Prompted to Pray

Thanks for joining us for today's encouragement from the Our Daily Bread devotional. Our reading, titled Prompted to Pray, was written by Kadira Patton. A co-worker once told me that her prayer life had improved because of our manager. I was impressed, thinking that our difficult leader had shared some spiritual nuggets with her and influenced how she prays.

I was wrong, sort of. My co-worker and friend went on to explain. Every time I see him coming, I start praying. Her time of prayer had improved because she prayed more before each conversation with him. She knew she needed God's help in her challenging work relationship with her manager, and she called out to God more because of it. My co-worker's practice of praying during tough times and interactions is something I've adopted. It's also a biblical practice found in 1 Thessalonians when Paul reminds the believers in Jesus to pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances.

No matter what we face, prayer is always the best practice. It keeps us connected with God and invites His Spirit to direct us rather than having us rely on our human inclinations. This helps us live in peace with each other, even when we face conflicts. As God helps us, we can rejoice in Him, pray about everything, and give thanks often. And those things will help us live in even greater harmony with our brothers and sisters in Jesus.

Today's Our Daily Bread devotional scripture reading is from 1 Thessalonians, chapter 5, verses 12 through 18. Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard and love because of their work.

Live in peace with each other, and we urge you, brothers and sisters. Warn those who are idle and disruptive. Encourage the disheartened.

Help the weak. Be patient with everyone. Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else. Rejoice always, pray continually. Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. Let's pray. Heavenly Father, please help us remember to pray continually as we seek to live in harmony with others. Thank you, Father. It's in Jesus' name we pray. Amen. Thanks for listening today. My name is Toni Collier, and today's encouragement was provided by Our Daily Bread Ministries.