Listen

Peter sent everyone out of the room, then knelt and prayed. He turned to the body and said, “Tabitha, get up!” She opened her eyes, saw Peter, and sat up. He gave her his hand and raised her up. Then he called God’s holy people, including the widows, and presented her alive to them. The news spread throughout Joppa, and many put their faith in the Lord.

Acts 9:40-42

Think

The simplicity of this story is compelling. Peter, feeling the sadness of the disciples gathered in Joppa, did the only thing he knew to do. Following Jesus’ teachings (Matthew 6:6), he went to the Lord in prayer. But first, he cleared the room so that it would be a private thing, not a show. Then, he got on his knees and asked God for help.

As I look back over my young adult years, I can see how many times I forgot this simple way to handle difficult, even seemingly impossible, circumstances. Do you ever forget to bring your troubles to God? Do you lose sight of the fact God cares for you and promises (Isaiah 41:10) to help you when you need it?

Sometimes the simplest lessons are the hardest to learn. Why? In our minds, we make the spiritual life more complicated than it has to be. I can’t imagine a better spiritual practice than getting on your knees each day in private, bringing your joys and problems to the Lord. Is it time you added this habit to your faith journey?

Wade Griffith

Question to Ponder:

How can you spend more time in prayer?

Pray

Lord God, remind me to fall on my knees before you, remembering that you are God, and I am your child. Help me to have the wisdom to bring all my thoughts, decisions, worries, and joys to you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Go

Open your eyes to the caring presence of God and all the ways God’s love is active in our lives. Receive it and allow God to use you to manifest that love in the lives of others.