Psalms 145:18 NIV — The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.

Who do you tell about your bad day? Who is the first one you call or text when you have something to celebrate? Jesus Christ wants to be your first call? He wants you to call on Him for help, strength, comfort, courage, and joy. Calling on Jesus is much quicker than dialing a number or typing out a text. All you need to do is say His name and tell Him what is on your heart. You can talk with Jesus in the morning, in the evening, and throughout your day. He wants you to share all the ups and downs, the good and bad, and the happy and sad. He’s your friend! Prayer is just that simple — talking with Jesus.

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for allowing such easy access to Your son Jesus Christ. As I go throughout my day, may I be mindful of His presence and may I continually call on Him in prayer. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

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In Matthew 6:9-13 NIV Jesus said — This, then, is how you should pray: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.”

Today’s featured scripture, called The Lord’s Prayer, is Jesus’ example of how to pray that He gave His disciples. In Matthew 6:5-6 NIV, the scripture just before the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus explains that praying is not intended to be showy nor does it need to be full of fancy words. Prayer is a special time of sharing between you and God. What is your definition of prayer? Do you spend time in prayer? How do you pray? As we talk about prayer this week, I encourage you to examine your prayer habits.

Let’s pray. Thank You God for the opportunity I have to connect with You through prayer. Open my eyes this week to ways I can become more like Christ through prayer. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

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In Matthew 6:9-13 NIV Jesus said — This, then, is how you should pray: “‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.”

Psalms 145:18 NIV — The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.

1 John 5:14 NIV — This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.

James 5:16 NIV — Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.

1 Timothy 2:1 NIV — I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—

Romans 8:26-27 NIV — In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.

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Let’s begin our week about prayer by listening to Lord I Need You by Matt Maher and 

Battle Belongs by Phil Whickham.

1 Peter‬ ‭2:9‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.

It is so good to be back together! Join us on our YouTube Channel as we wrap up our week on Titles:

We encourage you to worship with, Hello My Name Is by Matthew West.

Matthew‬ ‭21‬:‭12‬-‭13‬ ‭NIV — Jesus entered the temple courts and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves. “‘It is written,’ he said to them, ‘My house will be called a house of prayer,’ but you are making it ‘a den of robbers.’”

Today’s key verse takes place in the temple leading up to Jesus’ crucifixion on the cross. Jesus was upset that the temple was being used for commercialization and corruption with the exchange of money and selling of doves at inflated prices versus its intended purpose of worship. Due to inflated prices some were unable to afford to enter and experience God’s presence. Jesus clearing out the temple is like His sacrifice of dying on the cross for our sins for all to enter. 

This week we have been sharing our Earthly titles, God-given titles, people-pleasing, and corruption. Are you ready to surrender and worship in God’s Temple? Take a moment to listen to Resurrender by Hillsong Worship. Some of the lyrics sing: “You’re turning over tables and calling for return to our lives upon the altar. The things we did at first. You’re clearing out the temple. You’re cleaning out the dirt. For we are Your territory. Lord, we are Your Church.”

Take a moment to review your list of Earthly titles, as well as your God given titles: child of God, chosen, loved, blessed, adopted, forgiven, redeemed, strong, and accepted.

Let’s pray. Dear Heavenly Father, I call upon Your name and humbly come before You. I surrender my Earthly titles over to You and ask that You help me to walk in the titles You have given me: child of God, chosen, loved, blessed, adopted, forgiven, redeemed, strong, and accepted. In the Name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

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Let’s take a moment to thank God for His word. His word is our lineage, for we are His chosen people. His word renews us and gives us strength when we grow weary of our Earthly trials. His word is our guide to light our path and remind us of who we are in Christ Jesus. His word is unending and thankfully his mercies are new every morning. 

His word has purpose: ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭55:11‬ ‭NIV — so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.

His word is our guide: Psalms ‭119:105‬ ‭NIV‬ — Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.

His word is unending: ‭‭Lamentations‬ ‭3:22-23‬ ‭NIV — Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

His word renews: ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭40:31‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

His word is our lineage: 1 Peter‬ ‭2:9‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.

As a response to the Easter season, I pray we can shine God’s light. It is our Great Commission to spread the Gospel so all will know Jesus’s journey to the cross is everyone’s redemption story. 

Let’s pray. Dear Heavenly Father, I call upon Your name and humbly come before You. I surrender my Earthly titles over to You and ask that You help me to walk in the titles You have given me: child of God, chosen, loved, blessed, adopted, forgiven, redeemed, strong, and accepted. In the Name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

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