Devotion – God’s Love is…In our Prayers

Sometimes I forget about the power of prayer. I mean, I know how important it is, but often I get into a routine and forget that God is in control. It’s easy to pray for this and that and ask for specific requests, but how often do we let God take care of everything?

I pray often, but I will admit that I don’t always let it go after that. My sinful self wants to hold onto those worries and concerns and try to take control of them. In this passage from Philippians, Paul says that we are not to be anxious about anything, but present it to God. God loves us and wants to take care of us! He sent Jesus Christ into this world to die and then rise again for our sins, and to give us forgiveness and eternal life. Then Jesus presented the disciples with the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, and we have that spiritual guide even today in our daily lives and prayers.

Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:5-7 NIV)

Verse 7 really targets what happens when we give our worries and prayers to God: “And the peace of God…will guard your hearts and minds…” Truly, when I give everything up to God and let it go, I feel His peace and it’s awesome!

A devotional passage I read a few nights ago really hit on everything I was feeling and I want to share with you its closing quote:

“Tonight, speak honestly and openly with the Lord about your concerns, and make your petitions known. Then cast the care of them onto Him and sleep in peace, knowing He is at work on your behalf.” (W.B. Freeman)

God sees the big picture; He sees what’s going to happen down the road and He loves us and will do what’s best for us. Although it may be difficult to see that now, God’s going to be right there with us the whole way, and we can take comfort in that!

The next time you are spending time with God in prayer, know that you are in a two-way relationship. He listens and responds. Praise Him for all He has done for you, and let Him take care of the rest!

Prayer

Dear God, thank you for the gift of your son, Jesus Christ, who gave us forgiveness of sins and eternal life! Thank you also for the gift of the Holy Spirit, who guides us daily in our lives. Help us to cast our cares on you and receive the peace that only you can give to us.

Published August 11, 2008

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