pray

O Lord…

Dr. Mike 2024 , ,

Who will not fear, O Lord, and glorify your name? For you alone are holy. All nations will come and worship you, for your righteous acts have been revealed.”  Rev. 15:4

Recently, I noticed a new prayer appearing on my lips. It is the shortest one in my arsenal. But I am finding it to be the most effective. It only contains five letters and two words. But the impact and meaning goes deep into my soul. And the outcome lays at the feet of our God.

The prayer is “O Lord…”

I find myself praying these two words at times of heartfelt pain and also moments of celebration. These two extremes of the human emotion are wrapped around these five letters.

In my brief lifetime, I find myself many times without the proper words to express to God what I feel. But I am encouraged to know that Jesus and the Spirit intercedes on my behalf (Heb. 7:25, Rom. 8:26-27).

Therefore when I am confronted with a difficult traumatic event, the only words out of my mouth is “O Lord.” The remaining thoughts, feelings, and request for a solution I lay down at the feet of my Christ. HE knows what is best to do at that time and place.

When I rejoice at a time of victory and not sure what to say, “O Lord” expresses my gratitude and joy of the moment. I know the Spirit is always at work. HE may even have been involved in the event. But I just want to express my thanks for HIS blessings.

These two words leave the outcome in God’s hands. They recognize HIS authority and power. HIS righteous works are being displayed.

Yes, there are times a few more words may come out in petition to our great King. But every petition that begins with these two words acknowledges our Triune God. We look for HIM to intervene and empower the people with a good resolution. HE knows I am always available to assist. But we are watching and trusting HIM to take the lead.

In summary, the “O Lord” prayer is a heavy emphasis on our Lord’s authority, intercession, and workmanship. You may find yourself using these same five letters as a quick prayer of need or thanks. The bottom-line: isn’t it awesome we serve a heavenly Father God whose so responsive?

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Faith-Integrator, Encourager, Scribbler

“We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives,” (Colossians 1:9)

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What is Prayer?

Dr. Mike 2022 , , ,

Psalm 42:8

“By day the Lord commands his steadfast love, and at night his song is with me, a prayer to the God of my life.”

Prayer is the direct means of communicating with your Heavenly Father. Jesus maintained direct contact with his heavenly Father through prayer. Jesus taught His disciples how to pray. Prayer was Jesus’ main staple throughout his life.

As his disciples, we likewise have the opportunity to keep in constant connection with our Heavenly Father throughout the day. The apostle Paul instructed us to be constant in prayer (Romans 12:12). Prayer is the prime activity of a mature Christ-follower. (Acts 6:4)

Below are a few Biblical examples which highlight the impact of a prayer life.  

  • Prayer strengthens faith (Luke 22:32)
  • Prayer heals people (James 5:16)
  • Prayer builds common ground (1 Timothy 2:1)
  • Prayer maintains your focus on God. (Jer. 29:12-14)
  • Prayer empowers people (2 Chronicles 7:14)
  • Prayer changes you (Eph. 3:14-19)
  • Prayer produces Godly outcomes (Jeremiah 42:4)??
  • Prayer opens doors where there are no doors. (Eph.3:20)
  • Prayer is worship. (Luke 2:37)
  • Prayer is offering yourself to God. (1 Kings 8:54)
  • Prayer is submitting yourself to God. (Ps. 86:1)
  • Prayer is our memorial to God. (Acts 10:4)
  • Prayer makes everything that is good in God’s creation holy (I Tim. 4:5)
  • Prayer personally reveals the power of God. (2 Kings 6:18)
  • Prayer opens God’s Spirit in you. (Romans 8:26)
  • Prayer is our incense to God. (Rev. 5:8)
  • Prayer reduces anxiety. (Phil. 4:6)

These came to me just this morning. You probably could list more yourself as you pray and meditate on the means of directly communicating with Him.

The bottom-line: Jesus was a praying rabbi and so are HIS students. Learn the value, honor, and privilege of directly praying with the Creator of the universe, your Heavenly Father who wants you to know HIM and learn to share your life with HIM as HE prepares an eternal home for you. In prayer, you will discover a whole new world and way of life when you unleash the divine relationship you have with the Almighty.

You find yourself participating with an Infinite God in HIS work. You slowly learn HIS view on many topics. You begin a personal journey with HIM sharing your life with HIM as HE shares HIS life with you. You find yourself enjoying HIS presence while you live out your everyday routines. And if you keep a journal of your prayers and record the outcome, you will strengthen your faith and become more assured that HE cares for you and wants what is best for you.

Prayer is your access to a Heavenly Dad who wants HIS child to live a meaningful life being prepared to serve in HIS Kingdom for eternity.

PS: You may want to check out my latest devotional prayer e-book “Overflowing Prayers Rooted in Jesus Christ” (see below) if you seek a way to jump start into a more effective prayer life.

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Encourager, Faith-Integrator, Scribbler  

Available for Your Devotional Study: 

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More Prayer, Greater Opportunities, Better Choices

Dr. Mike Kingdom Paradigms, Life in Christ , , ,
“And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight,” Philippians 1:9 NIV

PRAY 34

Want to improve your love life? Your career? Your financial house?

Pray!

Prayer is the means we commune with the Great Designer. The same Being who is Love, who enjoys work, and knows our basic necessities as a human being.

His desire is to share His life in you, with you, and through you. But he is respective of your boundaries. He will not force you to comply with his desires. Rather he wants you to willfully choose to be in a meaningful relationship with Him.

Prayer is the means he designed for that purpose. It is heaven’s cell phone.
You have direct contact with your heavenly Dad who wants his children to succeed in life.

It doesn’t take a college degree, an introduction by a high ranking official, or a specific position for him to hear you. It only takes a willing heart. A heart that wants to be in a relationship. A heart that wants to learn and grow in the relationship.

As you venture into the area of prayer, you will discover a new addiction. One that helps you view life through the same eyes of the Man-God that walked the earth 2,000 years ago. You will begin to see opportunities that weren’t there before. You will make choices with a more long-term horizon. You will experience the joy of walking in the presence of your heavenly Dad.

It happens when you live a prayer-full life.

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Founder & Executive Director
Marketplace Bible Institute
& Resource Center, Inc
Author of e-Books:
 *  Great Business Emulates a Good God
 *  Be Radical…Follow Christ!
 *  Simply The Messenger
 *  Unequally Married