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The Way We Pray

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28

What brings answered prayer in a Christian’s life? Do you ever feel that you pray and God is silent or that you grow weary in your prayer life because it seems that God isn’t answering your heart’s desires? Could it be that many times it is because of the way we are praying?

This passage of Scripture goes on to say, “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.” Taking God’s yoke on ourselves is a picture of an animal having a harness around its neck and can’t move to the right or left but only where the farmer is leading. It may seem restrictive to see God in that same way, but He wants us to follow Him looking straight ahead and keeping our eyes focused on Him and His purposes. It keeps us from getting sidetracked in our Christian walk. Then, our praying becomes asking Him for things He is desiring for us and those around us. It is not selfish praying. He says that He is gentle and humble and we will find rest for our souls. He wants the best for us.

This passage ends with Jesus saying, “For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” This is not difficult, but He makes it easy. He does the hard work and we keep focused on Him.

Are we willing to become spiritually fit to receive what God is willing to do?

 Prayer Focus: Lord, thank You for caring for my concerns. Thank You for giving me rest, comforting me, and enabling me to live for You alone.

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