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.

There are times in life when the burden is so great, the news is so horrific, or the circumstances are overwhelming that we don’t even know what to say or how to react? Good news! We don’t have to have the words because God has given us an advocate in the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit will intercede for us. The Holy Spirit will groan on our behalf. What a blessing and comfort!

How will you respond when there are no words to adequately explain your situation? Will you call on the Holy Spirit to intercede on your behalf? Take a moment to worship by listening to Make A Way by Elevation Worship. Trust the Holy Spirit with your prayers, even when you have no words.

Let’s pray. Thank you Father for sending an advocate in the Holy Spirit. Give me the trust and confidence to allow the Holy Spirit to intercede on my behalf when I have no words to express my concerns. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

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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—

Today is the International Day of Prayer. It is a day others gather together to pray and intercede on behalf of others. Do you pray for others? 

I feel it is such an honor when someone asks me to pray for them. I once was not very intentional when someone asked for prayer. I may have said yes and then never done any more toward praying for the person requested. However, now I have a habit of intentionality with prayer for others. If someone asks me to pray for them, I stop and pray right then. If there is a certain time a person asks for prayer, like during a medical appointment or a test, I set the alarm on my phone with a note to remind me what to pray for at that time. This habit has become one of my greatest honors. I am so thankful that others trust me to intercede on their behalf.

How do you pray for others? How will you intercede for others today?

Let’s pray. Thank You God for the opportunity to pray for others. May my intercessory prayer be a blessing of strength and comfort from You. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

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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.

#biblegateway

#youversion

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

Battle Belongs by Phil Whickham.

‭‭Mark 15 NIV

Take a moment to read this article by Christianity.com titled What Is So Good About Good Friday? for an explanation.

Today I encourage you to spend some time mourning the death of Christ. Reflect on the reality that Jesus suffered and carried your sins to the cross. What does that mean for you? Do you live your daily life in a way that exhibits your appreciation for this gift from Jesus? Have you shared the gift of Christ with someone else? Without Good Friday there would be no Easter Sunday. Watch this video for a Good Friday Prayer. Be sure to finish out Holy Week by joining us on Sunday for the resurrection of Christ.

Dear God, Thank You for Good Friday. Thank You for sacrificing Your only Son for me to have eternal life. Keep the image of the draped cross in my mind today so I may experience a small portion of Your grief. May all that I say and do today reflect the love of the cross. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

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