Together - Daily DevotionalSample

Praying on purpose 

Jesus prayed on a regular basis but especially when He was aware of important events such as choosing the disciples and before the crucifixion. His human nature cried out to be spared suffering but His submission to God’s will was total. In response an angel came to strengthen Him, but interestingly this produced even more anguish.  Here is one important insight into prayer – it is an opportunity to express our emotions to God in order that He might strengthen us to do what is right. We purposefully pray when we feel weak in order to receive God’s mercy and grace in our time of need (Heb.4:16).

Sometimes prayer changes a situation as when the powerful Amalekites were defeated by Moses uplifted hands (Exod.17:8-16).  Sometimes, however, prayer changes us to boldly face the situations that confront us in faith and obedience to God.  In Gethsemane, Jesus arose from prayer ready to face death.  Paul realised that God’s power was perfected in his own weakness (2 Cor.12:7-10). In this passage we see the listening aspect of prayer as God speaks to Paul.  Similarly, Gentile non Jews first heard the gospel because initially Cornelius and then Peter heard God speak (Acts 10).

Prayer: Holy Spirit, help me to express my emotions and to pray for wisdom, direction, encouragement and an ability to hear from God