Friday, February 26, 2021

Morning Manna by Rufus Parker - 26 February 2021

 

The Unchangeable Habit of Prayer

 

“Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.” (Daniel 6:10)

 

Today’s Morsel:  I have heard some folks complain that prayer has been taken out of school.  How can they take prayer out of school?  You do not need to be a spectacle when you pray. “Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted” Jesus said (Luke 18:10-14).  The one was humble and the other was not.  When Daniel knew that the king had signed a decree it did not stop him from praying.  He just did it the way that he had always done it.  Just because someone makes a law against praying does not mean that you still cannot pray.  Paul wrote to the church at Rome, “Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.” (Romans 8:26-27)  God knows our hearts and the things we need before we ask Him, and He sees the insincerity of our hearts.  We should always respect others when we pray in public and not make ourselves a spectacle.  And your prayers should always be coupled with humility.

 

Sing: Whisper a prayer in the morning, whisper a prayer at noon, whisper a prayer in the evening; and keep your heart intone.

 

Thought For Today: “Keep your prayers coupled with humility” (Parker)

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