Why is a daily devotional prayer time essential to one who follows Jesus?
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I wish I were more diligent about this. I used to keep the Liturgy of the Hours. Morning lauds open with, "O Lord, open my lips and my mouth will proclaim your praise." They are wonderful words with which to begin a day. Evening vespers and night time prayers help make a tranquil end of the day, too. Prayer draws you closer to God.
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"Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven.\nGive us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.\nLead us not into temptation, deliver us from evil, for Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen."\n\nIt's called the Lord's prayer, it was a guide given to us by Jesus to show us how to pray. For example, "our daily bread" could be praying for all the things we want and need from God.\n\nIf you ever want to look up a certain verse, biblegateway.com has a passage lookup or keyword search. =)
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I do that every day, (several times per day).\n\nADDED\n\nExplain? \nok I'll try but this could be long :)\n\nPaul wrote, "I die daily." and Jesus also spoke of "taking up their cross daily to follow Him. He also said we must be willing to leave our families and all we own for His sake.\n\nOk, how can I apply this to me? Well I grew up in the complete opposite of a Christian environment (to say the least).  My whole dream in life was to marry a great man, leave the bad envioronment I grew up in, buy a house, have kids, and have the whole American dream. So for years I worked very hard to try to achieve this. But I turned away form God in the process. I tried to do it all myself without Him. It turns out God has other plans for me. It turns out His plan is for me to teach and also to minister to people who, like me grew up in bad situations. He has made me a teacher and blesses me in that every day. (Even though I'm quiet and shy, He gives me the boldness to teach kids in a tough place.)  He has also called my husband and me to minister and given us visions of missionary work. Even now, he hasn't shown me too much into the future, but He has commanded me to trust Him, follow Him and let Him use me. I don't know if my husband and I will ever own a house or have children of our own (turns out I'm barren.) but God can always do it when and if he wants to. But the point is I had to give all of that up and say, "Lord let you will be done. I don't care what it is, or what happens to me. All that matters is what you want."  As it is, I don't have what I want, and I often don't feel capable to teach every day. I have to wake up every morning praising God and relying on Him. But He is faithful. He gives me joy, peace and strength every morning. The kids I teach and all of my coworkers love me and they treat me wonderfully! Plus I've seen so much progress and growth in my students it's unbelievable. God has given me so much favor. I wouldn't want to live any other way. I have since learned that it's not about my life. All that matters is God's will and what He wants. Like the Bible says, "seek ye first the kingdom..."\n\nA wise friend of mine once said, "You know you're ready to accept God's will when you don't care what it is."
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You are saved when you have accept Jesus as your savior and ask him to come into your life.   Jesus died for your salvation.  \n\nSometimes we humans need to see a "miracle" or an answer to prayer to give us a boost in our spiritual lives.  I think you just had one.  \n\nGod honored your prayer so please do your best to honor God by keeping your promise.  It is you who will benefit by the knowledge of God's kingdom and His purpose and will in your life.  Believe me, God wants to bless you far more than you want to be blessed.  \n\nMay I make a suggestion about your bible?  I don't know which version you use, but I suggest you visit a local Christian book store and look through the many versions to find the one you understand the most clearly.  I prefer the Zondervan New International  Version Study Bible, but my husband prefers the New King James Version.  \n\nBefore you read the Bible, you should always ask that God open your eyes to the meaning and understanding of what you are reading.  Nothing will stop you from reading the bible quicker than not being able to understand it.\n\nFinally, have a plan to read it.  Most Bibles have a one year reading plan in them that includes daily readings from both the Old and New Testaments.  And do not be afraid to ask trusted Christians what a verse means.  You can study it together if you need to.
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Matthew 6:7 But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.\n\nThe Rosary, and the beads, are a repetitious prayer, with the beads keeping track.This practice is originally Hindu in origin.\n\n1 Timothy 2:5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;\n\nIf you feel compelled to pray, pray directly to Jesus. He alone is our mediator. Mary may have delivered Jesus into this world, however, Jesus existed before Mary. He is the eternal Creator of all things.\n\nJohn 8:58 Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.\n\nColossians 1:14-18 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.\n\nIf you need inspiration, I recommend you search the scriptures. The scriptures are there to instruct us in all matters of righteousness, and doctrine.\n\n2 Timothy 3:16-17 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.\n\nThe Holy Spirit will teach you all things....\nJohn 14:26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.\n\n1 John 2:27 But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.\n\nI hope this helps and may you find comfort.
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Salvation is a gift, but we must hold onto it and persevere in our faith, not just pray a prayer one time and then live any way we want. I hope the first link below will be helpful for you. Feel free to e-mail me at chad@jesusfreak.com if I can help.
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The only thing that matters is my personal relationship with Jesus Christ; the only place I "go" to worship on any day, is to Him in Prayer.\n\nGod Bless.  He's a lot nicer God than that one we grew up with!
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What works for me is every morning when I get in the shower I start of by singing a praise song and then I ask the Holy Spirit to channel the course of my thoughts and direct me in my prayers. I always try to "pray God's Word back to Him". In other words as I'm giving the Lord the burdens that are on my heart I'll say something like "You Word says such and such about this situation but I'm having trouble...". \n\nAnother tip to having valuable prayer time is to be thinking of what God's revealed will for situations is in the Bible and praying along those lines. As to praying without ceasing, for me that means that throughout the day when something bothers me I say a quick prayer about it when I have a chance. I might go outside on a break if I'm at work or something like that and pray where people can't overhear me.
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no one is here by mistake. we all have a purpose, a reason for being. what we do and how we live and treat others will count. myself as a follow of Jesus Christ, my purpose is to follow Him and His teaching. but more important to love Him above all and then to love people in His name. I have found it is the most exciting, wonderful, scary thing but also the most joyful, peaceful and loving place to be. following Jesus.
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1 Thessalonians 5:17 Pray without ceasing.\n\nI think if you live in constant prayer, constant communication with the LORD, then everything else you need will always be there before you.
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If you are lost and in search of salvation, Jesus Christ is the only way to get it. In order to get to the Father in Heaven, we must go through the son Jesus through acceptance of Him being our Savior. We are proud to have you here with us and are willing to lead you to Christ right here and right now. \n\nFirst you must admit that you are a sinner and acknowlege that Jesus Christ died on the cross for your sins. Ask Jesus to forgive you of your sins. Then you can invite our Lord Jesus to enter into your heart to live and to be your guide through out the rest of your life. Once you have done this, you now have ever lasting life in the precious name of Jesus. Now go out into the world, and spread the good news, that Jesus is alive and well, living in your heart as He shines through you in life. It's not over yet, you must continue building your relationship with the Lord each and every day. Talk to Him daily in prayer and ask Him what it is He wants you to do today, then obey Him. Draw closer to the Lord with every day that passes, asking for forgivness for your sins each day, and then thank him for that forgivness. We must never take our Lord's love or forgivness for granted. \nPraise the Lord's Holy name daily as He continues to lead you throughout your life, until He calls you home. \n\nFather, \nWe thank you for sending us Your Son Jesus Christ to freely give up His life, laying it down for us so that all of our sins can be forgiven in His Holy name. We give you all the praise and all the Glory for all that is good in our life, and for the trials and tribulations we must sustain , that give us all that Spiritual work out we need to stay close to you as we follow you in your footsteps; until you call us home to be with you in your Kingdom with your Son Jesus. In His precious name of Jesus. amen \n\nIf you prayed this prayer, record today's date and rest in the assurance of spending eternity with God. \n\nI do pray that you infact did accept Jesus as your savior, and know how very loved you are by Him. He went through a lot to get you to this point in your life, and I praise the Lord for your reaching out to HIm today. God bless you in your new life with Jesus, as He takes you by the hand, leading you through out your life, until He calls you home. In the precoius name of Jesus, amen \n\nPlease visit my prayerline at...\nhttp://www.freepowerboards.com/praywithcarol/praywithcarol.html\n\nSend me your email address to  carolbmartin1958@yahoo.com  and I will send you an activation code to become a free member of our prayerline family in Christ. God bless You!! Carol
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The Bible clearly teaches that we go to God thru Jesus.\n\nJohn 14:6 (NASB): Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.\n\nJohn 14:13-13 (NASB): "Whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. "If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it.\n\nThere is nothing wrong with asking brothers and sisters to pray for you. In fact Paul encourages that.\n\nEphesians 6:18-20 (NASB): With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints, and pray on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in proclaiming it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.\n\nThe error is when you make Mary or anyone the object of your prayers. To ask someone to pray for you is not the same thing as praying to them. The only one you should be praying to is God.\n\nConsider this part of the rosary: "Hail holy Queen, Mother of mercy, our life, our sweetness, and our hope! To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve. To thee do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this vale of tears. Turn, then, most gracious advocate, thine eyes of mercy toward us, and after this our exile show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus. O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary." \n\nWho are the people praying this prayer cyring out to for mercy and advocacy? Is it not Mary? But the bible teaches that Jesus is our advocate and the source of our mercy.\n\n1 John 2:1-2 (NASB): My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; and He Himself is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for those of the whole world. \n\nHebrews 4:15-16 (NASB): For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.\n\nJesus is our high priest in whom we have access to God.\n\nHebrews 7:24-25 (NASB): but Jesus, on the other hand, because He continues forever, holds His priesthood permanently. Therefore He is able also to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them. \n\nHebrews 10:19-23 (NASB): Therefore, brethren, since we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus,  by a new and living way which He inaugurated for us through the veil, that is, His flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful;\n\nI do not see anywhere in the bible that we are instructed to ask those who have proceeded us to intercede for us. We are however to cry out to God with our needs.
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Lend not to thy own understanding but in all thou ways acknowledge God and He will direct your path.\n\nI use this scripture in my prayers by asking God to help me to do his will; to do things and treat people as he wants me to do. For if I lend to my own understanding in a whole lot of things I would and do fail. But it I do it God's way I will succeed every time.
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Its important because your consuminng the body of christ.
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prayer for guidance and protection for the whole day
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To follow the teachings of Jesus.
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Jesus, while voluntarily limited to a human body, needed to pray to the Father for the same reasons you and I do.\nJesus subjected Himself to all the frailties and limitations of humanity during His time on earth, and needed to pray in order to stay 'fresh' spiritually, to gain the wisdom and direction for His daily life and ministry, etc.\nJesus was indeed equal with the Father, but at the same time, laid aside the privileges of Godhood during His earthly sojourn.\nJesus perfectly modeled the lifestyle of total and complete dependence on God for us to follow, because He limited His Divine nature to that portion of Divinity which is accessible to a man living in total dependence on God.