Devotion for July 1, 2023

“Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” (Psalms 46:10)

Give God your whispering thoughts. Throughout the centuries, Christians have learned the value of brief sentence prayers. These are prayers that can be whispered anywhere, in any setting. Frank Laubach (early 20th century missionary to the Philippines) sought unbroken communion with God by asking Him questions. Every two or three minutes he would pray, “Am I in your will, Lord? Am I pleasing you, Lord?”

Imagine considering every moment as a potential time of communion with God. By the time your life is over, you will have spent six months at traffic lights, eight months opening junk mail, a year and a half looking for lost stuff, and a whopping five years standing waiting in various lines. Why don’t you give these moments to God? By giving Him your whispering thoughts, the common becomes uncommon. Simple phrases such as “Thank You, Father,” or “I stand on Your Word,” or “My desire is to please You,” can turn a commute into a pilgrimage. You needn’t leave your office or kneel in your kitchen. Just pray where you are. Let the kitchen become a cathedral and the classroom a chapel.

Give God your waning thoughts. At the end of the day, let your mind settle on Him. Conclude the day as you began it — talking to God. Thank Him for the good parts. Question Him about the hard parts. Seek His mercy. Seek His strength. As you close your eyes, take assurance in the promise, “He who watches over [you] will neither slumber nor sleep” (Psalm 121:4). If you fall asleep as you pray, don’t worry. What better place to doze off than in the arms of your Father?

Prayer

Lord, thank You for bringing me to this day. Let my entire day be about doing what You will. Grant me Your mercy for the times I will fail. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Stay encouraged!

Pastor Mike

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