Written by: John Sernaque
Dear Reader,
Jesus’ Example in Prayer Follow Jesus’ Example by Starting the Day With Prayer—
It was in hours of solitary prayer that Jesus in His earth life received wisdom and power. Let the youth follow His example in finding at dawn and twilight a quiet season for communion with their Father in heaven. And throughout the day let them lift up their hearts to God. At every step of our way He says, “I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, ... Fear not; I will help thee.” Isaiah 41:13. Could our children learn these lessons in the morning of their years, what freshness and power, what joy and sweetness, would be brought into their lives!—(Education, 259.) {Pr 167.1 } The Earnest Prayers of Jesus Contrast With Our Feeble Prayers—Of Christ it is said: “And being in an agony He prayed more earnestly.” In what contrast to this intercession by the Majesty of heaven are the feeble, heartless prayers that are offered to God. Many are content with lip service, and but few have a sincere, earnest, affectionate longing after God.—(Testimonies for the Church 4:534.) {Pr 167.2}
Our Father, which art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name,
We thank You for giving us yet another opportunity to come to You, to enter into Your presence, to give You thanksgiving and praise. We thank You for giving us another day whereby we can do right in Your sight. You have given us Your example in prayer. Praying at dawn and at twilight in order to receive wisdom and power. I pray that we may all follow Your example, from the earliest of the youth to the most mature adult. We pray that we continue to receive this opportunity to speak with You, to let You know what is on our minds and in our hearts, though You already know, it allows us to draw nigh unto You and for You to draw nigh unto us. We pray that You will hold our right hand and help us. Grant us Your power and strength that our prayers may be earnest and not be feeble, heartless lip service. Help us start our day with freshness and power. Help us when we are in agony to pray more earnestly. Do not let anyone pluck us out of Your hand, and when we need to be carried, please carry us. Please continue to be with us and do not take Your Spirit and Light away from us. Please continue to shape us and mold us into the Christians we need to be. Let everything we say and do be for the glory of Your name, and let not our will but let Thy will be done. Please forgive us of our sins. We thank You and praise You. In the name of Christ Jesus, we pray. Amen.
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