. Be merciful and answer me! My heart has heard you say, ‘Come and talk with me.’ And my heart responds, ‘Lord, I am coming.’”
Reflections from Scripture:
When we think of prayer, don’t we often think of it as a duty? We know that we should be praying more, and yet we feel guilty that we pray so little? Honestly, prayer often feels like drudgery, and so it collects dust on the shelf of spiritual habits.
When we read Psalm 27:7-8, we heard the psalmist plead with the Lord to hear and answer his prayer. He asked for the Lord to “be merciful and answer (him).”
But then the psalmist said something else. He calls us to reflect on the fact that the Lord loves it when we come to Him in prayer. The Lord enjoys the conversation and calls us to spend time with Him.
Psalm 27:7-8 (NLT): “Hear me as I pray, O Lord. Be merciful and answer me! My heart has heard you say, ‘Come and talk with me.’ And my heart responds, ‘Lord, I am coming.’”
So listen as the Lord calls you into prayer today. It wasn’t simply the psalmist that the Lord called to a time of prayer. He is calling you and me, my friend. Hear his heart’s desire to spend time with you as you pour out your heart to Him. And then enjoy your time with Him.
Spend Time in Prayer
Lord Jesus, it helps me to know that prayer isn’t simply a duty. It really is an opportunity to enjoy a relationship You are calling me deeper into. Help me to see prayer that way and enjoy spending time with You throughout this day. I pray this in Your Name, Amen.
Matt Ellis is the pastor of First Baptist Church in Polk City, Florida (fbcpolkcity.com). His latest book is God’s Grace in the Real World. Connect with him on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn.
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