Prayers in Your War Room

But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. ~Matthew 6:6 NKJV

How's your prayer life? In our busy, rushed world sometimes we forget that we can come before our heavenly Father and tell Him all about our lives, our troubles, and our fears. I was recently studying for my Bible class and ran across a booklet, the name of which I have forgotten, that described prayer in an acrostic. It was a good reminder for me of things I need to include in my prayers. Perhaps they will help you as well.

• Praise- Praise is a great way to begin our prayers because God created us for love. He wanted to show love. He appreciates love in return. We were created to show love to our Creator through praise. Jesus rejoiced as He thanked the Father. 

In that hour Jesus rejoiced in the Spirit and said, “I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and revealed them to babes. Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in Your sight. Luke 10:21

• Repent - When we open our hearts to praise we also open them to the understanding of our sin. As we pray repentance is a key factor. 

And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me a sinner!’ Luke 18:13

• Ask - Ask for the needs of others. True joy comes in putting Jesus first, then Others, before You. A true servant focuses on others first. 

Therefore I did not even think myself worthy to come to You. But say the word, and my servant will be healed. Luke 7:7

• Yielding - Finally, enter into God's counsel and carry out his purpose. Jesus withdrew Himself and asked counsel of the Father about the crucifixion. 

And He was withdrawn from them about a stone’s throw, and He knelt down and prayed, saying, “Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done.” Luke 22:41,42

Heavenly Father, thank you for all the ways You care for us. Forgive us Father for neglecting to give You praise before others. Father, show us how we can meet the needs of others while giving them the message of Your salvation. In Jesus's name we ask. Amen. 

Hey Kids:

Have you noticed how there is the message of the gospel hidden in almost all literature? It may seem a little strange to think about the Grinch here in the summer, but I think he's a good example of what I'm trying to say about the difference praise in our prayers can make.

• The Grinch's heart was two sizes too small. He was selfish and cared nothing for others. 
• He thought he could stop others' joy by taking all the things he thought made Christmas. 
• He found that Christmas was more than presents and decorations and feasting. 
• When he heard the praise his heart grew. It was opened to the truth.
• He realized he was wrong and gave back the presents. Kinda sounds like Zaccheus.
• I think he may have asked to join the celebration or maybe he was asked to join. 
• Finally we see him serving, literally carving the roast beast.

Though the true Christmas story was never mentioned, we can still see message that can be used to tell others about God's love in sending His Son that first Christmas and the difference Christ makes in our lives. 

How can you show Jesus to those you meet?