This week's devotion is entitled:
Prayer: An act of communion with God, a god, or another object of worship, such as in devotion, confession, praise, or thanksgiving. (from dictionary.com)
Do you know what prayer really is? Of course you do! Right?
The original meaning of the word "pray" was "to kiss on the face." Of course God wants you to pray about your needs, but He also wants you to kiss His face. Though hard to believe, the Almighty Creator of the universe wants you to kiss Him on the face! God wants and yearns for our fellowship. He wants us to pray to Him simply to talk to Him and to worship Him.
In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name.
Look at that verse. It is the first two lines of the Lord's prayer. But have you ever looked at it closely? What's the first thing Jesus says in the prayer? He worships God. He hallows (sanctifies) God's very name. Worship and communion is the most important part of prayer.
I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting;
"Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak."
These two verse recognize the importance of prayer. Prayer is needed to keep you from temptation. Prayer is needed to strengthen your faith. It is needed to keep you strong in your Christian walk and to keep you strong in your relationship with God.
And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. Now when evening came, He was alone there.
Prayer is a great stress reliever. Go into your quiet place, take your quiet time, and relax in the presence of God. Even Jesus Himself often went alone to pray, you should too!
As you go through your routine this week, think about the way and the frequency with which you pray. Look for areas where you could improve and ways that prayer could improve your life. Kiss God on the face this week, and give Him the pleasure of your company in prayer.
~Matthew 6:9
~1 Timothy 2:8
~Matthew 26:41
~Matthew 14:23