Sunday, July 19, 2009

Today's Devotional Scripture

Today's Verse
Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
~Philippians 4:6 NRSV

Thoughts on today's verse...
Ruth Bell Graham said, "Worship and worry cannot exist at the same time in the same heart. They are mutually exclusive." I need to commit this quote to memory!

When I pray, I use an acronym - ACTS, which stands for adoration, confession, thanksgiving and supplication. When we adore or hallow God's name, we give Him the honor, the glory and the praise He deserves. When we confess, we leave nothing left between the two of us that would hinder or keep our prayers from being heard. When we express our thankfulness, our gratitude to God, we are saying we believe He will answer us and provide for our needs or the needs of those for whom we are praying. Next and final comes supplication, the "asking for" part of our prayer. For our needs, the needs of others, for corporate prayer such as for the church.

The Lord's prayer is a wonderful model for us. Not asking for what we want, but for what we need. There is a difference and God is not some cosmic Santa Clause waiting to hand us our every desire. This is a difficult lesson for us to teach our children and grandchildren. They often have a hard time knowing the difference between needs and wants. What a privilege we have to teach our children and grandchildren how to talk to God!
My prayer...
Father God, may I always give to You the glory and honor You deserve. May I always confess those things that separate me from You. May I always have an attitude of gratitude. May I always trust Your answers to my prayers. ~Amen!

Yours, because we're His,

Tamara

5 comments:

  1. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  2. That 'deleted' comment was mine, Tamara. I apologize....I'll try again.
    I recited the Lord's Prayer every morning Monday through Friday from grade one through grade ten.
    No, I didn't attend a private school. I attended public school in Florida. That prayer has always been a part of my life...and will stay in my heart always.
    Thank you for another motivational post.
    Smiles,
    Jackie

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  3. How awesome...once again, our posts for the day 'overlap' or coincide...very nice! God has His Hand in everything good!

    blessings and hugs,

    marcy

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  4. Wherever I turn today, I am brought the lesson of thanksgiving and trust in God. Thank you to you, too! Cathy

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  5. Hi Tamara! I hope you are feeling well and that things are going well with you :)
    Wow...I really needed to hear this verse..We (my husband and I) have been praying about a job that we are hoping he will get. I've been worried because we've not heard anything yet. This post really spoke to my heart. Thank you so much for posting exactly what I needed to hear!
    Hugs to you!!
    With Love, Jerelene

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