Supporters’ Devo: Lenten Prayer
Yesterday I mentioned that the three focuses of Lent, in some traditions, are prayer, fasting and almsgiving. Well I realised, when I read that, that I had spoken about the last two, but not the first one, this week. I shared thoughts about fasting the right way, and doing good deeds, but I perhaps missed the importance of praying during this season.
Christ's Example of Prayer
Jesus, of course, did all three of these. He fasted. He was always doing good and helping people. He also prayed - He withdrew to lonely places and prayed, as the Scripture teaches... read or listen to this full devotion on my Patreon page here – for a monthly amount of your choice.
There are still Herods trying to destroy Christ’s work in the world today. Are you listening to them? Thank you for supporting this work of mine!
Jesus' words carried divine authority that commanded even demons to obey, revealing His position as God's Son. Have you given Him authorisation to exercise His authority over the sin and darkness in your own life?
The disciples returned from ministry overjoyed at their spiritual authority, but Jesus redirected their focus to the greater joy of being loved by God. Today, examine whether your joy is based on your success or on your position as God's beloved child.
Satan prowls around like a roaring lion seeking to devour believers, but he cannot snatch you from Jesus' hand and you have the power to resist his temptations. Maintain an alert and sober mind to reject the enemy's offers and seek after a holy life that pleases God.
Jesus calls us to take living water to the wounded, even when facing bullets and enemies along the way. Consider what sacrifice God might be calling you to make for the sake of bringing His salvation to others.
Christians battle an enemy far worse than the Wicked Witch of the West! Our enemy can’t be defeated by a pale of water, but by Living Water.
Like the Cowardly Lion, Christians can find true courage through faith and fellowship.
John’s picture of the church in Revelation 21 reminds us that we are held secure by an overcoming and victorious God. What a message for us to hold to!
When Jesus ascended He didn’t begin to rest in heaven. The Bible talks of Him at the right hand of God, interceding for His people even now.
As we face our battles, we can sing God’s praise with hands lifted high, trusting that God will bring us victory.
We all fight battles in this life, and Phil Wickam’s song reminds us that when we fight, we do so prayerfully and worshipfully
When we are tempted to do something not of God, it’s important that we keep believing in the Spirit’s power. The power of God is stronger than the power of the enemy, and we can resist temptation because we believe this!
My strategy to fight off temptation begins with being aware of my own struggles. If I know where to expect temptation, I can be ready for it before it even comes.
Mary Magdalene had a wonderful story of transformation - delivered from her bondage by Jesus. Yours can be a similar story, because Jesus is willing and able to deliver us from evil.
A Lenten fast should always be accompanied by focused prayer. Be sure to pick something specific to pray about this Lent, and ask God for a breakthrough as you pray and fast.