Luke 11:1 And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples. (KJV)

Psalms 4:1 Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness: thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress; have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer. (KJV)

How do you approach the Lord?

There are many ways to pray. You can journal as you spend time with the Lord, writing what He says. You can pray the scripture. You can pray alone or with a prayer partner. You can be still before the Lord and allow your mind to be clear. The disciples wanted to know how to approach God. They were asking Jesus to give them instruction on how to, when to, and what to pray for. They wanted Him to teach them what they should say. Because of Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection, you have a free path to the Lord.

Hebrews 4:16  Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (New King James Version)

As you submit your requests to the Lord, both for others and for yourself, remember you are coming before your heavenly Father, confiding in Him and trusting in His power and goodness. Please remember, you are still approaching THE Almighty God. He is holy and does not look on sin. You can come, not because of anything that you are doing or have done. You come because of faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ.

Philippians 3:9 And be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith. (New King James Version NKJV)

You approach Him in prayer because you acknowledge God’s love and mercy. However, do not ever forget His power and authority.

Nehemiah 1:5 And I said, O Lord God of heaven, the great and terrible God, Who keeps covenant, loving-kindness, and mercy for those who love Him and keep His commandments. (Amplified Bible, Classic Edition AMPC)

God wants us to come to Him just as Jesus did. He wants us to pray for ourselves and for other. As you humble your heart, your prayers rise as a sweet-smelling incense that pleases Him. Don’t stop with prayer, give Him praise. Bless the Lord for He is El Elyon [el el-yan]  (The Most High God).

Please agree with me as I pray:

Father, though You are El Elyon, I can come to You. You are listening every time I come to You when I’m in distress and when my loved ones are in distress. You show mercy. I know You hear my prayers. I trust You will answer them as You see fit. I repent when I allow my confidence to dictate how You should answer me. It is not my job to give You the solution as if I have some information You don’t have. You don’t have to figure it out. You were there before we got there. You don’t have to work things out; You have already worked them out. You know how things are going to work because You have a plan for my life. If I got to the place, I am in because of Your plan or my free will; You have already resolved it. Jesus taught me how and when to come to You. He also taught me what to say. He even taught me my job is to believe I can ask You and know, because of Him, You hear me and will answer…

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Ask the Lord what He wants to say to you about today’s devotional and journal His response as described here.