~ An Adventure in Prayer ~

[Lani]

Read: John 10:1-10
1 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.
2 But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.
3 To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.
4 And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.
5 And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.
6 This parable spake Jesus unto them: but they understood not what things they were which he spake unto them.
7 Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep.
8 All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them.
9 I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.
10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.


Jesus said, "I come that they may have life, and have it abundantly." John 10:10 (NRSV)


I kissed my young son goodbye and prayed for him as he went in for emergency surgery. However, my prayer seemed to bounce back like an echo. I was consumed with fear.

Plopped in an easy chair in the waiting room, I glanced over the magazines and picked up a small green booklet with an intriguing title, "Adventures in Prayer." Since my prayers felt lifeless, I knew I needed help. The words from author Catherine Marshall were exciting because she prayed about her everyday needs. Her relationship with God sounded personal. What did all of this mean? I had prayed for years in church. But something was mising. I began to see that my faith was based more on dutiful religion than on a growing relationship with God.

At that moment I prayed the first exiting prayer I had ever uttered. "Lord, I don't know you. Please help me." The peace and joy that came to my heart was a new experience. It helped me to understand that God had heard me.

My son's surgery was a success, but the spiritual surgery of my soul had just begun. Since I learned to see God as my friend, life has never been the same.


Prayer: Friend and Redeemer, thank you for those who write words of hope that lead us closer to your abundant life. Amen.

Prayer Focus of Day: Christian Writers

Thought for the Day: Knowing God is the key to powerful and fulfilling prayer.

Story shared by: L. Adams (NC)
Source: Upper Room Daily Devotional 6/29/11

[sbennett]

I read these every day...thanks Lani. And prayer is awesome

[logi bear]

touching testimony : )