Consistent and Hopeful Prayer
Today’s Verses:
Matthew 11:28-30 ESV
(Jesus said) “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
On Monday during my chemotherapy treatment, I sat with a “health coach.” He explained that he is more like a cheerleader for healthy living than an influencer. What made him interesting is that he was a plant-based health coach who promoted a healthy lifestyle. Dan came to visit after speaking to my regular doctor, thinking I might need some “coaching” in my life. During our hourlong talk, he was incredibly interesting and encouraging, something I don’t get much of these days. And yes, when I got sick after my treatment, he stayed around to give me advice on how to hydrate best.
When we got to how I “wind down at the end of the day,” I admitted that I don’t have a regular habit of winding down. I get tired and go to sleep, but I spend a little time praying. He said praying is good, but meditating at night before going to sleep would be better. Of course, I emphasized the importance of praying and laying my concerns and worries at God’s feet while remembering those in need of prayer. Dan explained that while that’s all well and good, meditating is a better way to wind down. He suggested I try it.
And I did. On Monday night, while feeling tired and weak from my treatment earlier in the day, I prayed, and after finishing, I turned on a sleep meditation on Peloton and started to “wind down.” However, I felt that my praying did more good than “meditating” to help me release my worries and concerns than listening to nice music and breathing. Prayer is an essential part of our lives as Christians. Even when it seems like you’re not getting the answer to your prayer, continue to lay your worries at God’s feet nightly and again in the morning when you wake up. Even if you think you have a good prayer life, take some time today to really talk with God about all your concerns and worries. Handing these over to Him helps. And yes, it winds you down and helps you focus on resting because God has listened and will help you in the best way.
Prayers
A Prayer for Today:
Gracious Father, I need encouragement in my life to pray to You regularly. Strengthen my hope and spirit to come to You with my concerns every day. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Apostles’ Creed:
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer:
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Luther’s Morning Prayer:
I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.
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