Listen to this devotion
Prayerful Praise
In the Word
[Jesus said,] “And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father” (John 14:13).
Of the Word
God-pleasing prayer is a matter of the heart.
First, a pure heart. The psalmist prayed, Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me (Psalm 51:10). Sincere confession shows we know who we are in relation to God — sinners standing before the throne of holiness.
Second, an undivided heart, one firmly grounded in faith. The person who doubts the effectiveness of prayer should not think he will receive anything from the Lord (James 1:7b).
Third, a fervent and genuine heart. Not with empty chatter or thoughtless repetition do we speak to our heavenly Father, but in heartfelt prayer, we call on him in truth (Psalm 145:18b).
And fourth, a heart after God’s own heart, that is, according to His will and purpose. Jesus taught His disciples to say, “your will be done on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10b). And He set an example in the Garden of Gethsemane when in His agony He said, “not my will, but yours be done” (Luke 22:42b).
Praise God with a heart — a heart of prayer!
Walking with my Lord
O Lord, how graciously You show You care
Inviting me to come to You in prayer.
In Your Holy name. Amen.
Mustard Seed: Living in Praise. Author: Patricia Mitchell. 28/32 ©2007 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org
Scripture quotations are taken from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
