Prayer Focus - Acknowledgement of God's Authority
Matthew 6:9 “This, then, is how you should pray: "'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.”
After telling His disciples what not to do when they pray, Jesus teaches them how to pray. He teaches that our Heavenly Father’s level of authority should be considered first and foremost. The reason being is that He (unlike our natural father) is Divine and it is in His Divine realm that miracles can happen to our amazement. When we enter into His Holy place we should do so with reverence and give His name praise.
Application and Prayer Journal Entry:
Close your eyes and envision walking toward the throne of God in your present state of mind intending to speak to Him about all of your cares and concerns (physical, mental, financial, emotional, or spiritual). You are going to Him in faith, believing in His ability to help you and that He will welcome you.
How would you address Him or what names would you call Him when you stand before Him? What praise would you bow down to give Him? How would you honor Him before asking Him for anything? Then open your eyes and begin to speak those thoughts out loud to your Heavenly Father. Journal your feelings.
Scripture Study:
Psalm 7:17 “I will praise the LORD according to his righteousness: and will sing praise to the name of the LORD most high.”
Psalm 9:2 “I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing the praises of your name, O Most High.”
Reflection: Page 17
The order of The Lord’s Prayer is: Praise to the Father, acknowledgement of God’s authority, request for daily provisions, forgiveness and deliverance from temptation and recognition of His power. Compare this order of prayer with your own to see if they are similar. Practice the order of the Lord’s Prayer for a few days and afterward try to incorporate all of those components into your prayer structure.
Prayer:
Pray knowing that you are in the presence of majesty, power and holiness. Use words that describe the realm that you’re in. Pray exalting God, tell Him how much you appreciate your relationship with Him. Speak words that describe His love and favor on your life. Do this before continuing in your prayer for other needs. Take as much time as you need to feel the aura of this holy domain God has allowed you to enter.
Worship: (allow a few minutes to load)
diet tip
EATING OUT
Research shows that the more often a person eats out, the more body fat he or she has. Try to prepare more meals at home. Eat out and get take-out foods less often. When you do eat away from home, try these tips to help you control portions:
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Share your meal, order a half-portion, or order an appetizer as a main meal. Examples of healthier appetizers include tuna or chicken salad, minestrone soup, and tomato or corn salsas.
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Take at least half of your meal home. Ask for a portion of your meal to be boxed up so you will not be tempted to eat more than you need.
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Stop eating when you begin to feel full. Focus on enjoying the setting and your friends or family for the rest of the meal.
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Avoid large beverages such as “supersize” sugar-sweetened soft drinks. They have a large number of calories. Instead, try drinking water with a slice of lemon. If you want to drink soda, choose a calorie-free beverage or a small sugar-sweetened soft drink.
All Rights Reserved by: Dr. S. Walker, The Institute of Theology and Ministry Training and Your Spriritual Life.org