Dejected?

Ps 42:11
PM#0006

Have you ever felt dejected, down in the dumps, and disturbed? Probably most of us would have to admit we have felt this way.

The Psalmist David went through the same feelings and shared with us his answer. He wrote in Ps 42:11: “Why are thou cast down, O my soul? Why are thou disquited within me? Hope thou in God: For I shall yet praise Him…”

How many times do things seem to go against you at work, or something at home needs costly replacing, or a close relationship has gone sour, or you have experienced a lot of illness? In times like these we need to look to the Lord who is your help and give Him praise for His help, even before we see it. He is right there with you.

Remember, David found a way to praise God even in difficult times.

Consider the following prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, I am facing a difficult situation. I need your wisdom and help. I thank you for the help you are bringing to me. In Jesus Name, Amen.

©2005 Lewis Turner

God’s Will

PM#0005
I John 5:14

Years ago, I was taught that we should not use written prayers. I thank the Lord that he has since showed me that some of the written prayers used in churches are actually taken from God's word. When we use those prayers, which are based on scripture, we are praying using God's word.

The word of God represents God's will. I John 5:14 says "And this is the confidence that we have in Him that, if we ask any thing according to His will, He heareth us:” Therefore when using prayers based on scripture, we are praying in accordance with God's will. Knowing this should encourage us to include scripture in our prayers.

Father, we thank you for your encouragement to us to include scripture in our prayers. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.






©2005 Lewis Turner

Praise for God's Thoughts to Us

Prayer Minute:PM#001
Jer 29:11

Did you know that someone is constantly thinking about you?---that's right—about you!
The Bible says that God's thoughts to us are numerous. His thoughts are to give us a hope and a future. Jer 29:11 says "For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope."

I don't know about you, but I find it beyond my personal comprehension that our God is so interested in us. But the fact is, He is. This is a reason to come before Him with thanksgiving, praise, and to have hope. Our prayers should reflect this.

Father, we just want to thank You, for Your great love to us and wonderful thoughts for us. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.





©2005 Lewis Turner

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