Becoming Like Jesus: PrayerSample

A Shining Light

In the beginning, God created the universe as an act of love. The grand finale of this creative work was making human beings in His own image who would live in relationship and partnership with Him.

This has been God’s plan from the beginning. For Him to be our God and for us to be His people. That’s exactly why John begins His Gospel by calling back to the beginning. It’s a reminder to everyone who reads it that the Creator of the universe has not forgotten His creation. Instead, He put on skin and bones and became a part of His creation in the person of Jesus.

Jesus showed us what a genuine relationship with our Heavenly Father is supposed to look like. Prayer is a foundational element of that relationship. Prayers of adoration, intercession, and petition. All of these prayers matter. This is why all of this is included in Jesus’ prayer.

They all remind us that God is in charge, He is good, and He wants us to be close to Him.

Today, we are going to continue learning to ask God for the things we need as we draw near to Him.

Pray…

God, you are the creator of everything. And you care about me. All of me. In the big things and the little things. I never want to forget that. Bless my time with you today. Help me to know you more and serve you better. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Read…

In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. He existed in the beginning with God. God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him. The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it. John 1:1-5 NLT

Consider…

How do we know what God is like? We look to Jesus. Jesus has been with God from the beginning and He is God. When Jesus showed up, He brought life and light. His light goes into all the dark places and the darkness can never overcome it.

Where do you want the light of Jesus to show up in your life? What hard things are you walking through that you need God’s help to deal with?

Practice…

Pray to God by asking Him for what you need. Ask Him to give you strength if things are hard. Ask Him for wisdom if you don’t know what to do. Ask Him to give you peace if you feel overwhelmed. Whatever it is, bring your request to God.

As you do, imagine you are talking to God face-to-face. Because, at its most basic level, that’s really what prayer is: talking to God.

When you’re ready, pray to your Father using Jesus’ words, “Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy… give us today the food we need…” Matthew 6:9,11 NLT

Listen…

Create space to experience God’s presence by getting quiet, getting alone, and asking Him to speak. Start by setting a timer for five minutes.

Next, ask God to speak to you.

When you get distracted, because you will get distracted, bring your focus back to God by repeating the first words of this prayer: “Our Father…”

When the timer ends, thank God for the time you got to spend with Him, then head into your day looking for opportunities to better serve Him and serve others.