Priority Listنموونە

Spiritual Growth

Day 16: Using Prayer to Keep Him as King
Scripture: Matthew 6:25-34; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18; Romans 8:26; Colossians 4:2

By now, you've seen Matthew 6:25-34 repeatedly in this devotional. That's intentional. God's Word is meant to be stored in our hearts, shaping our faith and guiding our priorities. The first 15 days of this devotional plan were focused on areas that could become a priority over seeking God's kingdom first. The following 15 days will focus on the tools we can use to keep Jesus Christ as the King over our lives. These should never become a priority over Him; they are merely tools that connect us to Him.

One of the most essential ways we prioritize God in our lives is through prayer. Prayer is more than just a routine or a last resort in times of trouble; it is the foundation of our relationship with Him. It is a conversation with the most powerful being in all of existence. Prayer is just talking with God, but it is so much more because He can DO SOMETHING with our requests.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 reminds us to "Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." Prayer is not meant to be an occasional exercise but a constant conversation with God. It is how we align our hearts with His, express our dependence on Him, and invite Him into every aspect of our lives.

Yet, many of us struggle to pray consistently. We get distracted, feel unworthy, or believe we don't have the right words. Romans 8 comforts us, assuring us that even when we don't know what to pray, "the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans." Jesus Christ is also at the Father's right hand, praying for us. We are merely joining in the conversation! He does not require eloquence, just honesty, and a willing heart.

Colossians 4:2 urges us to "Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful." This devotion requires intentionality. Just as we schedule time for work, family, and personal responsibilities, we must set aside time for prayer. It should not be an afterthought but the first thing we turn to daily. Whether through structured times, spontaneous conversations, or silent reflection, prioritizing prayer keeps us connected to God's guidance and peace.

Prayer is an excellent tool that helps us stay connected to God and place Him as our number one priority. Pause and acknowledge Him as King today, and then evaluate your prayer life. Is it a priority, or does it get pushed aside in the busyness of life? Commit to prayer daily, knowing that God is always ready to listen.

Prayer:
Father, help me to make prayer a constant part of my life. Remind me that you desire a relationship with me, not just ritual words. Teach me to pray with sincerity, trust, and persistence. When I struggle, remind me that your Spirit intercedes on my behalf. Thank you for always listening. It is in the name of Jesus we pray, amen.