Simple Short Daily Prayer Books Series Book 2

Other Simple Prayers P31

Passages: 1. Deuteronomy 3–4 & Mark 10:32–52

2. Deuteronomy 5–7 & Mark 11:1–8
3. Deuteronomy 8–10 & Mark 11:19–33
4. Deuteronomy 11–13 & Mark 12:1–27
5. Deuteronomy 14–16 & Mark 12:28–44
6. Deuteronomy 17-19 & Mark 13:1–20

1. God is Our Refuge Devotion
The name of the Lord is a fortified tower the righteous run to it and are safe. Proverbs 18:10

The remarkable 2019 movie Little Women sent me back to my worn copy of the novel, especially the comforting words of Marmee, the wise and gentle mother. I'm drawn to the novels depiction of her steadfast faith, which underlies many of her words of encouragement to her daughters. One that stood out to me was this: "Troubles and temptations... may be many, but you can overcome and outlive them all if you learn to feel the strength and tenderness of your heavenly Father."
Marmee's words echo the truth found in Proverbs that "the name of the LorD is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe" (18:10). Towers were built in ancient cities to be places of safety during danger, perhaps because of an enemy attack. In the same way, it's through running to God that believers in Jesus can experience peace in the care of the One who's "our refuge and strength" (PSALM 46:1).
Proverbs 18:10 tells us protection comes from God's "name"-which refers to all of who He is. Scripture describes God as "the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness" (EXODUS 34:6). God's protection comes from His mighty strength, as well as His tenderness and love, which causes Him to long to provide refuge to the hurting. For all who are struggling, our heavenly Father offers a place of refuge in His strength and tenderness. –Lisa M. Samra.
How have you experienced God's strength in times of trouble? Where have you seen His comforting care?
Prayer 230: Heavenly Father, please help me to run to You in both good times and times of struggle in Jesus' name amen I pray.

2. Using What God Provides Devotional
Then the Lord said to Moses, "What is that in your hand?" Exodus 4:2
The Brisbane City Hall in Australia was a dazzling 1920s project. White stairs boasted marble from the same quarry Michelangelo used for his David sculpture. The tower reflected Venice's St. Mark's Basilica, and the copper dome was the largest in the Southern Hemisphere. The builders intended for a massive Angel of Peace to adorn the pinnacle, but there was a problem: no money left. Plumber Fred Johnson came to the rescue. He used a toilet cistern, an old lamp post, and bits of scrap metal to craft the iconic orb that's crowned the tower for nearly one hundred years.
Much like Fred Johnson and his use of what he had, we can join God's work with whatever we have-large or small. When He asked Moses to lead Israel out of Egypt, Moses balked: "What if they do not ... listen to me?" (EXODUS 4:1) God answered with a simple question: "What is that in your hand?" (V. 2). Moses held a staff, a simple stick. God told him to throw the staff on the ground, "and it became a snake" (V. 3). Then He instructed Moses to pick up the snake, and it turned back into a staff. All Moses needed to do, God explained, was carry the staff and trust Him to do the rest. Remarkably, He would use that stick in Moses' hand to rescue Israel from the Egyptians (7:10-12; 17:5-7).
What we have might not seem like much to us, but with God, whatever we have will be enough. He takes our ordinary resources and uses them for His work. –Winn Collier.

What small thing can you use for God?
Why is it vital that you trust Him with it?

Prayer 231: Dear God I surrender what I have to You in Jesus' name amen.

3. Sharing Excitement For Christ
Never be lacking in zeal but keep your spiritual fervor serving the Lord. Romans 12:11

The first time we met our neighbor Henry he pulled a well–worn Bible out of a bag he'd been carrying. Eyes sparkling, he asked if we'd like to discuss Scripture. We nodded, and he flipped to some highlighted passages. He showed us a notebook full of his observations and said he'd also created a computer presentation full of other related information.
Henry went on to tell us how he'd come from a difficult family situation and then, alone and at his worst, he accepted Jesus' death and resurrection as the foundation of his faith (ACTS 4:12). His lite had changed as the Spirit helped him follow the Bible's principles. Although Henry had committed his life to God years ago, his enthusiasm was fresh and powerful.
Henry's zeal inspired me-someone who'd walked with Jesus many years-to consider my spiritual passion. The apostle Paul wrote:
"Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord" (ROMANS 12:11). That seems like a tall order, unless I'm allowing Scripture to nurture the kind of attitudes that reflect an ongoing thankfulness for all that Jesus has done for me.
Unlike the emotional highs and lows we experience in life, zeal for Christ comes from an ever-expanding relationship with Him. The more we learn about Him, the more precious He becomes and the more His goodness floods our souls and spills out into the world. –Jennifer Benson Schuldt.
How do you think Jesus feels when He sees that you're excited about Him? What's the relationship between thankfulness and zeal?
Prayer 232: Dear Jesus please revive my excitement over knowing You amen!