STEPS TO FAITH

 

GO TO YOU PRAYER CLOSET   POWER IN THE BLOOD		STEP 13       PRACTICING PRAYER
BIBLE READING ENTER INTO THY CLOSET Power in the Blood Read John 13:1–17 Love One another Verse 14: "If I then, your Lord and Master have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet." Verse 17: "If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them." Whenever you get a group of people together, there is very likely to be some back–stabbing or bad–mouthing going on sooner or later. Think about your basketball or football team, your cheerleading team or, heaven forbid, your youth, or homeschool group! The same kind of jostling for top position was going on with the disciples now and then. Jesus settled the issue in this chapter by teaching the disciples that they must be a servant to one another, whether they were of higher rank or not. In verse 34, He says, "A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you…" This is the way to happiness! Now, we could talk about the good deeds that you could do for others, and that would be a fine thing to do. But we are going to talk about the attitude of your heart toward your teammates, coaches, youth pastor and parents. Is there murmuring against them? Do you think of things like: "They think they are so good!" and "My mom and dad don’t understand anything!" These comments show there is a murmuring, unloving spirit in our hearts. Our prayers cannot be heard until we repent and ask Jesus to forgive us for a murmuring spirit. What will follow our confession? "Happy are ye if ye do them"! Yes, happiness will follow. Once our heart attitude is right, the good deeds for one another will follow naturally.		Practicing Prayer Spend a few quiet moments asking the Lord to forgive you for murmuring. Ask Him to cleanse the murmuring and complaining spirit out of you. Ask the Holy Spirit if you should personally ask any of the individuals you have criticized for forgiveness. Praise the Lord for His cleansing! Spend a few moments more praising the Lord for who He is. Use whatever position helps you focus best. For prayer today, try praying your petitions in a kneeling position. Remember to ask that Christ’s love would be evident in your heart attitude. Pray for a greater unity within your youth group and family. Remember, unity begins with a cleansing in the heart.   Prayer Diary Date: My prayer request: : : : : Answers received: . ..