Introductory Thoughts
Mankind has made many varying attempts in an effort to gain God’s attention. Most of these things are vain, self-serving, and prideful at best. In 1 Kings 8:28 and 2 Chronicles 6:19, Solomon requested God’s respect for the prayer of His servant. If any of man’s efforts will draw a second look from the Lord, it is the individual’s prayer. Prayer calls God to attention (not because God is not already fully aware of man’s circumstances) as a formal invitation from man to intervene in the affairs of life. Everything in the Christian life is dependent upon prayer. It is perhaps for this reason that believers have the assurance of knowing that they serve a God who hears, answers, and has respect unto prayer.
Devotional Thoughts
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(For children): God respects prayer when the lost call upon Him (Jonah 3:4-10; Luke 18:13-14; Luke 23:42-43; Romans 10:13), when Christians humble themselves (2 Chronicles 7:14; 1 John 3:22; 1 John 5:14-15), and when we pray for others (Psalm 54:4).
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(For everyone): Do you want to get the Lords attention? How frequent are you to the throne where you can call upon the Lord for grace to help in time of need (Hebrews 4:16)?
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We have already observed that humility gains the respect of the Lord (Psalm 138:6; Isaiah 66:2). How are humility and prayer connected?
Prayer Thoughts
- Ask the Lord to help you be more frequent in prayer.
- Thank God for the privilege you have to call upon Him.
Song
APPROACH, MY SOUL, THE MERCY SEAT
