Abide in Jesus - 4-Day Advent DevotionalSample

Even though it's the most wonderful time of the year, as the carol states, there still is a need for prayer - whether that's to give thanks to God for all his blessings or simply to ask for His help in handling the stress or difficulties the holiday season can bring. Prayer awakens our soul to God's presence, faithfulness, and refuge.

But have you ever found yourself not knowing what to pray? Maybe your prayers become dull or repetitive, and you feel as if you're praying incorrectly? Your confidence in your prayers will be strengthened when you pray God's Word.

The Bible is full of prayers! From Genesis to Revelation we find prayers we can borrow to enliven our spiritual lives. These supplications express every kind of emotion and experience - just look at the Book of Psalms!

As we read the stories, history, poems, and parables of the Bible in the presence of God and pay attention to the Spirit, we will identify passages that relate to our lives, the world, and the people we know. Over time it will become natural to turn these thoughts into prayer immediately. 

Read Luke 2:8-18. How did you hear about and experience the good news of Jesus? In this story an angel visited a group of hardworking shepherds and announced that something important was happening in Bethlehem (v. 11). So the shepherds traveled to the City of David, where they found Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. Once they saw the Child, they went around telling everyone they knew about the birth of Jesus and what the angels had said about Him (vv. 17-18). 

How can you act like shepherds, telling everyone about Jesus, particularly during this time of year? Pray that God would work in the hearts of those you know. Be a good listener and friend rather than judging people. Demonstrate the gospel message through acts of service, not just words this Christmas. Pray that the quality of your life and relationships would help draw people closer to Jesus. 

To learn more about the spiritual practice of praying Scripture as well as the other practices mentioned in this reading plan, check out the Abide Bible Journals from Thomas Nelson .