The Upper Room Devotional 5 July 2024: Prayer Changes Us
The Upper Room Devotional 5 July 2024: Prayer Changes Us
Read and Study Today’s The Upper Room Daily Devotional for July 5th, 2024 Message. God bless you as you study today! Please share with your friends and loved ones.
Today’s Topic: Prayer Changes Us
Mary Hunt Webb (New Mexico, USA)
TODAY’S READING
2 Thessalonians 1:11-12
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
People need our prayers more than our criticism.
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. – Ephesians 4:32 (NIV)
Years ago, an assistant pastor of the church to which I belonged at that time spoke to me in such angry tones that I wanted to change churches. However, since I was in charge of a special ministry in that church with people depending on me, I stayed.
The last thing I wanted to do was pray for that pastor, but I did. At first, my prayers were not charitable. However, as time went on, I began to pray certain Bible verses for him. Over time, our interactions became more friendly. Six years after the initial incident, at the farewell reception that the church held for him and his wife before they moved to another state, that pastor hugged me and said he appreciated my devotion to ministry.
From that situation I learned not to take it so seriously when someone offends me; the circumstances can, and probably will, change. And I discovered that it is difficult to continue to feel angry toward someone for whom I am praying. Our criticism of others often will not change anything, but our prayers certainly will.
TODAY’S PRAYER
Gracious Lord, thank you for the way prayer changes us and changes others. Give us the courage to keep praying in difficult times. In the name of Jesus. Amen.
PRAYER FOCUS
Someone with whom I have a difficult relationship
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