Becoming Like Jesus: PrayerSample

Bread of Life

God doesn’t just want to feed our bellies. He wants to feed our souls. This is why Jesus described Himself as the bread of life. Because it is only in a relationship with Him that the deepest longings of the human heart can truly be met. This is why prayer matters. It is in prayer that we connect with our Creator and grow in our closeness to Him. Prayers of petition are no different. We ask God for what we need because He loves us and He wants to give good things to those who ask.

So, bring your requests to God and allow Him to feed your soul.

Pray…

Father, thank you for caring about every part of me. My mind, body, and spirit. You really do love me and I really do love you. Help me grow closer to you. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Read…

They answered, “Show us a miraculous sign if you want us to believe in you. What can you do? After all, our ancestors ate manna while they journeyed through the wilderness! The Scriptures say, ‘Moses gave them bread from heaven to eat.’ ” Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, Moses didn’t give you bread from heaven. My Father did. And now he offers you the true bread from heaven. The true bread of God is the one who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” “Sir,” they said, “give us that bread every day.” Jesus replied, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. John 6:30-35 NLT

Consider…

In the Exodus, God gave His people bread from heaven. In Jesus, God has given us the bread of life. And when we come to Jesus, He tells us that we will never be hungry again. How does that work? Jesus offers nourishment for our souls. The Gospel isn’t a fast food burger that tastes good in the moment but doesn’t provide any real nutritional value. On the contrary, the Gospel has both the power to save us from our sins and sustain us for a life of faithfulness. The good news of Jesus is more than enough to fuel us for every good work that God has planned for us to do. And, when we believe the Good News of Jesus, He fills us up with His love and mercy so we can truly be satisfied.

Do you hunger for significance? Belonging? Purpose? Connection? Have you tried finding those things in Jesus? Or are you trying to find them in other places? When have you seen Jesus meet those needs in you? How did that encourage you to keep pursuing Him?

Practice…

Pray to God by asking for what you need. What are you longing for? Ask God to fill you up with the love and mercy of His Son. Open yourself up to the vastness of the Gospel and allow the truth of what God has done, what He is doing, and what He will do through Jesus, satisfy your soul.

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.