she prays

In Luke 18:9-14 there are two people who pray. Are you like either of them? How does your prayer go?

Lord I am more like the tax collector for I know what sins I’ve commited and commit.  I pray to you Lord to strengthen me in my walk, so I sin less everyday.  I meditate on how you see me, and I am becoming more concerned with your view of me than others.  When I pray, I pray not only for myself but my family and others around me.  I don’t understand a lot of things that go on in this world, and why we do them.  How one can deny you? Why is there so much suffering here?  But in all that I know I am a sinner, and without you I would have no salvation.  I cannot be saved and act as though I’ve never been guilty.  I know those sins are forgiven Father, by your blood and to strive to never return to them.

Amen

It is good to reflect on how you talk to Jesus, how Jesus likes to hear you talk to Him. Look at Isaiah 49:15

Lord I don’t think I should dwell on how I talk to you but how often.  There is no barrier in between us Lord but my sin.  I know you want to hear from all your children and often, regardless of what it may be, for you are always there.  There are no words to thank you for allowing that kind of relationship.

Amen

What will you do for Christ? In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus has suggestions for you.

Lord I will give everything over to you.  I worry too much at times, and try to fix things that only can be mended through you and by you Lord.  All my trust needs to go into you Father.

Look at Luke 5 — what Peter said in verse 8 and what Jesus said in verse 10. Admit you are a forgiven sinner. Can you rejoice in it?

Lord I can rejoice in the salvation you’ve given me, and continue to give myself over to you to live in it.  Everyday father, I realize how thankful I am for your blessings and mercy.

Amen

Say to Jesus on the cross what you have done for Him, what you are doing for Him, what you ought to do.

Lord I don’t know what I’ve done for you.  Again my self questioning comes up as to what I’m doing for your kingdom?  Am I helping my nieghbor, am I spreading your word, am I testifying to your works in my life? I’m not doing enough is my answer to all of the above.  I sit in my solitary life and go about my daily duties trying to avoid “getting into trouble” as it were… But at the same time, i’m might be isolating myself from doing works in your praise.  What I should be doing is spending more time with my friends in Christ.  (I have to get out and make some first. lol)  But Lord you know my heart, and where to lead it.

Imagine Jesus from the cross saying verse 3 of chapter 6 in Micah to you. What do you answer?

I’m not sure how to answer this Lord.  What have You done to me?  How have you burdened me?  There are many things that have been done to me, but none hold your name.  The deceiver would have me blame you for allowing the bad things that happen in our lives.  Who knows for sure. Some things you do allow in order for us to come to you, or for whatever reason. I still ask questions about those things when I pray.  But I cannot say for certain that You’ve placed a burden on me for you promised not to give me things I can’t handle.  Life itself seems a burden at times.  It can seem that way to anyone struggling just to live.  But everytime I go through it, you bring me up and out of it.  Lord I thank you.

Amen

Look at Romans 5:6-8. Ask Jesus, Why?

I would love to ask Jesus why he died for us sinners. But I know why.  So we might know the love of our Father.  But the real question i’d ask is if our Father had not told Jesus to do what he did, would the outcome have been the same?  Whatever my questions may be, I am glad he sacrificed himself for us all, now we have salvation and are redeemed through Him.  I can sit and speak with my Lord because Jesus died for me.  when I leave this earth I know I can go and be with my Lord, for my sins are forgivin.

Amen

Imagine Christ our Lord present before you on the cross. Talk to Him about why He did that. Ask Him about Philippians 2:8

Lord, there are no words I can say to express how thankful I am for your sacrifice!  Our father sent you here to teach us, and lead us to Him.  Even in knowing you were to die for us, you still faced it.  Our Father asked and you obeyed.  That’s how simple it should be for me.  Put down anything that is not of His will, that is not pure, that goes against his laws, because you died for me.  I know why you did it and without your sacrifice we would not know our Father or be able to talk with him.  I do want to know in facing this human death, if fear ever came to you?  It’s hard to even fathom if i’d be able to say anything at all being in your presence Lord. Just being would be enough.

Suppose a person sins by fully turning from the Lord and dies without a change of heart — and goes to Hell! What are your feelings about that?

Lord it saddens and confuses me as to how people can deny you.  I’d fear dying without knowing you, and to know that it’s going to happen to others scares me even more.  We don’t know what literal hell is… but I do know it’s wherever you’re not.  I pray for those who leave your grace Lord, that they may know you before leaving this place.  For all the bad that’s happened in my life, I still know you’re with me, you saved me.

Read Chapter 3 of Genesis. What are your feelings?

That we are tested, our faith in your word is tested.  The devil is always around putting temptation after temptation in our paths, and it’s our decision on which side we choose.  Lord you’ve already given us our salvation, it’s up to us to keep to your laws, and follow your will.  Who knows what we rob ourselves of when we step away from your grace.