Day Seven: 31 Days of Prayer

July 7, 2010
Morning

Psalm 16:2 (NIV) I said to the LORD …"

This morning thank God for the privilege of prayer. Like David you can speak to God:

• Anytime

1 Thessalonians 5:17 (NIV) Pray continually.

• Anyplace

Psalm 139

• For Anything

Philippians 4:6 (NIV) Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

• At Great Cost (Not yours!)

Hebrews 10:19-22 (NIV) Since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body…22 let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith…

Psalm 8:4 (NIV) What is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him?
Give thanks that God is mindful of and cares for you.

Evening

In the opening two verses of this Psalm David uses three names for God. The first two are (We’ll look at the third one tomorrow):

• God (El, for Elohim): It means “the Creator, the All-Powerful One.” This refers to God our Maker. This is the attribute of God that gives prayer its power. Matthew 19:26 (NIV) Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." Philippians 4:13 (NIV) I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

• LORD (Jehovah): Jehovah is the God of the Covenant. This refers to God our Mediator. This is the attribute of God that gives prayer its passion. Psalm 86:5 (NIV) You are forgiving and good, O Lord, abounding in love to all who call to you.

This is the God who delights in a personal conversation with you. Because of who He is, prayer is not an obligation, but an opportunity with great potential. Matthew 21:22 (NIV) If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer." Paul brings God’s attributes together—the passion of God in the crucifixion and the power of God in the resurrection—in Romans 8:31-39. Meditate on that famous passage. Paul concludes, “In all these things we are more than conquerors.” Tonight remember that prayer doesn’t work; rather, a powerful and passionate God works through prayer. So pray!