Category Archives: Prayer

Devote Yourself

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Prayer - Colossians 4:2-4 - Devote Yourself - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Prayer – Colossians 4:2-4 – Devote Yourself – Growing As Disciples

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should.  Colossians 4:2-4 (NIV) 

Opportunity

I want to have an open door of opportunity to tell others about you. You already have that opportunity. The door is wide open. Nothing is preventing you from sharing with others all that I have done for you. I’m not sure what to say about that. You have something on your mind? Yes, I do. What do you want to say? Do you have a question to ask me? I’m not seeing wide-open opportunities to share my faith in you with others. Why am I not seeing wide-open opportunities to share the good news of the gospel? That’s a good question that I know you can answer. Maybe, I have been too cautious. I haven’t wanted to chase people away from you. Maybe I have been too timid. I haven’t wanted to be rejected. Maybe I haven’t been prepared. I haven’t wanted to say the wrong thing. You could probably come up with a dozen reasons why you haven’t been boldly sharing your faith in me. Yes, I’m sure that is true.

What will help you to share your faith in me? What will make you able to boldly proclaim the good news of the Gospel? Only you can make me able to share your word. That’s right. So, what will you do if you want my help? If I want your help I will ask for your help. That’s sounds like a good idea. What kind of help do you need? I will ask you to make me watchful and prayerful. What will happen to you when you are watchful and prayerful? When I am watchful and prayerful I will see opportunities to share my faith in you. I haven’t been seeing opportunities to proclaim the good news because I haven’t been looking. I haven’t been watchful and prayerful. That’s right. There is more. Like what? As I’m watchful and prayerful I know that you will make me able to boldly proclaim your good news. Why is that? I will know that you have led me to opportunities to share my faith. Yes, I will. I will know that you have given me the words to speak when I share my faith. That’s true. I will know that you will have prepared the person in front of me to hear all that you have given me to share about you. Yes, you will. Remember to always be watchful, prayerful and thankful as you share your faith in me. Yes Lord, I will.

Lord, it is the desire of my heart to be devoted to you in prayer. Help me to be watchful for all that you want me to see. Help me to be ready to do all that you give me to do. Open up doors of opportunity for me to share the good news of the gospel with others. Amen

Key Question… What do you think it would mean in your life to be devoted to the Lord in prayer?

Living It Out… Ask the Lord to help you to be devoted and watchful in prayer so you will have opportunities to share Him with others.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Lord will give you opportunities to share Him as you are devoted and watchful in prayer.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how the Lord is helping you to be devoted and watchful in prayer.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you be devoted and watchful in prayer for opportunities to share Christ with others.

For today’s complete 4 page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide click here:

Prayer – Colossians 4-2-4 – Devote Yourselves – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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By Jon Ulrich © All rights reserved                   Copying not permitted                      www.GrowingAsDisciples.com

Chosen What Is Better

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Prayer - Luke 10:41-42 - Chosen What Is Better - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Prayer – Luke 10:41-42 – Chosen What Is Better – Growing As Disciples

“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:41-42 (NIV)

Here With You

Here I am. This is different. I’m the one who is usually worried and upset about so many things. I have been a very gifted worrier. If anyone could see the downside of any situation it has been me. At least I think that’s true. A part of me wonders how that could possibly be true. Why is that? Wouldn’t it make sense that I would have made fewer mistakes in life because of the amount of time I have spent worrying about my decisions? You have been a worrier. But, your worries have not made you more cautious. No, I think just the opposite has been true. My worrying has sped up the pace of my life. I have been so worried that I might miss out on something. Like what? I don’t know. I have been worried about missing out on anything and everything. So, your life has been a frantic effort to get things done. You have had places to go and things to do. Yes, that’s right. You have speedily gone to where you thought you should go to do what you thought you should get done? That’s right. But, you haven’t been sure about either. That’s true. So you’re worried about where you have gone and what you have done? You got it.

Why are you here right now? Now, I’m sure about where I want to be and what I want to do. What’s that? I don’t want to race through life anymore. I want to stop worrying and being upset about so many things. I don’t want to be uncertain about where I am going and what I am doing. I need to come to a full stop. I want to be here in your presence. I want to hear all that you have to say to me. I want you to heal my broken life. I want to give complete control of my life over to you. I know that you will guide me. I’m sure that you know exactly where I should go and what I should do. You have a purpose and plan for my life. You have good things already planned out for me to do for you. Yes, I do. You wont let me miss out on anything? No, I won’t. But right now, I don’t want to go anywhere or do anything. I want to rest in your presence. I need to be here with you. I have been missing out on spending time in your presence. I won’t ever let that happen again. I have heard your call. So, I’m here now to listen to you. That’s very good.

Lord, like Martha I have been worried and upset by many things. The worries, cares and demand of this life have demanded my time. I have answered their call. Now, I hear your call. I will come to spend time in prayer at your feet listening attentively to you. Amen

Key Question… How has your love and devotion to Jesus Christ grown as you have followed Him?

Living It Out… Make a choice to spend time at the feet of Jesus not out of duty but out of love and devotion to Him.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that being at the feet of Jesus Christ and listening attentively to Him is choosing what is best in life.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how you are choosing to spend time in prayer at the feet of Jesus.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you choose what is best in life by spending time at the feet of Jesus Christ.

For today’s complete 4 page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide click here:

Prayer – Luke 10-41-42 – Chosen What Is Better – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

Please consider sharing these devotionals with others through the social media you use.

Individual users may save the Discipleship Devotional Study Guide to their desktop for private use. All the blanks in the study guides are fields that allow typed responses. To use the fields on the study guide you may need to open the guide with a free version of adobe reader.

By Jon Ulrich © All rights reserved                   Copying not permitted                      www.GrowingAsDisciples.com

Wrong Motives

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Prayer - James 4:1-3 - Wrong Motives - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Prayer – James 4:1-3 – Wrong Motives – Growing As Disciples

What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? You want something but don’t get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures. James 4:1-3 (NIV)

Motive

I know that I have had plenty of wrong desires. I have wanted something that I did not get. I have often coveted what I could not have. I know that my wrong desires have created conflict within me. I have been discontent. I have been discouraged and disappointed. I have been upset and angry. I have not given thanks to you for all the good things you have given to me. I have been ungrateful. Forgive me. You are forgiven, you know that. Yes, I do. I am thankful for your forgiveness of all my sin. I am grateful for your cleansing of all my unrighteousness. That’s good.

How have your wrong desires motivated your prayers? I have prayed for the wrong things. Like what? I have asked for everything I wanted. I have prayed for everything that would bring comfort and pleasure to my life. I have asked that every burden would be lifted and every inconvenience would be removed. I have asked for smooth and happy sailing every day of my life. My prayers have revolved around me. I am tired and weary praying for me and my wants and needs and desires. It is not wrong to pray for your wants and needs and desires. It is my delight to meet your needs and wants and desires. Yes, I know. You have richly blessed my life. But, I want to pray prayers that will make a difference in the world. How so? I want to pray prayers that come from you. I want to know your will. I want to walk in your ways. I want to do what is pleasing to you. I want to ask for what you want. What do you want me to pray for? That is a very good question. Yes, I want that question to dwell richly in my heart and mind and life. Keep on coming to me. Keep on asking me that question. I will guide your motives and give you prayers to pray. Your prayers will make a difference in the world. Do you know why that is? I’m not positive. I will give you prayers to pray that I will hear and answer. I will give you prayers to pray that will bear fruit for my kingdom and bring glory to my name. That is what I want. That is my desire. That is the motive of my heart and mind and life. Yes, I know. That is very good.

Lord, I want to pray according to your will. I want to have right desires within me. I don’t want to covet what I can’t have. Help me to pray according to your will. Help me to ask for what you want to give to me. Help me to pray prayers you will hear and answer. Amen

Key Question… When has wanting and coveting something you can’t have misguided your prayers?

Living It Out… Ask the Lord to give you the right motives and prayers to pray to Him.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Lord will give you the right motives and prayers to pray to Him

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how the Lord is giving you the right motives and prayers to pray to Him.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you allow the Lord to give you the right motives and prayers to pray to Him.

For today’s complete 4 page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide click here:

Prayer – James 4-1-3 – Wrong Motives – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

Please consider sharing these devotionals with others through the social media you use.

Individual users may save the Discipleship Devotional Study Guide to their desktop for private use. All the blanks in the study guides are fields that allow typed responses. To use the fields on the study guide you may need to open the guide with a free version of adobe reader.

By Jon Ulrich © All rights reserved                   Copying not permitted                      www.GrowingAsDisciples.com

Cry Out To Him Day And Night

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Prayer - Luke 18:7 - Cry Out To Him Day And Night - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Prayer – Luke 18:7 – Cry Out To Him Day And Night – Growing As Disciples

And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off?  Luke 18:7 (NIV)

Persistence

Persistence in prayer has not been my one of my strongest points. I have seldom prayed more than a couple times for any one request. I must admit that I have sometimes even wondered why I need to pray at all. You know what I want and need even before I ask for it. Yes, I do. Can you think of any reasons why I want you to be persistent and consistent in your prayers to me? I know that you want me to live in an intimate relationship with you. Yes, I do. Coming to meet with you in prayer is part of that intimate relationship you want to have with me. Yes, it is. Have you sometimes thought that I should give you exactly what you want at the very moment you ask for it? I have thought that before; I’ll have to admit. Why don’t I always give you what you want, when you want it? Sometimes, I have asked for something that would not be good for me. You might have something entirely different that is far better for me. I might not be ready to receive what I am asking for from you. It might not be the right timing. An improper gift or a gift given before the right time might be a curse rather than a blessing. You are wise to understand that.

What possible answers might I have for your prayers? Your answers could be “yes”, “no”, or “not yet”. That’s right. “Yes”, is not the only possible answer to your prayer. “No”, may be an even better answer to your prayer. Don’t think that I have not heard and answered your prayer simply because my answer to your prayer was “no”. In response to a “no” answer to your prayer, what would happen if you kept on praying? I might better understand why you said, “no” to my prayer? That’s right. “Not yet”, is an answer to your prayer that would offer a good reason for you to keep on praying, don’t you think? Yes, I do. Why is that? As I keep on praying, I will better understand your timing. Yes, you will.

You can be very sure of one thing. What’s that? I delight to hear and answer your prayers. It gives me great joy to see you coming to rely on me. I do want you to live in a close and intimate relationship with me. I do want you to ask me for all that you want and need. Will you keep on bringing all your prayers to me? Yes Lord, I will. That will be very good.

Lord, often I have prayed just once for something. If I didn’t receive an answer I did not pray again. Now I see that you want me to be urgent and consistent and persistent in my prayers. I will pray and not give up. I will wait until you hear and answer my prayer. Amen

Key Question… When have you been tempted to give up praying when an answer to your prayer has not come quickly?

Living It Out… Continue to come to the Lord and pray and don’t give up even when answers to your prayers do not come quickly.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Lord will hear and will answer your prayers as you faithfully pray to Him.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group what you are persistently praying for day and night.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you persistently and consistently keep bringing your prayers to the Lord.

For today’s complete 4 page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide click here:

Prayer – Luke 18-7 – Cry Out To Him Day And Night – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

Please consider sharing these devotionals with others through the social media you use.

Individual users may save the Discipleship Devotional Study Guide to their desktop for private use. All the blanks in the study guides are fields that allow typed responses. To use the fields on the study guide you may need to open the guide with a free version of adobe reader.

By Jon Ulrich © All rights reserved                   Copying not permitted                      www.GrowingAsDisciples.com

Because Of The Man’s Boldness

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Prayer - Luke 11:8 - Because Of The Man's Boldness - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Prayer – Luke 11:8 – Because Of The Man’s Boldness – Growing As Disciples

I tell you, though he will not get up and give him the bread because he is his friend, yet because of the man’s boldness he will get up and give him as much as he needs. Luke 11:8 (NIV)

Persistence 

What prayers are worthy of your persistence? What will you ask for without giving up? What will you keep on asking for until you have what you ask for from me? Is there anything that you won’t stop boldly bringing to me in prayer? I am glad that you have asked me these questions. It is good for me to carefully consider what you are asking of me. There are several things that I will never stop boldly bringing to you as a prayer request. First, I want to know you. I want to live in a close and intimate relationship with you. I want you to know me. I want to be able to hear your voice. I want to be able to know and do your will. I want to live my life fully for you. I don’t want to fall short or miss the mark in loving, following and serving you. I want to do everything that you have planned and prepared for me to do in this life. I want to be found to be faithful in your sight. I want to bear an abundance of fruit for your kingdom and bring glory to your name. I want to be a bright and shinning witness for you in the world. One day I want to hear you say, “well done, good and faithful servant.” Why are you asking all of this of me? I am weak. You are strong. Only you can make me faithful. Only you can make me able to accomplish your purposes and fulfill your plans. On my own, with my own strength, I will accomplish nothing. Only you can make me able to bear fruit for all eternity. Only you can make me able to bring glory to your name. So, I am telling you that I want what you want. I want my life to be at your service. I want to be completely at your disposal. I want to go where you guide me. I want to do all that you ask of me. I want you to work in me, through me and for me so that I can be the person you have called me to be as I do all that you ask me to do for you.  What is second? What do you mean? A little while ago you said you first wanted to ask me these things. It sounded like you had a second request. No, I don’t have a second request. I will just restate that I want to love you with all my heart and mind and soul and strength. I want my life to be lived out as an act of joy filled praise, thanksgiving and worship to you. I know that I will serve you and others completely if this persistent prayer of mine is heard and answered. Do you have any doubts about my answering this persistent prayer of your heart? I have no doubts. I know that you will hear and answer this prayer that you placed in me as the desire of my heart. That is very good. Keep on persistently bringing your prayers to me. Yes, Lord, I will.

Lord, thank you that I have the privilege to bring the needs of others to you in prayer. Help me to be bold and persistent in prayer and to not give up when the answer does not come immediately. Instead, I will keep on praying and trusting in you for an answer. Amen 

Key Question… When have you boldly and persistently prayed on behalf of your friends that are in need?

Living It Out… Boldly and persistently bring your prayers to the Lord to ask Him for what you need.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Lord will hear and answer your prayers as you persistently ask Him for what you need.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how you are being persistent in your prayers.

Prayer To Bless Others… My you boldly and persistently prayer to the Lord asking Him for all that you need.

For today’s complete 4 page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide click here:

Prayer – Luke 11-8 – Because Of The Man’s Boldness – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

Please consider sharing these devotionals with others through the social media you use.

Individual users may save the Discipleship Devotional Study Guide to their desktop for private use. All the blanks in the study guides are fields that allow typed responses. To use the fields on the study guide you may need to open the guide with a free version of adobe reader.

By Jon Ulrich © All rights reserved                   Copying not permitted                      www.GrowingAsDisciples.com

Forgive Him

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Prayer - Mark 11:25 - Forgive Him - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Prayer – Mark 11:25 – Forgive Him – Growing As Disciples

And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins. Mark 11:25 (NIV)

Forgiveness

You want to become like me, is that correct? Yes, I want to become like you. I thought it was your plan to mold and shape my life so that I become like you. That is my plan. So, you want me to love like you love. You want me to give like you gave. You want me to serve like you served. Do I have the right idea? Yes, you do have the right idea. I know that I will never be perfect. I will fall short and miss the mark of becoming just like you. I know that I will sin and need your forgiveness. You have my forgiveness. I also know that you will keep on molding and shaping my life everyday so that I will continue to become more like you. That’s exactly right. Your work in my life will continue right up until the day that I come to live forever in heaven with you. That’s right. You started our conversation with a question. Yes, I did. Do you have something specific in mind that was part of your question? Yes, I do.

What else do you want to ask me? Is there something you want me to do that I am not doing? Where do you want to continue to mold and shape my life right now? I want you to forgive others just as I have forgiven you. I had a feeling that was what you might say to me. Why is that? I have been hurt. I have been wounded. I have been mistreated and attacked. You’re not too happy about what you have had to suffer. No, not at all. You have been quite unhappy about how you have been mistreated. That’s right. You are holding on to some anger and bitterness toward those who have attacked you. Yes, I am. I would like to ask you some more questions. Go ahead, I’m listening. Was I ever hurt and wounded? Was I ever mistreated and attacked? Yes, you were hurt, wounded, mistreated and attacked many times. So, we share this in common? Yes, we do, at least in part. Did I ever hold on to anger and bitterness toward my attackers? No, you did not. You prayed for everyone who mistreated and hurt you. Yes, I did. You forgave those who wounded and attacked you? Yes, I did.

Do you still want to become like me? Yes, I do. Will you forgive others just as I have forgiven you? Yes Lord, I will. That will be very good.

Lord, thank you for forgiving me of all my sins and cleansing me of all my unrighteousness. Help me to forgive all others just as you have forgiven me. Use me as a vibrant witness for you as I extend to others the same forgiveness I have received from you. Amen

Key Question… How has receiving forgiveness from your Heavenly Father helped you extend forgiveness to others?

Living It Out… Take a close inventory of all your relationships and make sure to forgive all others just as you have been forgiven.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that your Father will forgive your sins and hear your prayers as you freely extend forgiveness to others.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how you are freely forgiving all others just as you have been forgiven.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you forgive others just as you have been forgiven.

For today’s complete 4 page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide click here:

Prayer – Mark 11-25 – Forgive Him – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

Please consider sharing these devotionals with others through the social media you use.

Individual users may save the Discipleship Devotional Study Guide to their desktop for private use. All the blanks in the study guides are fields that allow typed responses. To use the fields on the study guide you may need to open the guide with a free version of adobe reader.

By Jon Ulrich © All rights reserved                   Copying not permitted                      www.GrowingAsDisciples.com

Lord Teach Us To Pray

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Prayer - Luke 11:1 - Lord, Teach Us To Pray - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Prayer – Luke 11:1 – Lord, Teach Us To Pray – Growing As Disciples

One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.” Luke 11:1 (NIV)

Teach Me

Just as the disciples asked you to teach them how to pray so I am also asking you to teach me how to pray. I want you to enroll me in your class. I am your student. You are my teacher. Without, your instruction I will never become a person of prayer. Why do you want to learn how to pray? First and most importantly, I want to know you. I want to be able to hear your voice speaking to me. So, I will come to you. I will be still before you. I will rest in your presence. I will listen attentively to all that you have to say to me. What do you think will happen to you as you come to know me? As I come to know you two things will happen to me. The better I know you, the more I will know your love for me. The more I know your love for me the more I will love you.  As I grow to know and love you the more I will become like you. I will begin to think your thoughts. I will know your will. I will begin to walk in your ways. I will want to do what pleases you. Yes, you will.

If you want me to teach you how to pray what must you do? If I want you to teach me how to pray I must show up. What do you mean by that? I must meet with you in prayer. I must keep on coming to you. It would be silly for me to ask you to teach me how to pray if I wasn’t willing to take time to pray. That’s right. You said you would be my student and I would be your teacher. Yes, I did. How often do you think my class in prayer will meet? There will be specific times and places for me to meet in class with you. My class in prayer with you will also continue throughout all the moments of every day. Yes, both are correct. When do you think your class in prayer will end? My class in prayer will never end. Once I start praying I will never stop listening to you. Once I start praying I will never stop talking to you. You will keep on teaching me how to pray. You will keep on showing me what to pray for. Yes, I will. Are you ready to start praying? Yes Lord, I am.

 Lord, I want a close relationship with you and the Father and The Holy Spirit. I want to learn how to pray. Help me. I want you to be my teacher. As your follower and student I will come to learn. Enroll me now. I’m ready to start. Amen

Key Question… When can you meet with the Lord so that He can teach you how to pray?

Living It Out… Set apart a daily time to meet with the Lord in prayer.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that as you set apart a daily time to meet with the Lord, He will teach you to pray.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how the Lord is teaching you how to pray.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you allow the Lord to teach you how to pray.

For today’s complete 4 page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide click here:

Prayer – Luke – 11-1 – Lord Teach Us To Pray – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

Please consider sharing these devotionals with others through the social media you use.

Individual users may save the Discipleship Devotional Study Guide to their desktop for private use. All the blanks in the study guides are fields that allow typed responses. To use the fields on the study guide you may need to open the guide with a free version of adobe reader.

By Jon Ulrich © All rights reserved                   Copying not permitted                      www.GrowingAsDisciples.com

My Soul Thirsts For God

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Prayer - Psalm 42:1-2 - My Soul Thirsts For God - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Prayer – Psalm 42:1-2 – My Soul Thirsts For God – Growing As Disciples

As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God? Psalm 42:1-2 (NIV)

When

There is no more important question than the one that is before you. What question is that? When can you come to meet with me? When will you set aside a time and a place to come into my presence? We both know that you are tired. We both know that you are weary and worn out. We both know that your soul desperately needs to be revived, refreshed and restored. I know that you have a thirsty desire that only I can satisfy. You have an emptiness that only I can fill. You are thirsty for me. Your soul is panting for me. Do you think that I don’t know that I have a thirst that only you can satisfy? That’s a good question, for you to consider. I know you know that I can satisfy your thirst. It does not seem obvious to me that you are convinced in knowing that nothing else can satisfy your soul. Why do you say that?

If you knew that only I could satisfy your thirst wouldn’t you set aside a time and a place to meet with me? Wouldn’t you come to rest in my presence? Wouldn’t you allow me to speak into your heart and mind and soul and life? Wouldn’t you listen attentively to all that I had to say to you? Wouldn’t you carefully consider my every word? Wouldn’t meeting with me be the first and highest priority in your life? Wouldn’t our time together become something that never gets set aside? Wouldn’t our meeting together become as regular and consistent as clockwork? I do know that only you can refresh my soul and satisfy my thirst for you. All my meaning and hope and purpose come from you. You are my counselor and guide. You supply all my needs. You give me strength. You show me where you want me to go. You give me what you want me to do. Yes, I will listen attentively to you. Yes, I will carefully consider every one of your words. Yes, I will set aside a time and a place to meet with you. I will firmly establish the “when” I will come to meet with you. That question will not go unanswered because I know that you and you alone can refresh my soul and satisfy my thirst for you. Meeting with you will be the first and most important priority of my life. That will be very good.

Lord, I might as well be crawling across the desert floor under a blazing hot sun. You have made me thirsty for you. You have my full attention, love and devotion. I am consumed with thirsty desire that only you can and do satisfy. I will come to meet with you. Amen

Key Question… Why is realizing that you are consumed with a spiritual thirst for God a real gift from Him?

Living It Out… Meet with the Lord in prayer and allow Him to refresh your soul and satisfy the thirst that you have for Him.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that as you meet with God in prayer He will refresh your soul and satisfy your thirst for Him. 

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how God has refreshed your soul and satisfied your desire for Him.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you meet with the Lord so He can refresh your soul and satisfy your thirst

For today’s complete 4 page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide click here:

Prayer – Psalm – 42-1-2  – My Soul Thirsts For God – 4 Page – Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

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By Jon Ulrich © All rights reserved                   Copying not permitted                      www.GrowingAsDisciples.com

Delight Yourself In The Lord

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Prayer - Psalm 37:4-7 - Delight Yourself In The Lord - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Prayer – Psalm 37:4-7 – Delight Yourself In The Lord – Growing As Disciples

Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun. Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. Psalm 37:4-7 (NIV) 

Desires

At one time my heart was filled with all the desires that come from the world. I was captivated by all that the world had to offer. My life became one long pursuit of the next latest and greatest thing. Chasing after the things of this world became a never-ending treadmill of disappointment for me. I quickly learned that my heart would never be satisfied by the things of this world. I wanted something else. I wanted something more. I wanted a different kind of life that didn’t feel so empty and hopeless and useless. I had a hunger that couldn’t be fed. I had a thirst that went unsatisfied. I had a yearning within me that set me on a search for meaning in life. So, I set off on a journey of searching.

What did you find? I found hope and purpose. I found joy and thanksgiving. My empty heart found fullness. My hunger was fed. My thirst was satisfied. I found the meaning in life that my heart had always been looking for in all the wrong places. I found you. You found me? Well, maybe it was you who found me. In all my misguided wanderings, I can now see that it was you who was pursuing me. I was seeking something. You were seeking me. Yes, I was. My empty heart was looking to be filled. You wanted to come into my life to fill my heart and mind and life with you. You wanted to rescue me from a life without you. You wanted to pull me out of the muck and mire that was my meaningless life. You wanted to set me on a new and solid path of loving, following and serving you. I had no idea what were the real and true and good desires of my heart. I had no idea that you would both give and grant me the desires of my heart. What are the desires of your heart? It is my desire to know and love you. It is my desire to follow and serve you. It is my desire to be used by you so I can bear fruit for your kingdom and bring glory to your name. These desires bring me great delight. These desires fill my heart. I know that these desires come from you. Yes, they do. I know that you have given and will grant these desires of my heart. Yes, I will.

Lord, I delight myself in you. I love you with all my heart and mind and soul and strength. It is my joy to know and do your will. I will follow you where you lead me. I will do what you ask of me. I know you have given and will grant me these desires of my heart. Amen

Key Question… What are some desires that God has placed in your heart?

Living It Out… Delight yourself in the Lord so he can give and grant you the desires of your heart.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that as you delight yourself in the Lord He will give and grant you the desires of your heart.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how God has both given and granted you a desire of your heart.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you delight yourself in the Lord so He can give and grant you the desires of your heart.

For today’s complete 4 page Discipleship Devotional study guide click here:

Prayer – Psalm-37-4-7 – Delight Yourself In The Lord – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

Please consider sharing these devotionals with others through the social media you use.

Individual users may save the Discipleship Devotional Study Guide to their desktop for private use. All the blanks in the study guides are fields that allow typed responses. To use the fields on the study guide you may need to open the guide with a free version of adobe reader.

By Jon Ulrich © All rights reserved                   Copying not permitted                      www.GrowingAsDisciples.com

Watch And Pray

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Discipleship Devotional Study Guide - Prayer - Mark 14:37-38 - Watch And Pray - Growing As Disciples

Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Prayer – Mark 14:37-38 – Watch And Pray – Growing As Disciples

Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. “Simon,” he said to Peter, “are you asleep? Could you not keep watch for one hour? Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak.” Mark 14:37-38 (NIV)

Wake Up

Be on your guard. Don’t allow yourself to be caught sleep walking through your life with me. It’s time to wake up. It’s time to watch and pray so that you won’t fall into temptation. Don’t think that you are so strong and able to withstand any temptation. The moment you think you are standing strong will be your weakest moment; when you are most likely to fall into temptation. Don’t think that my telling you to watch and pray is a helpful suggestion. It is a command from me to you. It is critically important that you hear and obey what I am telling you. The devil is like a roaring lion. He will be seeking those who he can devour. Who will he devour? He will devour the weak. He will ensnare those who are asleep and not being watchful and prayerful. That’s right. I don’t want that to be you.

How will you stay awake? How will you be attentive to me? How will you listen to all that I have to tell you? How will you keep watch so you can see all that I want to show you? I will need your help that’s for sure. I will never be able to withstand the devil and all his evil with my own strength. I will rely on you. I will draw near to you. I know that you will draw near to me. Yes, I will. I know that you are making intercession for me. You are praying for me every day as I follow and serve you. Yes, I am. In addition to drawing near to you I will resist the devil and all his evil. How will you resist the devil and all his evil? I will run away from evil. I will not linger around it. I will not wonder about it. I will not let evil capture my attention. I will not engage in it.  I will not let evil grab a hold of my heart and mind.  I will distance myself from people, places and circumstances that are filled with evil and temptation. As I am running away from evil I will be running to you. You will protect me. You will shelter me. You are my fortress. You are my deliverer. Yes, I am. You will make me able to stay awake. You will help me to be watchful and prayerful. Yes, I will.

Lord, give me strength to stand against temptation as I watch and pray throughout all the moments of every day. I will rely on you for all my strength. Show me what I need to see. Help me to hear what you are saying to me. Guide all my prayers. Amen

Key Question… How has being vigilant and avoiding known sources of temptation helped you to stand against them?

Living It Out… Watch and pray throughout your day so that you will be able to stand against temptation.

Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Lord will help you to be watchful and prayerful as you stand against temptation.

Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how you are being watchful and prayerful to stand against temptation.

Prayer To Bless Others… May you be ever watchful and prayerful so that you do not fall into temptation.

For today’s complete 4 page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide click here:

Prayer – Mark-14-37-38 – Watch And Pray – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide

Please consider sharing these devotionals with others through the social media you use.

Individual users may save the Discipleship Devotional Study Guide to their desktop for private use. All the blanks in the study guides are fields that allow typed responses. To use the fields on the study guide you may need to open the guide with a free version of adobe reader.

By Jon Ulrich © All rights reserved                   Copying not permitted                      www.GrowingAsDisciples.com