Fifteen Minutes of Prayer

I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. - 1 Timothy 2:1-2 (NLT)

Claim Your Rights-
"In every thing by prayer and supplication let your requests be made known unto God."
     But do not beg. Rather come just as a business manager bringing to the owner the needs, checks to be signed, etc. and knowing that to lay the matter before him means immediate supply.
     I long to supply, but the asking--or the faith-assurance from you, is necessary, because to you that contact with Me is vital. - February 20th devotion from "God Calling" (written by "The Two Listeners" and edited by A.J. Russell)

Fifteen Minutes of Prayer

My Pastor had a really inspired sermon yesterday.  I'm pleased to say that we had a full house and his message was heard by more ears than usual.  It's always nice when an especially inspired message is received by more people.  In his message he challenged us to make a commitment for Lent.  Instead of the usual, "Give something up for Lent," he suggested that we "Give something to our Lord" -- fifteen minutes of daily prayer.  

That was a good message for me to hear and I hope it is for you, as well. 

        It was a reminder to me. 

I do not spend enough time in quiet, dedicated prayer time with my Lord.

Oh, I pray quite frequently...little bullet prayers throughout the day...but, I don't shut off the rest of the world and spend quality time with Him. 

I need to do that.

It's funny, the idea of sacrificing something for Lent usually seems to be just that, a sacrifice...a hardship...a challenge.  But, always (it never fails) that sacrifice that we make ends up being a benefit for us.  

• If we give up chocolate, sure we're missing the wonderful flavors and we experience cravings, but we probably lose a few pounds and save a few years on our pancreas (as it doesn't have to spurt out extra insulin to metabolize the extra sugar we've subjected our body to).  
• If we give up spending so much time on the computer and Facebook we've gained several hours in our day to have face-to-face time with our friends and family.
• If we give up clothes shopping we've saved money, gas and time.

The list could go on and on, but I think you get the picture. Lent is a time of reminder of our Lord's sacrifice (for our eternal benefit) that significantly benefits us right now, here on earth.

But, Pastor's idea benefits us even more.  Our little sacrifice of fifteen minutes of time brings us into direct contact with our Savior, our Creator and His Holy Spirit.  Sure, losing weight and saving money is great, but spending time with my Lord? I'll take that over anything else. I choose what is better!

Will you join me? Will you dedicate just fifteen minutes out of your day to pause and be with our Lord and Savior? I promise that you will gain immeasurable benefits from this time.  It might even become a habit that you never get over. 

Dear Lord - thank you for leading me to the passages I've listed above this morning. You always find the most wonderful and gentle ways to make it crystal clear that you are here with me.  You put something on my heart and then you guide me to verses that speak your wisdom about what I'm pondering.  Thank you for the gift of Debbie and the books that she shares with me to support my spirit and walk with you. And thank you for the reminder from Pastor Keil to spend purposeful time with you in prayer. I miss you. I don't spend nearly enough time with you, Jesus. Thank you for sitting beside me and holding my hand yesterday. I felt you and the world became instantly brighter because you were there.  I am so looking forward to our quiet time, my Lord. I know this time will benefit me beyond my limited comprehension, but that's not why I want to spend this time with you.  I want my dedication to spending these fifteen minutes with you to show you my unending gratitude for the sacrifice that you made for me...and for loving me completely, warts and all.  I am yours. I love you. Amen.

Blessings and peace,

Leah