Devotional for Wednesday, January 19, 2022
Morning Ephesians 6:18-19
Noon Psalms 3
Evening 1 Thessalonians 5:17
When I was little, I could not explain in my mind the fact that the Bible commands us to pray without ceasing; Following the classic way we learn to pray when we are children, this was impossible. But within time and reading the scriptures, I understood that praying was more than stopping from our daily chores, to deposit our requests with God. Praying all the time requires you to be in multiple positions, because you are never going to be in the same position all day long. In the Bible, people prayed standing up, raising their hands, sitting down, kneeling, bending over, etc. While some people think that prayer should be very formal, the Bible documents that people prayed in many different circumstances. The Bible also records people praying in all kinds of places: in battle, in a cave, in a room, in a garden, on a hill, by a river, on the beach, in the street, in the temple, in bed. Praying, for a believer, should be something so habitual and natural that it can be done "without ceasing" even amid our busiest days.
Written by Rolando Madruga,
Translated by Maria Elena Cardona
Morning Ephesians 6:18-19
18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
19 And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,
20 For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
Noon Psalms 3
1 Lord, how are they increased that trouble me! many are they that rise up against me.
2 Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God. Selah.
3 But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head.
4 I cried unto the LORD with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill. Selah.
5 I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the LORD sustained me.
6 I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people, that have set themselves against me round about.
7 Arise, O LORD; save me, O my God: for thou hast smitten all mine enemies upon the cheek bone; thou hast broken the teeth of the ungodly.
8 Salvation belongeth unto the LORD: thy blessing is upon thy people. Selah.
Evening 1 Thessalonians 5:17
Pray without ceasing.
Prayer Guide: [Honduras-Lejamaní] and [E.U. Diócesis Oeste-El Paso]
