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.

#biblegateway

#youversion

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.

#biblegateway

#youversion

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.

#biblegateway

#youversion

In John 13:34-35 NIV Jesus said to His disciples — A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.

Today is Maundy Thursday. Have you heard this term before? Do you know what it means? Take a moment to read this article from Christianity.com titled What Is Maundy Thursday? for an explanation. Watch this video for a Maundy Thursday Prayer.

As you go about your day, reflect on the events that happened thousands of years ago. Remember the promises Jesus made to us and hold on to the hope we have in Him.

Dear God, Thank You for the hope I have in Christ. Guide my thoughts today as I remember the events of the Last Supper. Continue to usher me through the events of Holy Week that ultimately lead me to eternal life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

#biblegateway

#youversion

Matthew‬ ‭6‬:‭33‬ ‭NIV — But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

What is Holy Week? Holy Week is the week leading up to the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Over the next few days we will walk with Jesus through the events that led up to His crucifixion, death, and resurrection. I invite you to be looking closely at the face of Christ as He walks towards the cross to die for you. Seek God’s insight and wisdom as God also watches His only Son suffer. As you give thanks, step out of your personal comfort zone and share the Good News with someone in your life. As you walk on water today, be looking toward the cross of Christ for courage and strength.

Dear God, may I always be looking toward You. Thank You for what this Holy week means to me as a Christian. May I continually seek Your strength as I step out and share Your love and mercy with others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

#biblegateway

#youversion