Monday, July 9, 2007

Preventing Barriers

Prayer Minute #0053
Matt 18:20


When no one takes an interest in you, what happens to your thoughts? At times like those it is easy to think negative about different things. However when someone takes an interest in you, it has a positive effect on your outlook.

Did you know that Christ takes an interest in people, so much so that when two or three come together in His Name, He comes and joins them. Matt 18:20 says " For where two or three are gathered together in my Name, there am I in the midst of them."

When you pray with others, Christ values those prayers and values you. You are also showing value to others when you pray for their families, their interests and needs.

Father, may we value our friends and mates so much that we will pray with them. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.





©2006 Lewis Turner

Why Pray Together

Prayer Minute #0052
Matt 18: 19-20



Have you ever tried to go somewhere, and encountered a formidable barrier?

When it comes to relationships, we may encounter many barriers, but they can be over come following the principles laid out in the Bible. One of these principles is prayer. Prayer together with another person can help a relationship, especially if both ask God's help. Matt 18: 19-20 says "That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven." This is a powerful principle.

Praying together gives the opportunity to invite God's help, which can remove barriers in families, work relationships, and friendships.

Father, we ask your help to encourage us to obey your word and pray together. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.



©2006 Lewis Turner

Replacing Hurts

Prayer Minute #0051
Romans 12:14

Many of us have experienced people saying things that hurt, and sometimes what is said hurts very deeply.

When someone hurts you, it may be possible to forgive but difficult to forget the hurt, at times like these, we can choose to forgive and chose not to replay what we have forgiven. Satan wants us to replay the hurt, but we can resist that temptation by asking God's help in prayer. This help can be found in Romans 12:14 which says "Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not". We are to bless others in spite of hurt. When we bless, we are not replaying the hurt. This instruction is opposite man's way, but it is God's way. Therefore we can pray ‘Lord Jesus, thank you for giving me strength to forgive those who hurt me. I ask you, Lord, to bless them.'

As you learn to pray to bless those who hurt you, the pain of the hurt will decrease because of God’s help.

Father, thank You for helping us to forgive and bless those who hurt us. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.


©2006 Lewis Turner

Seven Times Seventy -- Forgiveness

Prayer Minute #0050
Matthew 18:21-22


What do you do if someone continually offends you?

When someone continually offends you, you have a difficult situation. The Bible has an answer that is found in Matt 18:21-22. Jesus said to forgive seven times seventy. That in essence means that we must continually forgive.

I know that it does not seem fair to forgive when we are the one being hurt, however, this is God's higher way. God wants to work in our lives but unforgiveness blocks the work of God. Forgiveness when it is from the heart, allows God to work.

Father, it is difficult to continually forgive when we are continually hurt. Please help us forgive from the heart. In Jesus, Name.


©2006 Lewis Turner