Philippians 4:6-7 – Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (NKJV)

Last year, our church honoured our pastor, Dr. John Williamson, with a surprise luncheon, cards, and gifts. He has been the pastor of our church for 25 years, and, during these years, has given us his love, and has faithfully taught us to love and honour God's Word. Each year, he challenges us to read through the Bible. He also challenges us to pray daily. He is a good example for us to follow, because he reads through the Bible every month, and he prays for each one of us, too. I believe he also tries to live what he preaches. I appreciate this greatly, and want to follow in his footsteps.

Since I am a reader, last month I completed reading through the Bible again. Reading isn't hard for me, but prayer is, so I have been thinking quite a bit about the subject of prayer. I have had lots of prayers answered, but I realize that I need to grow greatly in this grace.

Over the past two weeks, I have been going through a few of my many prayer and writing journals that I started keeping in the 1970s. I found that several prayers that I prayed years ago had been recently answered, and I wrote "ANS" in the margin, beside those requests. While this is true, I know that I have failed greatly in praying more effectively, and I know that there are many things in my life, and in the lives of my loved ones, that need changing through the grace of God. I have also learned that the only way that these things will be changed — for me, or for any of us — is through God's power. Getting these things done will only come as we learn to pray the way God's Word teaches. May we greatly desire this change in our lives.

Prayer: Lord, please help us to become more faithful in the study of prayer, and in the performance of prayer. Keep us at it, for we need your peace which surpasses all understanding, and which will guard our hearts and minds, and so do our families and friends. Amen.

Forward this devotional     Share on Facebook

About the author: