Never Stop Praying – Counting My Blessings

Jesus taught His disciples how to pray and He showed them it is important to pray first to equip them to live with the faith they need to "go and tell." #Faith #BibleStudy #Prayer #ReadtheBible #CountingMyBlessings #BlessingBloggers #WWGGG

Mark was probably the first Gospel written. It was penned by John Mark, who was not one of the 12 Disciples but was a follower of Jesus and a companion of Paul and Barnabas on their mission journeys to “go and make disciples.”

The 1st Chapter skips over everything prior to the start of Jesus’ public ministry only lightly touching on John the Baptist, Jesus’ Baptism, and His Temptation by Satan. Then quickly taking the reader through an intimate look at the person, work, and teachings of “Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God.” (Mark 1:1)

As I read today’s verses, two stood out to me . . . one prompted a question and the other provided an answer.

Before daybreak the next morning, Jesus got up and went out to an isolated place to pray.
Mark 1:35

The question – Why did Jesus pray?

“We must go on to other towns as well, and I will preach to them, too. That is why I came.”
Mark 1:38

The answer – Jesus came to preach and testify to the truth about the Kingdom of God. (John 18:37)

Jesus who was and is fully God and fully man prayed…

Because He wanted to spend time talking with His Father.
To show His followers the importance and blessing of prayer.

And then He preached. It’s why He came . . . to “go and tell.”

If you and I are to “go and tell” the Good News, like Jesus, we need to pray first!

Thankfully, we have some clear examples of many of the things Jesus prayed for Himself…

That the Father would be glorified. (Matthew 5:16)
That His followers would be united. (John 17:23)
That God’s will would be done. (Matthew 6:10)
In times of anguish and suffering. (Luke 22:44)
With thanks for His blessings. (John 6:11)
And praise. (Luke 10:21)

We are also to pray for forgiveness. (Matthew 6:12)
For strength in times of temptation. (Matthew 6:13)

These are prayers God wants to answer with a huge “YES” because He knows that they are things we need to “go and tell” the Good News with TRUTH and LOVE.

You Need to Pray First

Will you pray with me.

Father, Your Word says “never stop praying.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17) I want that! I want my heart and mind in constant communication with You. I want to know and do Your will so that I might glorify with my life.

I want to share Your love and tell everyone I meet about Your goodness and grace. I want to publicly thank and praise You for Your countless blessings.

Father, please forgive me for falling short of Your plans and purposes and help me forgive those who fall short in ways that have hurt me. Please deliver me from evil and give me everything I need to endure when I am tempted.

I give myself to You. Please use me today for Your glory. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Friend, whatever you are facing today . . . PRAY FIRST! The Father is waiting for you and you don’t have to have the perfect words, you don’t have to have any words—just go to Him with a surrendered heart and trust His love.

He [Jesus] is sitting in the place of honor at God’s right hand, pleading for us.
Romans 8:34

And if He thought it was important to pray first should we do any less!

So, on today’s note, simply write…

PRAY FIRST!

God bless you today as you give yourself in faith and prayer to the One who loves you more than you can even imagine!

Thank you so much for joining me today.

And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

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I was frustrated, discouraged, and probably a little stinky! I was deep into a pity-party and didn't feel like getting over it. But...

“I am so frustrated, discouraged, and probably a little stinky!”

That thought kept playing, rewinding, and playing again after the post I’d researched and worked on for several hours disappeared with the sudden crash of my browser. I’ll admit it pushed my normally positive self right over the edge.

We were also on our third full day without hot water. (Note to self – don’t have your water heater die at the beginning of a holiday weekend.) I love hot water. Tuesday as I write this post the plumber is working in the basement and I can’t wait to get scrubbed from head to toe. Yes, I love hot water. I really love hot water.

Lost post and no hot water.

You know what?

Small problems. With flooding, terrorism, illness, poverty, and countless other tragedies happening around the world . . . my current problems are small. But that’s where we live isn’t it? We live our circumstances. Our moments. Highs and lows. Too often it only takes a few unpleasant inconveniences to tank our moods and rob our joy.

Thankfully – I stopped (after some Rev sympathy) and allowed perspective to cover my discouragement. I wrote something else and gave myself time to process truth.

Three Things to Turn Your Mood Around

Paul said, Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18

1. Never stop praying – I’m thankful God can handle my grumbles. My loving Father doesn’t send me to my room until I quit whining. He simply invites me to come to Him and allow Him to teach me a better way. Prayer changes me, often being the wake-up call I need as I turn to the Lord and surrender my circumstances to His love.

2. Be thankful in all circumstances – Not for all circumstances but in all circumstances. I could be thankful . . . I still had water. I had a stove where I could heat water. I have a home and food and all of my daily needs are met. I have internet and a computer. I have time to write. I have health and . . . I could go on and on and on.

Giving thanks really does change my mood.

3. Always be joyful – I definitely fail on the always part, but joy typically returns following prayer and gratitude. I’m learning to turn to God more quickly and allow Him to restore my joy.

One More Thing – Feel Good Stories

Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. Hebrews 10:23–24

Hope in Jesus is a sure foundation. Hope in the love and kindness of others lifts and encourages a discouraged spirit.

Have you ever visited Gives Me Hope? Their subtitle says, “Life is beautiful today.”

This is a site where people anywhere in the world can share stories and experiences that have helped, encouraged, and given them hope. Here are just a few…

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