April 15:   Put Your Prayer Life into Practice

We have examined those hurdles to answered prayer over the last few days (About six of them). Now ask yourself the following questions: which of these hurdles best describes my practice of prayer and reading (studying) the word? Is it a lack of application, mental assent, not allowing the message to sink in or is it laziness? What attitude or outlook do I need to repent of in order to surmount this obstacle through God’s grace?

After answering these questions, choose one hurdle that characterizes your current practice of prayer. Take conscious steps to overcome it by applying the truth of God’s Word. Each day, as you read the Bible, ask God to open the eyes of your heart to see what He is saying to you in His Word. Practice meditation (reflecting on the Word) by thinking about the implications and applications of what you have read or heard.

After reading a Bible portion or after the church sermon or Bible study session this week or after reading each of my devotional lessons daily, spend at least five minutes sitting quietly, reflecting on the message (meditating) and what God is saying to you through it. Note: You have to identify at least a hurdle to your prayer life, and be committed to overcoming with prayer and dedication it through God’s grace?

Let’s pray: Heavenly Father, Your Word cautions me to be self-controlled and alert because our enemy, the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour, and that I need to resist him as I stand firm in the faith. I ask you to help me remain alert to the hurdles in my life that the enemy wants to use to destroy my prayer potential. Help me to resist the enemy of my soul as I stand firm in my faith in You. Let your Holy Spirit show me where I am being deceived in my attitude toward prayer and the Word so that I can understand and practice true and effective prayer. I ask these things in the name of Jesus, who resisted the enemy through the power of your Word and gave us victory over Satan, sin and hell. Amen.

Today’s reading: 1 Samuel 27-29; Luke 13:1-22

Keep Your Prayer Potential High and Sacred.