Living Life Well by Tikita PeaglerSample

Day 3: PRAY, AND PRAY AGAIN

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by a problem or filled with concern and then taken it to God in prayer? Philippians 4:6 encourages us not to be anxious about anything but to present our requests to God in every situation through prayer and petition, with thanksgiving. Yet, despite this, you might find yourself worrying again about the same issue you previously brought to God in prayer. You may feel bad for the returning concern or perceived lack of faith; however, it is okay to pray again.

Do you remember when Jesus approached the day of His crucifixion? He went to Gethsemane with three disciples, asking them to "watch" while He prayed alone. In sorrow, He poured out his heart to God about the impending events and difficulties that awaited him. When He returned, He found His disciples asleep, which disappointed Him.

What’s intriguing is that He prayed a second and then a third time, not due to a lack of faith but to find strength for the suffering ahead. Like Jesus, we take our challenges to prayer, which may require us to return to God a second or third time. Like a caring father, God is always there for us, ready to listen and provide strength, just as He did for Jesus in Gethsemane.

Living this life well will require you to pray and sometimes pray again. Today, I encourage you to keep praying to God because He hears you, will encourage you, and give you strength to face everything that lies ahead.

He went away again the second time and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done. And he came and found them asleep again, for their eyes were heavy. And he left them, went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the exact words. Matthew 26:42-44 KJV

Let’s Pray:

Heavenly Father,

Thank you for the gift of prayer. It is such an honor to talk with you and to be heard. You never tire of our prayers; instead, you encourage us to pray and never lose heart, as stated in Luke 18:1. Our hearts are filled with joy because Proverbs 15:8 reminds us that the prayer of the upright is your delight. Please continue to help us commune with you through prayer as we seek to live well during our journey through life. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

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