30 Day Prayer ChallengeSample

DAY 25: GREATER LOVE FOR OTHERS

Ephesians 1:15-21 explains that it is through prayer that we see with the eyes of our hearts. So how can we open the "eyes of our hearts"?

First, by realizing the value of the gift we've been given in Christ. We have already seen that God's grace and forgiveness are available to all who call upon Him. We are in God's eternal debt because we have been forgiven, fully and freely. It's illustrated so powerfully, so beautifully in the story of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15. When that son who had rebelled and wasted his entire inheritance came home, his father ran to him and welcomed him home.

Second, we can see with the eyes of our hearts by praying for Christ's love to fill us. It is a characteristic of a person who knows Jesus and has experienced unconditional love, that they will extend that love to others. When your prayer life is active and full, when you are communing daily with God, you will begin to see others as God sees them.

The next time you find yourself angry, frustrated, or disappointed with someone, I challenge you to pray, "Lord, help me to see this person as You see him." The next time you are compelled to harbor bitterness or respond in anger, pause and soak in the gravity of God's unconditional love for you.

Is God's love flowing from your life? Would someone recognize you as a believer in Christ by the love you have shown to others this week? Make your prayer today centered upon love and how can you show it more to those around you.

Find peace, purpose and strength with Jesus in prayer.