Depending on God

Author: Elton Streyle, Contributor: Noah, Photography and Editing: Ali

Heavenly Father, I come in Jesus’ Name to praise and thank You for Your Word, the Bible. You give instruction on how I can live a life that is pleasing and honoring to You. You have detailed everything that I need for my Christian walk. I am especially thankful for the teaching Your Son gives in Luke 11:1-4 on how to pray effectively. Direct me to follow the instruction that Jesus gave to His disciples to first spend some time in praise and thanksgiving before making requests. Doing this gets me into the right mindset to focus on You instead of coming to You with a shopping list of things that I need. Jesus said in verse 2: “‘When you pray, say: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.’” This teaching is confirmed in Psalm 100:4. “Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.”

Thank you for the next lesson You want me to learn. Just like the disciples, You want me to be dependent on You. The provision You have for me is daily and will not carry me through if I only communicate with You on an occasional basis. Verse 3: “Give us day by day our daily bread.”

Thank you for sharing, throughout the Bible, what seems to be the cornerstone of all prayer. That key element is the importance of forgiveness in my relationship with You and with other believers. Psalm 66:18 “If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear.” Since Jesus has forgiven me, direct me to be aware that I must do the same with anyone who has wronged me. Doing this will eliminate the tool of unforgiveness that Satan likes to use to tempt me with evil activities. Verse 4a: “And forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who is indebted to us.“

I ask You to continually teach me to model my praying after these instructions from Your Son. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

P.S. These prayers will only work if you have a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. If you need help understanding God’s plan of salvation for you (the way to heaven), go to this page on our site: https://timewithourcreator.com/2016/06/02/salvation/

Author: Elton Streyle, Contributor: Noah, Photography and Editing: Ali

Heavenly Father, I come to You through the Name of Your Son Jesus to give You thanks and praise for Your constant goodness, especially in stressful times. You remind me in this Psalm, like you did David, that You want to and will be my constant refuge and strength. Verse 3: “For You are my rock and my fortress; therefore, for Your name’s sake, lead me and guide me.” However, like in David’s case, in order for You to intercede on behalf of any problems I might have, I am willing to give myself to completely trusting in You. Verse 5: “Into Your hand I commit my spirit; You have redeemed me, O LORD God of truth.“

In light of all that is expressed in this Psalm, direct me to rest in the fact that You have stored up great things for those who know and fear Your mighty hand. Teach me to put my hope in You, for nothing else can satisfy. Only You can fill my heart with joy and contentment. Everything else will just leave me lacking and miserable. Verse 19: “Oh how great is Your goodness, which You have laid up for those who fear You, which You have prepared for those who trust in You in the presence of the sons of men!“

Lord, as I go through life with its many complications and uncertainties, I ask that You constantly take me back to Your Word for encouragement and direction. I would like to be able to say in all situations what David said in verse 14 and 15a: “But as for me, I trust in You, O LORD; I say, “You are my God. My times are in Your hand.’“

In Jesus’ precious Name I pray, amen.

Time With Our Creator

LEARNING TO PRAY PERSONAL, POWERFUL PRAYERS

Jesus’ Teaching About Prayer (Based on Luke 11:1-4)

Prayer of Dependence on God in Times of Stress (Based on Psalm 31)