NEW TESTAMENT PRAYERS
Introduction
We are so glad you are joining us for these daily prayer posts. Over the next few weeks we are going to listen to the prayers we find in the Bible, and some of God’s most faithful saints and servants. Through their prayers, we will learn better how to pray and connect with our heavenly Father.
Each devotion will take less than ten minutes of your time.
- We will look at an insight from those who know something important about prayer.
- We will listen to the prayers of people in the Bible—people just like us. And to people who gained a deep measure of spiritual intimacy with God because they prayed.
- We will reflect, asking the same four questions each day that invites us to look and listen with intent.
- And we will pray, for it is in praying that we learn to pray. And it is in praying that the Spirit changes our hearts.
We want to encourage you to grab a journal or a notebook – something to write on as you walk through each prayer guide. Yes, it will add a few minutes to the time it takes to do the devotion, and it will also deepen your experience and shape your walk with God for years to come. This journal or notebook will be a keepsake to remind you of God’s faithfulness during this challenging season for all of us.
Look
“We have confidence and boldness in God because He is God. We have learned enough about His character to know that we can lean upon Him fully.” A.W. Tozer in Faith Beyond Reason
Listen
Author and pastor Eugene Peterson encourages “long obedience in the same direction” – and our walk of faith is a marathon, not a sprint. Don’t grow weary. Walk well and trust the Spirit of Christ who lives within you, as you pray – with the Apostle Paul…
Galatians 6:9-10
“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. 10 So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.”
Reflect
1. Having read the Word, sit silently for a minute and give God’s Word a moment to settle within you.
2. Re-read the verses slowly and write down some thoughts that resonate with you.
3. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you reflect on how Paul’s prayer for you to “not grow weary” and “do good to everyone” plays out in your life. (For example: you might write down, “Where do I find myself growing weary? Where I am feeling urged to do good for others?“) The Spirit can help you understand what God is saying to you in these moments.
4. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you in your encouragement to those around and to gain encouragement from scripture, so you may overcome weariness and look to heaven for sustaining motivation.
Pray
Father, thank you for putting me into a community of believers, your church. Thank you for the opportunities you present for me to do good for everyone, especially for those who are of the household of faith. Please help me overcome weariness as I continue to strive to hear your voice and follow your promptings in serving and loving all those around me. Thank you for the Holy Spirit and guidance in how to love others. Thank you for the promises of your word and for being who you are. Amen.
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These devotionals are adapted from various sources, including The Holy Bible, The Book of Common Prayer, The Seeking Heart by Fenelon, Fellowship Bible Church Nashville, Handbook to Prayer by Kenneth Boa and others.
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