Monday, April 9, 2007

Listening Prayer

Prayer Minute: PM#0043
Ps 46:10

Is listening to others really important in relationship?

It definitely is. Listening to others is very important. In prayer, listening to God helps builds a relationship with God and helps us to be aware of God's presence so we can hear what He wants to tell us. We are more likely to hear God's voice when we have quieted our hearts and minds. The Bible says in Ps 46:10 "Be still and know that I am God."

If our relationship with God is to grow we also need to make time to listen. When we do, we will find that He speaks to us and those words that He speaks will be in accordance with the Bible.

Father, help us to quiet our hearts and minds before you, so that we can hear you speaking to us. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

©2005 Lewis Turner

Wheatland Ministries
PO Box 697
Walkersville, MD 21793

Using Spiritual Gifts in Prayer

Prayer Minute: PM#0042
I Cor 12:7

Did you know that God has given you a special gift.

That's right. God has given each of us spiritual gifts. Their purpose is to build the body of Christ which is His church. I Cor 12:7 says "But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal."

These gifts can be used in prayer. For example: A person with the gift of compassion will probably pray from his feelings. A person with the gift of administration will pray with a different focus. Because of our different giftings, we may pray in different ways for the same thing. That is the way our giftings work. Understanding that should help us come together in agreement in our prayers.

Father, thank you for the different gifts that you have given each of us, and may those giftings help our prayers. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

©2005 Lewis Turner

Wheatland Ministries
PO Box 697
Walkersville, MD 21793

Differences

Prayer Minute: PM#0041
I Cor 12:25

Differences can divide and keep people apart.

When Christ instituted the church, he gave different giftings to people so that it would be able to function. Many have a hard time recognizing that we can work together even with differences, but it is instructed in I Cor 12:25 "That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another."

Still, differences can be an obstacle for us and those obstacles will affect our praying together if we let it. We need to remember that we all come to God by the same grace. Therefore we should come together in prayer through that same grace.

Father, help us to remember that it is your grace that works in us and others. May we join together in prayer with them. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.


©2005 Lewis Turner

Wheatland Ministries
PO Box 697
Walkersville, MD 21793

Prayer Types vs Relationship with God

Prayer Minute: PM#0038
Luke 18:13

Many of us remember praying as a child, "God is great, God is good. Let us thank Him for our food."

Now consider this question honestly, as we matured into adults, have we matured using other types of prayer in communication with God? There are many types of prayer, and some people prefer one type over the other. But the type of prayer is not as important as it is that the prayer grows out of a growing relationship with God; one where we can share our joys and needs with God, and enjoy His fellowship with us. The man who prayed in Luke 18:13 "God be merciful to me a sinner", wanted a relationship with God. This prayer was a heart communication to God.

Father, encourage us to grow in our relationship with you through prayer. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

©2005 Lewis Turner

Wheatland Ministries
PO Box 697
Walkersville, MD 21793

Time to Pray

Prayer Minute: PM#0036
Eph 5:16

Are there days that you dread being given another task?

We all have numerous pressures in life and many times it is difficult to find time to do things we need to do, let alone take time to pray! To pray may take a refocus on how we spend our time. In the Bible, Eph 5:16 speaks of "redeeming the time". Redeeming the time applies also to prayer. Prayer should be a priority and should reflect oura relationship with Christ. To start a prayer time, try to find a few minutes and set them aside for prayer. It is important that prayer becomes a part of your life. Over time, I believe that you will find that you will come to a point where you seek out time to pray.

Father, help us to find time to make prayer a priority, and guide us in having our daily prayer time. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. Amen.

©2005 Lewis Turner

Wheatland Ministries
PO Box 697
Walkersville, MD 21793