"Keep me from paying attention to what is worthless; be good to me, as you have promised . . . I want to obey your commands; give me new life, for you are righteous" (Psalm 119:37, 40 GNT).
The Bible says Satan is not afraid of your plans. He's not afraid of your budget or your strategy. And he's not afraid of your programs.
But Satan is scared to death of your prayers, because that's where you tap into God. And Satan knows that anytime God wants to do something really cool in your family, in your job, in your church, or in our nation, God starts by motivating you to pray.
So if you're going to commit to learning how to pray effectively, you'd better buckle up! Our hearts need a spiritual awakening. The church needs revival. Our nation needs God. Things happen when people start praying together.PLAY today's audio teaching from Pastor Rick >>
Talk About It
As you grow in this area, I want you to start praying two verses every day:
"Keep me from paying attention to what is worthless; be good to me, as you have promised . . . I want to obey your commands; give me new life, for you are righteous" (Psalm 119:37, 40 GNT).
"Bring us back to you, GOD—we're ready to come back. Give us a fresh start" (Lamentations 5:21 The Message).
Pray and ask God for three things every day as you look at these verses: Revive my heart, revive my church family, and revive our nation.
God, you are a good, good Father. Even when I'm in pain, you're still a good Father. Even when my prayers weren't answered the way I wanted them to be answered, you're still a good Father.
Help me to remember that your plan for my life is always good and to always choose your plan, not mine. Help me to remember that you always give me what I need, not what I deserve. Thank you that you not only forgive me but you also pour your goodness into me. Thank you for putting my good above your own good by dying for me on the cross. You didn't spare your own Son, so you certainly give me everything else I need. Thank you for inviting me to live with you forever in heaven.
And Lord, even though I don't always understand it, thank you that you don't say yes to every prayer request. I realize that your ways are higher than mine, and a lot of stuff I won't understand until I'm with you in eternity.
Father, revive my heart. Revive my small group and my church family. Revive our nation, God! Only changed people can change the world. I pray this in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Have you trusted Jesus for your salvation? No matter what you've done or where you've been, you can have a place in God's forever family ready and waiting for you. The invitation is wide open. Just believe and receive.
Are you ready? Here's a prayer you can start with:
"Dear God, I know that when I die I'm going to give an account of my life to you directly. I confess that I have ignored you. I know I have sinned against you, and I have lived by my plan, not yours. I want that to change, starting right now. I want to turn away from my sins and move toward you.
"Thank you for sending Jesus to die for all that I've done wrong so that I don't have to pay the penalty of being eternally separated from you. I know that I don't deserve your forgiveness. I know that only your grace can save me, Lord. I could never be good enough to get into a perfect place.
"Jesus, thank you for loving me so much that you took all my guilt on yourself. You made me acceptable for heaven, and I humbly ask you to save me. I ask you to save me from the sins and the habits that are messing up my life right now. I believe in you, Jesus. And I believe that you will keep your promise to save me instantly and certainly and completely and eternally. In Jesus' name. Amen."
If you prayed that prayer, please write and tell me at Rick@PastorRick.com. I'd love to send you some materials as you begin your journey with Jesus.
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