ESOCS Devotional 17 February 2021
TEXT: LUKE 6:12-26
MEMORY VERSE: “And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.” Luke 6:12
Prayer as referred to in this context is a means of pouring out petitions, requests, adoration to God. The place of prayer in the life of Christians cannot be overemphasized, as it has proven to be the key to unlock mysteries; to affirm one’s faith; to obtain from God; and to commune with God. Be that as it may, the Bible admonishes that we ought to pray without ceasing. This could also be understood to mean, praying without season.
As exemplified by Jesus Christ (Luke 6:12), prayers could be done secretly or better put, as “alone with God”. Here, He left His disciples to commune with God one-on-one. This, He did all through the night without the people knowing. The resultant effect was the selection of the twelve (12) disciples. He had every opportunity to speak to God right in the presence of the people, but he chose secret prayer. This we ought to emulate. It does not relegate the place of corporate fellowship with brethren but that certain issues of life require secret prayer.
Looking at the case of Hannah, one could say hers was a silent prayer, which was secret because no one heard her words. Furthermore, Jesus teaches in Matthew 6:8 that we imbibe the culture of praying secretly. He frowned at hypocritical prayers intended “for men to see”. Our prayers should not be for that purpose. Personal prayers should be as such and not for attention. The case of Daniel was an exception because he used that approach to challenge the king whose decree was to promote the worship of a graven image.
In a nutshell, let us have the understanding that secret prayers are effectual. It should not be misconstrued that only when neighbours hear us pray that God hears. This is totally an exercise in futility. Talk to God in secret and see Him manifest His power openly. We have an assurance that while we are yet speaking, He hears us (Isaiah 65:24). Learn to have quiet and secret moments with God daily.
Read yesterday’s ESOCS Devotional here
CHALLENGES
Reflect on your prayer life and see if it aligns with kingdom principles.
PRAYER POINT
Lord, give answers to all my secret prayers. Holy Spirit, help me to pray aright.
FURTHER READING: Isaiah 64:6-12; 45:9-13; I Corinthians 6:1-11
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ESOCS Devotional 17 February 2021
Please pray for me and my family and also pray for my work please from Maiduguri thanks