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NIV Once-A-Day Walk With Jesus DevotionalSample

NIV Once-A-Day Walk With Jesus Devotional

DAY 14 OF 21

Making Prayer a Personal Priority

Some people load their days with activities, clutter their calendars with appointments and fill the air with music — ​anything to drown out the sounds of silence. Which is too bad, really.

Because God often speaks in a still, small voice — ​the kind heard only in moments of silence (see 1 Kings 19:11 – 13).

You will discover two occasions in Matthew 14 when Jesus left the crowds and retired to a quiet place to pray. John Calvin comments on the importance of the Savior’s search for solitude.


Walk With John Calvin
“By going to the mountain he was seeking a time of prayer free from interruption.
“We all know how easily prayer can be quenched by the least distraction.

“Although Christ did not suffer from this weakness, he warned us by his example to be careful to disengage our minds from the snares of the world, so that we may be carried up to heaven.

“The most important thing is solitude. Those who pray with God as their only witness will be more watchful, will pour forth their hearts to him, and will examine themselves more carefully.

“The freedom to pray in all places does not prevent us from praying in secret.”


Walk Closer to God
Silence. How often do you experience it? What priority do you give it?

Jesus left the accolades of the crowds and climbed a mountain. There he prayed until “shortly before dawn” (Matthew 14:25). Jesus was committed to prayer!

God hears your hurried prayers. But he yearns for you to give him an uncluttered slice of your time, free from the distractions of your busy day.

It will seldom happen by accident. In fact, you may have to turn off your cell phone, walk away from your computer, rearrange your schedule. But what a small price to pay to “be still, and know” God (Psalm 46:10)!

Scripture

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About this Plan

NIV Once-A-Day Walk With Jesus Devotional

The Once-A-Day Walk with Jesus Devotional incorporates unique ways to be drawn into God’s Word. This 21 day extract of the 365 daily readings will start you on your journey through the New Testament and strengthen your faith. Each day includes a brief meditation passage, a Scripture reference for the New Testament text, a quote from a remarkable Christian writer of the past, and an application section relevant for your life today.

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We would like to thank Zondervan for providing this devotional. For more information, please visit: www.facebook.com/OnceADayBible