Personal Devotions - Part 3
This is the 3rd and final part of some thoughts on personal devotions.
In the last year or so, I have begun using a prayer list as a simple aid to prayer. RT Kendall once spoke of it when he was with us and I thought I would give it a try. On my list, I have a list of people that I am praying for - from family, to leaders, to church planters that have gone out from our local church. I also have a list of people that I am praying for that do not believe in Christ. Most of these are personal friends or family members. Lastly I have a list of personal requests - related to decisions that we have to make or opportunities that are opening up where we need the wisdom and the leading of God.
I pray through this list about once a week and have found it a very helpful tool to keep bringing things before God. It has also been wonderful to be able to add things to my list when I commit to pray for them because if I get it onto the list, it definitely will be regularly in my prayers.
Lastly, I often spend time listening to worship music during my devotions. I have found this also to be very helpful. I will often just sit and listen, sometimes joining in, sometimes praying, sometimes allowing my mind just to unwind and enjoying being in the presence of God without any agenda.
Personal devotions are a vital part of the expression of our relationship with God. Psalm 84 says that one day in the courts of God is better than a thousand elsewhere and we learn from Jesus in Luke 5 that it is good to withdraw and spend time in prayer.
May God bless you and fill your personal devotions with life.