Tues.12.9.14...Connecting with our King...Intro Praying

How wonderful it is that the King of the universe would desire to spend time with those who rebelled against him. But Christ took the wrath we deserved and the Father has adopted us and now rejoices over us with singing. Wow! He sees us for what we will be, not just for how we are now. (May we have that kind of vision and words of encouragement for our protégés and loved ones.) We may struggle to feel connected when we read and pray to the Lord, but our feelings are deceiving. The most unstable element in the universe is not plutonium or ununoctium, but our emotions! Note how much they change in one day. But God doesn’t change in his devotion to us. So how should we begin our devotional time with our Father in his  book of life? Since the author of the book happens to our Father, let's ask him for divine assistance as we begin. 

It only seems fitting that we should begin by asking God for his favor in learning and living out his word. I’m not talking about having a lengthy time of prayer first. Instead, many great saints recommend a brief prayer in preparation for reading God’s word. Prayer prepares us. Then let's begin reading. But what should we pray and say to God before opening his word? Here’s a prayer I’ve used many times from Ps.119:18- “Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.” It reminds me that though my natural eyes are open to read, I need God’s Spirit to enlighten me. Paul prayed for believers “that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened...”Eph.1:18.

But rather than assigning that prayer verse to you, I want you to pen your own short prayer that you will often use before you read. The author of Psalm 119 lifted up several short prayers before he evidently approached God’s word. So look up any of his following prayers to adopt or modify for yourself- Ps.119:12,18,27,29,66,68,73,124,125,135,144.

1.-Now write out your prayer. It can be an exact quote from any verse above or elsewhere, or you can craft your own. If you are creating your own prayer, see if you can make it short so you can easily remember it. 

2. Now also write out your above prayer on your 3x5 card. (You know what to do now- Write “Did it” when you did it.) 

Of course such prayers are not magic words that guarantee we will always interpret things correctly. That is why we need to read and explore God’s word carefully as well as prayerfully. And that is what we will look at tomorrow. Until then, may I close in a prayer for you? May the Lord open your eyes to wonderful things and your wonderful King. 

You guys are batting 1000! Way to Grow!

		G=God's Word	R	E	A	T
		For Friday 12.5
	Alpha Force	100%!
	Fire Team 1
1	Jack Rogers	Y
2	Daniel Contreras	Y
3	Roger Vinlasaca	Y
	Fire Team 2
4	Israel Fuentes	Y
5	John Pallozzi	Y
6	Sam Vargas	Y
	Delta Force	100%!
	Fire Team 3
1	Alvin James	Y
2	Dave Heidekruger	Y
3	Mark Estrada	Y
4	Mike Pagan	Y
	Fire Team 4
5	Eddie Morales	Y
6	Gary Remson	Y
7	Ismael Andrade	Y

Special Announcement!
Our first monthly gathering is going to be a great one at a great location.
It's going to be at Jack's beautiful home on Sunday Jan.11th at 3:00pm sharp.
It's a bit of a drive, but it will be well worth it. He and his wonderful wife Janie live at 10749 Cherrywood Dr. Palos Park. Feel free to call if you have any questions. (Please make this and our other monthly meetings top priority. It will be both a vital time and a good time!:)

Jack and Janie and I are also inviting you to come earlier for lunch at 1:00 followed by watching and discussing with other friends a short portion of the excellent DVD series, "The Bible." If you would like to come to this, please RSVP as soon as you can confirm it. Spouses and or other friends are invited too. These every other week meetings will be great for bringing unsaved friends to as well. 

PS- How  excellent to see Daniel and Roger on stage with the men they had worked with through the Blue book. May we be able to help these and many other new believers to become multipliers of many MANLY men.