Psalms of Discipleship. Principle #32 (Prayer). September 1, 2012

Hello my dear friends! Have you ever been in a situation where the only thing you can do is . . . PRAY? Today's Psalms of Discipleship is a wonderful illustration of what desperate believers in Jesus can do: We can pray to the One who makes all of the difference in the world.

Desperate for Jesus,

Denny

Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #32

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

Key Scripture: 1 Save me, O God, For the waters have threatened my life. 2 I have sunk in deep mire, and there is no foothold; I have come into deep waters, and a flood overflows me. 3 I am weary with my crying; my throat is parched; My eyes fail while I wait for my God. 4 Those who hate me without a cause are more than the hairs of my head; Those who would destroy me are powerful, being wrongfully my enemies; What I did not steal, I then have to restore. Psalm 69:1-4

Core Value: Prayer

Have you ever been in a situation where you felt so overwhelmed with stress that you had a hard time breathing normally? Have you ever faced a circumstance where you felt alone and very vulnerable? Have you ever been on the verge of losing all hope? If you have answered anyone of these questions with a YES, then it confirms that you are a normal disciple of Jesus. Some would refuse to admit any inkling of fear and being out of control. Those folks live in an unreal world.

Fortunately, for us, the Psalmist was real with his feelings. Writing from his own struggles, he offers us a glimmer into his life by committing his great challenges with great prayer to a great God. Are you going through great problems? Take them to a great God. When will you begin?

Principle #32 & Personal Application: Quality disciples realize when persecution comes their way, prayer is the tool that draws them closer to the Lord.

This is the testimony of the psalmist whose enemies had no mercy upon him. When our enemies attack us, we can relate to his experience.

• We can pray while the waters or persecution flood us: Save me, O God, For the waters have threatened my life.

• We can pray when it feels like we are sinking: I have sunk in deep mire, and there is no foothold; I have come into deep waters, and a flood overflows me.

• We can pray when we are weary and parched: I am weary with my crying; my throat is parched; My eyes fail while I wait for my God.

• We can pray when others hate us and wish for our ruin: Those who hate me without a cause are more than the hairs of my head; Those who would destroy me are powerful, being wrongfully my enemies; What I did not steal, I then have to restore.

Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…

How does Jesus, in me, allow me to face personal attacks?

What steps can I begin to take that will sharpen my ability to pray when I feel threatened by my enemies?

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You for drawing me close to You when it seems I am about to drown in the deep waters of persecution. May I always turn to You when trouble comes my way.

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

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