"Why does God want us to be persistent in prayer? 1. God doesn’t want us to come to him like beggars. 2. It reminds us of our reliance on God. 3. It shows our trust in the fact that He will come through in His timing. 4. It reminds us who came through for us when the prayer is answered. 5. Remember: God wants a daily relationship with you. He’s not looking to be a divine genie. He’s looking to call you friend."
Verses to read as we prepare to recognize Good Friday, when Jesus gave up His life for our redemption. (1) Isaiah 53:5 (NIV): "But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds, we are healed." (2) Matthew 26:39 (NIV): "Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, 'My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.'" (3) Mark 15:39 (NIV): "And when the centurion, who stood there in front of Jesus, saw how he died, he said, 'Surely this man was the Son of God!'" (4) Romans 5:8 (NIV): "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (5) 1 Peter 2:24 (NIV): "He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds, you have been healed."
Here's something you need to remember today. (1) God has given you a perspective nobody else has. You'll see things others won't. (2) God has given you gifts nobody else has. You can do things others can't. (3) He did this because He has a mission for you. You're the one He's called to do it. (4) Don't get so busy with the rat race that you forget the calling God has on your life.
