The Invitation
The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say “Come!” Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life” (Revelation 22:17).

Prayer is a gift, priceless and free.

My lover spoke and said to me, “Arise my darling, my beautiful one, and come with me”  (Songs of Solomon 2:10).

Prayer is a place of relationship and intimacy.

“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men”  (Matthew 4:19).

“Ask of me and I will give you the nations as your inheritance, the ends of the earth as your possession”  (Psalm 2:8).

Prayer is a place of kingdom growth.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart; and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30).

Prayer is a place of rest, a place where we can lay our burdens down.

The Responsibility
“His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, according to his eternal purpose which he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Ephesians. 3:10, 11).

That church is us. The manifold wisdom of God is the word of God fulfilled in Christ. These rulers and authorities are the angels of God and the powers of darkness. God has given us the mandate, and the privilege, of using His word and claiming His promises to impact the unseen battles which are taking place in the heavenly realms.

“Praise the LORD, you his angels, you mighty ones who do his bidding, who obey his word” (Psalm 103:20).

“And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony”  (Revelation 12:11).

“In that day you will ask in my name. I am not saying that I will ask the Father on your behalf. No, the Father himself loves you because you have loved me and have believed that I came from the Father”  (John 16:26, 27).

Jesus has given us His name, His identity, so that we may come boldly and confidently before the Father, but has left the asking up to us.

The Promise
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened ‘ (Matthew 7:7, 8).

“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him.”  (1 Corinthians 2:9)

“You do not have because you do not ask God”  (James 4:2).

God has so much more for us than we can think or imagine  but we must ask Him.

“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart”  (Jeremiah 29:13).

God has new depths of fellowship that He wants to take us into but we must seek Him.

“Call unto me and I will answer you and tell you great and mighty things which you do not know” (Jeremiah 33:3).

Father God, You have  new places and new spiritual heights that You want to take us to. Teach me to knock at Your door and call out to You. Teach me to pray. Amen

Questions: When you feel weary and burdened, do you take your burden to God?  Do you ask God to help  you believing that He will?

About the Author Patricia Psooy

Daily audio podcast: A second daily devotional, You are not an Accident, today on the Men’s Devotional Blog

“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.” (Psalm 23:5)

Our LORD has prepared a table for us in the presence of our enemies, a safe place where all our needs will be met and where we will always be welcomed with unconditional love and acceptance.  Come let us dine. The amazing truth is that we are invited by the Lord Himself.

As we glance through the door we see beautiful crystal stemware filled with sparkling Living Water that we may never thirst again; a fresh, steaming loaf of bread, the Bread of Life, that we may never hunger again.  There is also a beautiful platter heaped high with the Fruit of The Spirit, the love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control, so that we need when we leave this place so we may manifest the character of Christ to those around us.

As we take our seats we are served from bowls overflowing with mercy and compassion, fresh every morning. There is wisdom prepared for us in heaven, and sufficient grace to satisfy our every need.  As we take time to look around we see the Light of the World shining there so that we need not walk in darkness.  If we listen closely we will hear the quiet voice of the one who says “I will instruct you and teach you in the way that you should go.”

And now, as we look to see who is at this table with us we see The Great I AM seated at the head of the table waiting to fellowship with us. He is revealed to us afresh through His wonderful names: Jehovah Elohim, ever faithful; El Shaddai, giver of strength; El Elyon, The Most High God.

If we relax and choose to spend some time at this table we will sup with Jehovah Jirah, our provider; Jehovah Shammah, always there for us in every way and in every situation; Jehovah Tsidkinu, our righteousness, whose blood cleanses us from all sin and washes us white as snow; Jehovah Ra-ah, our shepherd, waiting to take us into the green pastures of abundant life; Jehovah Rapha, our healer; Jehovah Nissi, our banner, ever ready to lead us into victory, and Jehovah Shalom, our peace.

The Holy Spirit, our comforter, counselor, intercessor, helper, teacher and friend, is also there, waiting to commune with us. If we come to this table hungry and thirsty we will be filled.  If we come prepared to leave the cares of the world behind we will find rest for our souls.  If we are willing to leave the hurts of the past and the present at this table we will receive beauty for ashes and the oil of joy for mourning, as we experience the power of God’s love to heal our wounds and set us free.

Lord, I want to spend time at Your table.  I want You to be my refuge and my source.  I thank you that the banquet has been prepared for me and my place has been set, that my absence will be noted and my welcome is certain.  You have called me into fellowship with Your Son, Jesus Christ and you are faithful.  Amen

Question: What do you need to ask God for today?