PrayerThots Devotional

Put the Lord In Priority

Mark begins his gospel without
genealogy, birth narrative or any
prologue. He begins with the
ministry of John the Baptist, the
forerunner who would prepare
the way for Jesus’ ministry of
Servanthood. Mark’s emphasis
throughout is on Christ’s works
rather than His words, as befitting
a Servant. Numerous miracles
of healing and exorcism precede
the personal calls of five disciples
– Andrew, Peter, James, John
and Matthew – and His choosing
of the seven other disciples.

Lord, we’ll Prioritise Time with You:
And He went up on the mountain
& called to Him those He Himself
wanted. And they came to Him.
Then He appointed twelve,
that they might Be With Him and
that He might send them out
to preach, and to have power
to heal sickness and to cast
out demons (Mark 3:13-15).
Then Jesus’ mother and brothers
arrived. Standing outside they
sent someone in to call Him.
A crowd was sitting around Him
and they told Him: Your mother
and brothers are outside looking
for You… Then he looked up at
those seated in a circle and said:
Here are my mother and brothers!
Whoever does God’s will is my
brother, sister & mother (v31-35)

Lord, we note that the twelve
were chosen not because of
their abilities but their willingness
to follow Jesus and obey You.
We also note the twelve were
chosen to Be With You which
is priority and all good things
are built upon this foundation.
Thank You Lord Jesus that You
have chosen me to Be With You.
Help me to stay close to You. Amen

Lord Jesus, You did not come as
a conquering king but as a Servant.
May Your example cause us to
be willing to serve God & others.
Lord, we note worthy examples
in Mark 3 to be God Seeking
and putting You first & foremost.
Help us Prioritise Time With You;
and help us Prioritise Your Will
including helping people. Amen.

Lord, we learn that we need to
Put You God first and foremost
even before our loved ones,
including our spouse & children;
so that it will free us from
the bondage of idolising them.
Help us Lord to worship only You,
our creator; and to love our families
with Your love.In Jesus’name,Amen

Be People of Faith in God

Mark begins his gospel without
genealogy, birth narrative or any
prologue. He begins with the
ministry of John the Baptist, the
forerunner who would prepare
the way for Jesus’ ministry of
Servanthood. Mark’s emphasis
throughout is on Christ’s works
rather than His words, as befitting
a Servant. Numerous miracles
of healing and exorcism precede
the personal calls of five disciples
– Andrew, Peter, James, John
and Matthew – and His choosing
of the seven other disciples.

Lord, help us be People of Faith:
When He had come home, many
gathered that there was No Room
left, not even outside the door.
Some men bringing a paralytic
could not get him to Jesus due to
the crowd, they made an opening
in the roof above Jesus & lowered
the mat the paralysed man was
lying. When Jesus saw their Faith,
He said to the paralytic: Son your
sins are Forgiven… Take up your
mat and go home. Immediately
he arose, took up the mat and
went out in the presence of them
all, so that all were amazed and
glorified God (Mk 2:1-12). Amen.

Lord, if You were nearby in the
neighbourhood, I would also want
be in the crowd trying to see You.
For I have needs that only You
can meet; and I have desires
that only You can satisfy them.
And I want Your personal touch
that I need to experience so that
my faith be boosted more than
ever before. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Lord, we are inspired by the
act of the four faithful friends.
They had heard You healing many
in the Galilean region and they were
determined to get their friend to You
despite difficulty they were facing.
Help us Lord to be compassionate
and Trust You enough to help
others the way they do. Amen.

Lord, usually when we come to U
God with a request, it’s for some-
thing practical including a miracle.
And You tend to meet our practical
needs beside our spiritual needs.
Because as the God of compassion,
You want us to know Your heart.
So Jesus I seek Your face with all my
needs – spiritual, physical, relational.
And Thanks for Your comprehensive
touch in my total being. Amen.

God Directs & Empowers Us

Mark begins his gospel without
genealogy, birth narrative or
any prologue. He begins with
the ministry of John the Baptist,
the forerunner who will prepare
the way for Jesus’ ministry of
Servanthood. Mark’s emphasis
throughout is on Christ’s works
rather than His words, as befitting
a Servant. Miracles of healing and
exorcism precede calling Andrew,
Peter, James, John and Matthew – and His choosing 7 other disciples.

Lord, You Empower & Direct Us:
This messenger was John Baptist.
He was preaching that people
should be baptised to show that
they had turned from their sins
and turned to God… It came to pass
that Jesus came…and was baptised
by John in the Jordan. Immediately
the Spirit drove Him into the
wilderness. And He was there
in the wilderness forty days,
Tempted by Satan…and the angels
Ministered to Him (Mark 1:4-13).
Then Jesus said: Follow Me & I will
make you become fishers of men.
They immediately left their nets
and Followed Him (v17-18).
After sunset the whole town
gathered at the door and Jesus
healed many of various diseases…
Very early in the morning… Jesus
went off to a solitary place to Pray.
Simon and his companions went
to look for him and when they
found him they said: Everyone
is looking for you! Jesus replied:
Let Us Go to the next towns that
I May Preach there also (v32-38).

Lord, recognise that soon after
the commission of Jesus Christ
into ministry comes temptation.
Equip me Lord to Resist Temptation
and Enable me to be so prepared
that I recognise the enemy’s tactics
from the moment they manifest.
Teach me to rebuke the enemy by
having good knowledge of Yr Word.
Enable me to resist entertaining
temptation even for a moment,
but rather Turn to U immediately
so that I can stand strong. Amen.

Lord, we carry a lot of things
around with us – responsibilities,
attachments, and to-do lists.
You alone know all the issues; but
I hold them loosely as I come to You.
Grant me Lord the willingness to
be prepared to Let Go & Follow You.
And as You increase in importance,
let other things decrease. Amen.

Lord, we note You know exactly
what to do after a very successful
ministry time. Help us follow Your
example to seek the Father’s Will
rather than rely on common sense.
For we tend to think of things that
we’ve to do. Help us set aside time
with You, help us focus and reward
our solitude with Yr company. Amen.

Hearing God thru His Word

The path to intentional discipleship
is to grow towards spiritual maturity
by nurturing key disciple attitudes.
So for past three years, we had been
Seeking God thru Biblical Prayers;
Trusting God thru His Promises and
Adoring God thru Thanks & Praise.
And for the past four mths; we’ve
been Hearing God thru His Word.

“God Is Not Silent. It is the nature of
of God to speak, writes AW Tozer.
We could spend the rest of our lives
learning to recognise God’s voice.
We can be certain if we seek Him,
He will make Himself available to us.
If we listen, He will speak; and if we
believe what we have heard, He will
show us more! The God who speaks
is always seeking to take us deeper
into His Will & draw us closer to Him.

Henry Blackaby in his workbook
Experiencing God says God Speaks
by the Holy Spirit through the Word,
Circumstances and His Church.
In this current series, we will be
focussing on Hearing God through
His Word; but needless to say
we will also see God speaking
thru circumstances, the church
and many other ways. May God
bless our desire to hear Him. Amen.

We are meditating through the Bible,
which is organised by genres:
Laws, History, Poetry and Prophets…
Before we continue into OT Poetry,
for variety sake we will have the
second Gospel interlude in Mark.
But here’s the key thoughts from
the OT historical books; which
provide a theological narrative
of God’s interaction with His
covenant people Israel, from their
entry to the Promised Land to
their Exile and eventual return.
These books demonstrate God’s
faithfulness, power and plan in
the face of Israel’s disobedience…
Mar10: Living God In Control(Jos2/3)
M17: Listen for the Lord Speaks(1S3)
M24: God Gives Us Direction(2S1/2)
M31: God Gives Wisdom (1Kgs 3)
Apr7: Inquire, Listen then Act(1Ch14)
A14:God Puts Word in our Heart(N2)
Navigation: Click PrayerThots.com
Scroll to Calendar, Select mth & day.

God Puts His Word In Our Heart

In ancient times, a city was only
as secure as its walls. In the case
of Jerusalem, the temple stands
in glistening splendour but the
walls lie in ruin. Enter Nehemiah,
cupbearer to the king of Persia
and God’s choice to rebuild the
city defenses. Armed with a burden
and a blueprint, Nehemiah shares
his request with the king and
receives more than he asked for!

Lord, we Open our Heart to You:
I asked about the Jews who had
returned from captivity and about
how things were in Jerusalem.
They said: Things are not well.
They’re in great trouble & disgrace.
The walls of Jerusalem has been
torn down. When I heard this,I wept.
For days I mourned,fasted & prayed.
O Lord, look down & see me praying
night & day for Your people(N1:1-6)
The king asked: How can I help you?
With a Prayer Neh replied: send me
to Judah to rebuild the city(N2:4-5)
So I came to Jerusalem and was
there three days…. I told no one
what my God Had Put In My Heart…
And I went out by night… and viewed
the walls which were broken (v11-13)
Then I said to (the Jewish leaders):
Come let us build the wall of Jer…
And I told them of the hand of God…
& also of the king’s words… So they
said: Let us rise up & build (v17-18)

Lord, sometimes my heart is
gripped by the things that grip
Your heart for Your purposes.
Make me Lord to be sensitive
to the Stirring of Your Spirit and
the sound of Your voice. And
when I have sought Your Will
and direction, make me joyfully
eager to participate in Your plan.
In Jesus’ precious name, Amen.

Lord, we learn Nehemiah’s example
on how to respond to bad news.
Following initial grief, he prayed,
pouring his heart out to You God.
Then he gathered all the information
he needed to assess the situation.
Only after careful planning would
Neh Share his mission to others.
Help us Lord to confront challenges
with Trust in God and constructive
action. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Lord, help me sort out the burdens
in my heart whether they’re Yours;
and which one I should follow.
Lead me to fulfil the purposes
You have placed within my heart;
Clarify vision and secure my steps.
Lead me Lord through open doors
to accomplish Your Kingdom mission
wherever You lead & wherever I can.
In Jesus’ precious name, Amen.

Hearing God through His Word

The purpose of the book of Ezra
is show God’s faithfulness and
the way He kept His promise to
restore His people to their land;
whilst for Nehemiah is to record
the third return to Jerusalem after
captivity, telling how the walls were
rebuilt and the people were renewed
in their faith; and for Esther is to
demonstrate God’s sovereignty
and His loving care for His people.

On Monday, we learn from Ezra 1-3
that God Is Faithful & In Control.
On Tuesday, we learn from Ezra 8
that God Listens to Earnest Prayers.
On Wed, we learn from Neh 1/2
that God Puts His Word In Our Heart.
On Thu, we learn from Neh 6/7
to Complete the Assignment.
On Friday, we learn from Esther 4
to Get Ready to Be Counted Upon.
On Sat, we learn from Esther 6/7
that Almighty God Is In Control.

Let us humble ourselves and pray
and seek His face. Help us O God
be Christ’s disciples who Hear You:
For God Is Faithful & In Control and
that You Listen to Earnest Prayers;
For God Puts His Word in our Heart
& wants us Complete Assignment;
For Almighty God Is In Control and
wants us Get Ready to Be Counted.
In Jesus’ precious name, Amen.

Almighty God Is In Control

The king and Haman are invited to
yet another banquet. Esther’s wise
and timely delay allows the Divine
Director to stage Haman’s exit.
Meanwhile, King Ahasuerus has
trouble sleeping and tries to cure
his insomnia by reading the court
records. To his surprise he discovers
the unrewarded kindness of
Mordecai and orders Haman to lead
the procession in Mordecai’s honor.
Thoroughly humiliated, Haman
returns to Esther’s banquet, where
she reveals both her nationality
and his treachery. The king directs
his servants to hang Haman on the
very gallows prepared for Mordecai.

Lord, we Trust You are In Control:
That night the king could not sleep.
So the book of records… were read
before the king. It was found written
that Mordecai had exposed… two
of the king’s officers… who had
conspired to assassinate Kg Xerxes.
Then the king said: What recognition
has Mordecai received for this?And
the king’s servants… said: Nothing
has been done for him (Esth 6:1-3).
The king and Haman went to Queen
Esther’s banquet. While they were
drinking wine, the king again asked
her: Tell me what you want. I will
give u even if it’s half the kingdom.
And so Queen Esther replied:
My petition is that my life and the
lives of my people will be spared.
For my people and I have been
sold to those who would kill us.
Who would do such a thing?
King Xerxes demanded. Who would
dare to touch you? Esther replied:
He is wicked Haman (Est 7:1-6).
Then the king said: Hang him… So
they hang Haman on the gallows he
had prepared for Mordecai (v9-10).

Lord, noted king Xerxes unable to
sleep and decided to review history
of his reign may seem coincidental;
but You God are always at work.
Trust events that come together
for good are not mere coincidence.
But they are the result of almighty
God’s sovereign control over
the course of our lives. Amen.

Lord, when I’m anxious, help me
to remember that Your grace is
sufficient for me and Your power
is made perfect in my weakness.
Lord, when dealing with those in
authority, it is important to ensure
the timing is right before speaking.
So teach me Lord to listen to Your
voice and respond in obedience
on Your perfect timing. Amen.

Lord, because You are In Control of
history, You’re not frustrated by turn
of events & You’re able to deliver us.
Because we trust You God, we are
not to fear; but instead we are to
be confident that God Is In Control.
And we will purpose to act with
courage to follow God’s guidance;
knowing & trusting You’re In Control.
Lord, we’ll Wait for Your Timing; and
we’ll Seize the Opportunity. Amen.

Get Ready to Be Counted

Esther has been elevated to queen
without her nationality discovered.
And Haman the villain also rises
to the top politically. His hatred for
the Jews burns hot when Mordecai
fails to pay homage to him. Haman
persuaded King Ahasuerus to issue
an edict for destruction for the
Jewish race. Now Queen Esther
is faced with a deadly decision.
Should she risk revealing her
nationality in an attempt to dissuade
the king? Or should she protect
her life and silently watch while
her countrymen are slaughtered?

Lord, we’ll Stand & Be Counted:
And letters were sent by couriers
into all the king’s provinces… to kill
all the Jews, both young and old…
on the 13th day of the 12th mth & to
plunder their possessions (Est 3:13)
Mordecai sent this reply to Esther:
Don’t think for a moment because
you’re in the palace you will escape
when all other Jews are killed. If
you Keep Quiet at a time like this,
deliverance and relief for the Jews
will arise from some other place,
but you and your relatives will die.
Who knows you were made queen
for just such a time like this?
(Est 4:13-14). Then Esther replied:
Go, gather together all the Jews…
and fast for me. Do not eat or
drink for three days… I and my
maids Will Fast as you do. When
this is done, I Will Go to the king,
even though it is against the law.
And If I Perish, I Perish (v15-16).

Lord to witness Esther’s courageous
Identification with You & Your people
challenges me to look at my own life.
I ask myself if I’ve been committed
to being a part of Your people.
Grant me Lord the courage to
Identify with You and Your cause.
Give me courage to be different
even if it means being rejected
for Identifying With You. Amen.

Lord, help me to be a person who
has a Heart For You and Your ways.
Help me Lord to be one who is
in the right place at the right time.
Enable me Lord as I Fast and Pray
to have a powerful effect on those
around me by standing up for what
is right and following Your leading.
Make my prayers powerful enough
to encourage and enable the lives
of the people whom I pray. Amen.

Lord, show me when Your Spirit is
calling me to Put Aside everything
else in order to seek You; and give
me grace to respond to that call.
Give me the discipline I need to be
able to Follow Through and the faith
to know that You are able to deliver.
Make my heart obedient in Seeking
Your kingdom interests for You God
will take care of my needs. Amen.

Complete the Assignment

With progress continuing on the
rebuilding of the walls, Nehemiah’s
opponents shift their attacks from
direct confrontation to conspiracy.
Sanballat and Geshem repeatedly
try to sidetrack Nehemiah from his
God-given assignment. Even a false
prophet arises to lead Nehemiah
into a potentially fatal trap, only to
have his plan foiled by Nehemiah’s
keen discernment. In spite of deceit,
espionage & attempted assassinatn,
Nehemiah and his dedicated brick-
layers complete the city walls in
under 2 mths,– a feat even Israel’s
enemies perceive is wrought of God.
As governor, Neh also organises
the leadership in the newly built city.

Lord, we’ll Complete Yr Assignment:
Then Sanballat sent his assistant…
(with) letter: It is reported… that you
and the Jews are plotting to revolt,
and therefore you’re blh l the wall.
Moreover, acc to these reports
you are about to become their king…
I sent him this reply: Nothing like what you’re saying is happening; you are just making it up.They are trying
to frighten us, thinking: Their hands
will get too weak for the work, and
it will not be completed (Neh 6:5-9)
After the wall had been rebuilt and
I had set the doors in place, the
gatekeepers & Levites were apptd.
I put in charge of Jerusalem my
brother Hanani along with Hananiah
the commander of the citadel
because he was a man of integrity
and feared God more than most
men do… Also appoint residents
of Jerusalem as guards (Neh 7:1-3)

Nehemiah demonstrated excellent
leadership. He was spiritually ready
to heed God’s call. He also used
careful planning, courage and
perseverance to get the work done.
For positive expectations are never
a substitute for doing difficult work.
Lord, we will Stand Firm to Do Right;
and we will Fulfil Your Assignment.
In Jesus’ precious name, Amen.

Lord, we pray that our church
leaders will be equally committed
to doing what is right in God’s eyes.
Grant us Lord grace to listen to Your
instructions and to carry them out.
Pray that whatever distractions
and challenges may come, we will
concentrate on the work God has
called us to do. And strengthen
Lord our hearts and hands. Amen.

Lord, we recognise that correctly
assessing people’s gifts, reliability
& character is essential of leadership.
And that integrity and fear of
God are the key character traits.
For people of integrity can be trusted
to carry out their work; and God-
fearing people can be expected to
do so in line with God’s priorities.
Grant us Lord the passion to serve
and to complete all that God has
entrusted to us. In Jesus’ name.

God Puts His Word In Our Heart

In ancient times, a city was only
as secure as its walls. In the case
of Jerusalem, the temple stands
in glistening splendour but the
walls lie in ruin. Enter Nehemiah,
cupbearer to the king of Persia
and God’s choice to rebuild the
city defenses. Armed with a burden
and a blueprint, Nehemiah shares
his request with the king and
receives more than he asked for!

Lord, we Open our Heart to You:
I asked about the Jews who had
returned from captivity and about
how things were in Jerusalem.
They said: Things are not well.
They’re in great trouble & disgrace.
The walls of Jerusalem has been
torn down. When I heard this,I wept.
For days I mourned,fasted & prayed.
O Lord, look down & see me praying
night & day for Your people(N1:1-6)
The king asked: How can I help you?
With a Prayer Neh replied: send me
to Judah to rebuild the city(N2:4-5)
So I came to Jerusalem and was
there three days…. I told no one
what my God Had Put In My Heart…
And I went out by night… and viewed
the walls which were broken (v11-13)
Then I said to (the Jewish leaders):
Come let us build the wall of Jer…
And I told them of the hand of God…
& also of the king’s words… So they
said: Let us rise up & build (v17-18)

Lord, sometimes my heart is
gripped by the things that grip
Your heart for Your purposes.
Make me Lord to be sensitive
to the Stirring of Your Spirit and
the sound of Your voice. And
when I have sought Your Will
and direction, make me joyfully
eager to participate in Your plan.
In Jesus’ precious name, Amen.

Lord, we learn Nehemiah’s example
on how to respond to bad news.
Following initial grief, he prayed,
pouring his heart out to You God.
Then he gathered all the information
he needed to assess the situation.
Only after careful planning would
Neh Share his mission to others.
Help us Lord to confront challenges
with Trust in God and constructive
action. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Lord, help me sort out the burdens
in my heart whether they’re Yours;
and which one I should follow.
Lead me to fulfil the purposes
You have placed within my heart;
Clarify vision and secure my steps.
Lead me Lord through open doors
to accomplish Your Kingdom mission
wherever You lead & wherever I can.
In Jesus’ precious name, Amen.