✝️ Daily Devotional - May 27, 2021
🧡 Worship: If you'd like to play a song before you begin or while you read, may we recommend "When We Pray" by Tauren Wells. Why not try asking alexa, siri, or google to play it for you?!
💜 Daily Verse: But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private. Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.
☆ Matthew 6:6 NLT
💙 Let's Talk About It: Back when Jesus walked the earth, the Jews were great at praying for people in public and for teaching in the synagogues or streets (though not as frequent).
It is no wonder then when asked how to pray that Jesus explains how we should step into a private place to do so. I believe there are multiple reasons for this but the one I want to focus on today is the fact that going into a quiet place to pray removes distraction.
In today's day and age it is easy to be distracted, and with plenty of screens filling homes, it is easy to have our attention drawn to other things. However, when we are having an important meeting with our boss, or discussing our 5-year goals with our spouses, we don't do so with our phones in our hand, the TV blaring, or a radio playing loudly.
This is due, in large part, to ensure the other person hears you and you hear them. I know many Christians that go in their room to pray but they'll put worship music on. There is no problem with this, however, how do you think it impacts the conversation?
In a vehicle, it is customary to turn the radio down when someone is talking, not scream over it. Do we think God is any different in desiring respect and an atmosphere conducive to conversation? I think not. I believe He wishes to speak, even more than we desire to speak to Him; and in that case, I ask again, how do you think He feels when we turn music on rather than listening for that still small voice?
Today, I want to challenge you to go into your secret place to speak with God. Don't turn on music, or a sermon, and put your phone on silent. The world will not end if you miss a notification while talking to God. Next, I challenge you to sit in the silence when you're done speaking and listen for Him to respond.
Try this everyday for a week. Then, evaluate how it impacted your time with Jesus.
💛 Prayer: Father God, I thank You that whether we are in complete silence or not, that You listen. However, I also thank You for making me aware of the fact that sometimes I allow distraction to come between our communication during times of prayer. I thank You for correcting me so that I can continue to grow in closeness with You. Lord, thank You for grace, for without it You know I would be a lost fool. Help me to focus on You during our time together and help me to remember that You deserve my full attention. I love You Lord, and in Jesus mighty name I pray, amen.