When we think of worship, the picture of being in a church singing hymns, praying and praising come to mind, but Paul describes something different in his letter to the Romans.

In Romans 12:1 He tells them, “And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him.”

Paul is telling us that we should devote our bodies, or our whole person, to our Lord. How we live each day is our worship.

Dear Lord, We are grateful for all you have provided us. Help us live lives that are positive examples of your love and bring attention to your saving grace. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Though many times we feel we are struggling through challenges alone, barely hanging onto hope of rescue. We must remember, God knows. He is there with us and will bring us through in the best way for us.

The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name. When they call on me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue and honor them.” Psalm 91:14-15

Dear Lord, thank you for always being with us and supporting us in our troubles. When things seem hopeless, remind us to call on you, and believe your promise to rescue us. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Have you ever noticed, when you are shopping for a new car and you have nearly settled on a particular model, you seem to see many of them on the road? Or when you are thinking about moving, you seem to see every real estate sign?

Our minds are always working behind the scenes, seeing more than we consciously notice. It is no surprise, then, that if we spend our time dwelling on our earthly wants and desires, we see those things that our earthly self is attracted to, which are not always good. However, Galatians 5:22 says the fruit of the Spirit are, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. If we spend our time focusing on these things, we will recognize and get more of them.

Romans 8:5-6 Paul writes, “Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit. So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace.”

Dear Lord, the mind you gave us is such a powerful machine, but like any powerful machine, if not properly controlled it can go wrong. Help us keep our minds focused on those good things you have provided, so that we build on the gifts of the Spirit and find peace. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Jesus says in Matthew 6:7-8, “When you pray, don’t babble on and on as the Pagans do. They think their prayers are answered merely by repeating their words again and again. Don’t be like them, for your Father knows exactly what you need even before you ask him!”

This text is followed by Jesus explaining to pray what we now call the Lord’s Prayer.

I timed myself praying the Lord’s Prayer, and it took 25 seconds.

In Matthew 26:40, Jesus scolds the disciples for not being able to stay awake while He prayed for “only one hour.”

If God already knows what we need, and we do not repeat our requests over and over, what does one do when praying for an hour? Maybe most of the time is to listen for God’s answer and guidance.

Dear Lord, Help us remember that prayer is our connection to you, not only for us to talk to you, but for you to talk to us. Help us take the time to quietly wait for your messages. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Some people are born “Sales People,” they have no trouble spending lots of time trying to convince someone else of their idea, sell them their product, or in the case of Christianity, walk through the neighborhood knocking on doors telling people the Good News. Praise the Lord for those folks! For the rest of us, the idea of being “pushy” with our faith seems impolite and overbearing.

Good news for us introverts, the Bible tells us that just living as a good example is witnessing. Among other passages, 1 Peter 2:12 says “live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he returns.” In 1 Peter 3:15 Peter writes ” always be prepared to give an answer to anyone who asks the reason for the hope you have.”

So one way to witness is to live as a good example and be prepared to talk about your hope and faith when you are asked.

Dear Lord, help us feel the immortal value of our hope in you and be anxious and prepared to share it with others when the opportunity arises. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.