Even in the most difficult of days, we can find relief and hope in these comforting words as we trust in our Redeemer to see us through!

Dear Heavenly Father, you turned your back on your only Son when He suffered and died on the cross. You forsook Him so that all who place their faith in Jesus as Savior would never be forsaken. By your Spirit, draw us near to you, for Jesus’ sake, Amen.

Dear Creator God, I am sad to say that I, all too often, am just like godless people. Forgive me and fill me with Your Spirit so I can live an upright life as I wait for the blessed hope found in Jesus, my Savior. In His name, I pray. Amen.

“If someone wants to describe adequately the usefulness of pious, earnest prayer, he will, in my opinion, surely find a beginning more easily than a conculsion. Pious prayer offered in faith is familiar conversation with God.” (Johann Gerhard)

These opening words are of Johann Gerhard in answering the question: What is prayer? In the following seven, short devotions, we will be reflecting on the various teachings of Gerhard written roughly 400 years ago on the topic of prayer.

Enjoy!
-Pastor Ricky

“What a burden to engage in ministry by my own strength, to strive by my own power to instill faith and its fruits in myself and others!” But how liberating to know that God feeds our faith and makes it fruitful by his Holy Spirit through the Word.

“What a burden to have to make myself wise with my puny brain and limited vision!” But how liberating to receive heavenly wisdom through the Word.

“What a burden to grope vainly for an unknown god, and to have to invent ways to climb to him or please him!” But how liberating to know and worship the God who comes down to me and is pleased with me through Christ.

“What a burden to have to justify myself with my own paltry righteousness!” But how liberating to be justified by the righteousness of Christ.

“What a burden to be bound by my own self-love!” But how liberating to be caught up in love for the Lord instead.

“What a burden it is to have to secure my earthly wellbeing by the strength of my own arm!” (245).

But how liberating to know that God the Father will provide for me, and to trust in his power.