Week 1 | Day 1 | Supernatural Connection

Command:

This, then is how you should pray. Matthew 6:9 (NIV)

Read:

As often as possible Jesus withdrew to out-of-the-way places for prayer. Luke 5:16 (MSG)

Reflect:

One Saturday afternoon my husband and I were sitting in our family room having a conversation. I began to share something that I had recently learned about myself, when a package was delivered to our doorstep. My husband got up to get the box and as he began unpacking the box from the other room, he said, “Keep going, I’m listening!” I asked him to come back but he said “It’s OK. I can hear you!” I said, “I know that you can hear me, but I need you to sit with me while I share this.” Even if he could hear me, I needed to see his eyes and connect. What I was sharing was very personal and tender to my heart. He returned and it made a big difference in our connection and conversation.

Prayer is about connection with the Lord himself. It’s not about listing my needs or meeting a requirement of God. Father God is madly in love with me and wants my full attention. When I am still and seek him completely, even for a moment, I am blessed.

When Jesus taught us to pray the Lord’s prayer, he knew that prayer wasn’t about saying the right words for God’s benefit. When I calm my spirit, I connect to him and I am changed. I am made aware of God’s holy presence. He is worthy of praise and is trustworthy. His kingdom is far better than my ways; he is my provider. He forgives me and I am reminded that he wants me to forgive others. His Spirit leads, guides and protects me. Finally, Jesus ends the prayer by having us praise God again, knowing that in praising him we receive joy and hope for the future. I am amazed at how God supernaturally speaks to me and blesses me through a prayer that Jesus gave us thousands of years ago. How many times have I said the words and missed all of that?

React:

Get alone. Be still. Speak the words of the Lord’s prayer from your heart and see what God can do supernaturally in your heart and mind.

Pray:

Thank you Jesus for giving us the words to pray. Help them to come alive for me today, that I would honor you with this time.