Principle #5--Psalms of Discipleship

Hello again my friends!

Trust that all of you are doing well and are finding joy in your journey with the Lord. Having an effective prayer life is an important core value of the disciple of Jesus. I am sure that you are like me--knowing that prayer is important, but often allow many "good" things to get in the way of being consistent in prayer. This week's psalm is a great reminder of the beauty of prayer: we so desperately need to talk with Him and He so desires to talk with us.

May the Lord help us be good listeners and conversationalists this week.

Keep on pressing on!

Denny


Life Principles For Those Who Choose To Follow Jesus And Live The Discipled Life

Key Scripture: I was crying to the LORD with my voice, And He answered me from His holy mountain. Selah. Psalm 3:4

Core Value: Prayer

It is through prayer that we have the opportunity to breathe in heaven’s air. Prayer is a time of communion. It is meant to be a dialogue, not simply a monologue. Prayer is the power for the believer’s life that enhances spiritual growth. Prayer, simply put, is having a conversation with God. Prayer is a time to listen to the Lord’s small, still voice; it is a passionate articulation of what is on our mind; it is the most intimate time of sharing the concerns of our life; and it is the deep cry of the human heart directed toward God.

Prayer then, is a dialogue, not a monologue where only one voice is heard. “To the LORD I cry aloud, and he answers me from his holy hill. Selah” (Psalm 3:4 NIV) and further illustrated by the psalmist: “Out of the depths I cry to you, O LORD; O Lord, hear my voice. Let your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy” (Psalm 130:1-2 NIV).

Prayer is not a sterile communication system. Instead, prayer with God is all about cultivating an ongoing love relationship.

Principle #5 & Personal Application: The disciple of Jesus Christ experiences an intimate and interactive dialogue with God as he or she prays.

• The person who follows Jesus Christ knows the One who wants to hear the cry of our heart.

• Because there is a personal relationship between Jesus and the disciple, prayer is more than just a futile exercise. Instead, prayer becomes the very language of intimacy.

• Prayer is not a monologue. Prayer is a dialogue. How wonderful it is when the disciple pauses to listen and hear from God. Selah (chew on this—ponder it, think about it, meditate on it).

Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…

Can I sense any difference in the intensity of my prayer, not only when I pray to God in my mind, but also use my voice to speak out loud to Him?

What do I need to improve upon in my life in order to better listen to God when He speaks to me?

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, it is such a blessing to me that You not only want me to talk to You about my life, but You also want to talk to me about Your life. May our conversations always help me become more like You.

The Essential Core Values Of The Quality Disciple Are…
Grace—Worship—Bible Study—Prayer—Community—Service—Evangelism

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