Morning Prayer: A-C-T-S

Posted on October 4, 2023 by Shirlee Abbott


Good morning, Lord. You are good, I am not. I’m selfish. I’m greedy. I want the best for myself. Thank You for giving me more than I need. Teach me to willingly, gratefully share what I have with others, in Jesus’ name.

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The What of Prayer

Posted on October 4, 2023 by Shirlee Abbott


What to pray? Anything, everything. 

The what of prayer usually falls into one of these easy-to-remember categories:

 

A – adoration (praise God)
C – confession (be honest)
T – thanksgiving (be grateful)
S – supplication (ask)

Philippians 4:6 (ESV)
Do not be anxious about anything, 
but in everything by prayer and supplication 
with thanksgiving let your requests
be made known to God.

God’s heard it all before. Nothing is off-limits.

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Morning Prayer: Praying for Others

Posted on October 3, 2023 by Shirlee Abbott

Good morning, Lord. You tell us to “pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:44). You know, O God, that I avoid praying for certain people, the folks who annoy me, the ones who can push my buttons with a few words. I don’t beg You to bring disaster on them, but truth be told, I don’t want You to bless them either.

Grant me the self-discipline to pray for their spiritual wellbeing, simply because You say I should. They are created in Your image, same as me. You love them, same as me. Make a difference in their lives, Lord God, as You have made a difference in mine.

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The Who of Prayer

Posted on October 2, 2023 by Shirlee Abbott


Prayer isn’t a monolog. You speak, God listens. God speaks, you listen.

But as Paul points out, prayer’s not just you and God.

 

1 Timothy 2:1 (NLT)
I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people.
Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf,
and give thanks for them.

Our prayers can include anyone, everyone. Even folks we don’t know or like.

 

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Morning Prayer: God Hears

Posted on October 2, 2023 by Shirlee Abbott


Good morning, Lord. No matter the time, no matter my mood, no matter my location, You listen to me. I don’t have to wait for You to finish something else, I don’t fear interrupting more important work, I don’t have to wait my turn.

The whole notion that You, Creator of the universe, have time for little ol’ me is amazing. You keep the world spinning, You hang the stars in place, and You care about the details of my life. I am astounded, humbled and grateful.

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The Who, What, Where, When and How of Prayer

Posted on October 1, 2023 by Shirlee Abbott

Later his week we’ll look at the four Ws of prayer. Today we’ll look at the how.

Prayer is a conversation with God. We speak to God with our words. He speaks to us through His Word (the Bible). But there’s more.

 

We pray in songs. Words thoughtfully sung to God are prayers.

Finally, we talk with God through our thoughts. He hears our silent prayers.

Psalm 139:2 (AMP)
You understand my thought from afar.

Likewise, God speaks into our thoughts. Recognizing His voice a learned skill–better with practice.

 

 

 

 

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Meek (Better than Gold)

Posted on September 29, 2023 by Shirlee Abbott

1 Peter 3:3-4 (KJ21)
When adorning yourselves, let it not be that outward adorning … of wearing gold, or of putting on apparel; but let it be the hidden man of the heart which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which in the sight of God is of great price.

God treasures a meek and quiet spirit–which is probably why the world doesn’t.

 

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Meekly Dressed

Posted on September 28, 2023 by Shirlee Abbott

 

Colossians 3:12 (ESV)
Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.

 

In God’s kingdom, meekness is high fashion.

 

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All Meek, to All

Posted on September 27, 2023 by Shirlee Abbott

Titus 3:1-2 (ASV)
… be in subjection to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready unto every good work, to speak evil of no man, not to be contentious, to be gentle, showing all meekness toward all men. 

“All meekness.” Many Bible versions translate this as perfect courtesy.

Perfect courtesy? All meekness? To everyone?

O Lord, I fall short here! I want to do better. Show me when and how.

 

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Meek: Learn from the Best

Posted on September 25, 2023 by Shirlee Abbott

Jesus said,

Matthew 11:29 (JUB)
… learn from Me.
For I am meek and
lowly in heart …

 

Jesus, who held the power that spoke our world into existence, changed this world with His meek and gentle actions. Be like Jesus.

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