Verse of the Day 2/14

Verse of the Day 2/14

Matthew 6:5-6

New King James Version

The Model Prayer

5 "And when you pray, you shall not be like the [a]hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. 6 But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.

Today is Ash Wednesday, the first day of lent.  It is a time when many Christians set aside something in order to draw closer to God, to Jesus Christ.  Many people will give up something that is not necessarily spiritual, but the elememts of this drawing near should incorporate prayer, meditation and praise.  Today's verses point towards that  "when you pray, go into your room and shut the door.  To withdraw it is not always necessary to be in a room or to close the door but it is a time to shut the door on the world around us and to focus on our relationship with God.

Lent is a time or dedication or rededication.  Perhaps we've fallen away or fallen out of that personal time with the Lord.  If we missed making a commitment at the beginning of the year, perhaps we can do so now, He is always there waiting.

There He was just waiting,   In our old familiar place  An empty spot beside Him,  Where once I used to wait   To be filled with strength and wisdom  For the battles of the day  I would have passed Him by again   If I didn't hear Him say    (chorus)    I miss my time with you   Those moments together  I need to be with you each day  And it hurts Me when you say  You're too busy,  Busy trying to serve Me  But how can you serve Me   When your spirits empty  There's a longing in My heart  Wanting more than just a part of you  It's true, I miss My time with you.        (I Miss My Time With You - Larnelle Harris)

Blessings,

Mike

Folllow the Verse of the Day blog at http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com

Ephesians 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace.  NIV

Matthew 6:5-13

New King James Version

The Model Prayer

5 "And when you pray, you shall not be like the [a]hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. 6 But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you [b]openly. 7 And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words.

8 "Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him. 9 In this manner, therefore, pray:

Our Father in heaven,
Hallowed be Your name.
10 Your kingdom come.
Your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts,
As we forgive our debtors.
13 And do not lead us into temptation,
But deliver us from the evil one.
[c]For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.