Psalms of Discipleship. Principle #27 (Prayer). July 21, 2012

Hello my dear friends! We live in a very CONNECTED world. Email, text, twitter, facebook, tv, radio, cell phones and the list goes on. We have been trained to stay connected. If we lose connection we may feel somewhat lost on what in the world is going on around us. This is especially true when it comes to prayer. Today's Psalms of Discipleship is a vivid contrast between just talking and connecting. May we all learn the discipline of connecting to the Lord in prayer.

Connected to Him,

Denny


Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #27

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

Key Scripture: 17 I cried to Him with my mouth, And He was extolled with my tongue. 18 If I regard wickedness in my heart, The Lord will not hear; 19 But certainly God has heard; He has given heed to the voice of my prayer. 20 Blessed be God, Who has not turned away my prayer Nor His lovingkindness from me. Psalm 66:17-20

Core Value: Prayer

There is a great difference between talking and connecting. People may talk a lot but never be heard. There are some who think the best way to communicate is to use a lot of words linked with an intensity of volume (i.e., yelling). Others think the best way to communicate is to speak using fancy words that only are understood by the speaker.

The Psalmist understood the key to connecting with the Lord in prayer was the condition of his heart. A wicked heart (a heart that has been poisoned by sin) cuts off all communication. On the other hand, a heart that is right with God makes the connection between creation and the Creator.

Is there anything standing in your way from connecting with the Lord?

Principle #27 & Personal Application: Quality disciples offer prayer upon the basis of grace that cleanses the heart and the tongue.

• Prayer offered under the basis of grace is a vocal expression of worship and praise: I cried to Him with my mouth, And He was extolled with my tongue

• Prayer is quenched when there is sin in our heart: If I regard wickedness in my heart, The Lord will not hear

• Prayer is liberating when we know that God hears our prayers: But certainly God has heard; He has given heed to the voice of my prayer

• Prayer, undergirded by His grace, made possible by the completed work of His Son, is the means given that we may be received with open arms and come into His presence: Blessed be God, Who has not turned away my prayer Nor His lovingkindness from me

Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…

Is there anything in my heart that is quenching my communication with the Lord?

How can a better understanding of grace empower my prayer life?

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You for providing a perfect way for me to communicate with You. May my heart learn how to keep short accounts with You, freely accepting Your offer to forgive me and cleanse me of my sin. May I learn to turn to You, knowing that it is Your desire to hear my prayers. Thank You for not turning away from me or withholding Your lovingkindness from me.

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

Denny Bates & Something New Christian Publishers © 2012 All rights reserved.

www.dennybates.com
http://thequalitydisciple.blogspot.com/

Postscript:

I am genuinely excited for the opportunity of doing things that I have only dreamed about previously. By God’s grace I hope to build a leadership coaching and speaking business and impact the market place for Jesus. My business is a RELATIONSHIP business, so as you pray for me ask the Lord for KEY contacts that will lead me to KEY people in KEY organizations. In your own circle of influence, do you know anyone who desires to grow in leadership? I’d love to meet them.

In order to gain a better understanding of what I am offering, you can check out my website at http://www.johncmaxwellgroup.com/dennybates