The Lord God called to the man, “Where are you?” Genesis 3:9


“I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.” Jeremiah 31:3

The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” Romans 8:15

… Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings… Hebrews 10:22

God is the one who initiates. Our conversation with Him is a conversation that He began. We do not have to win an audience with the King of the Universe. He invites us into His presence. By His grace and at great cost, He removes the obstacles that stand between us. He wants us to know Him. He wants us to trust Him. He wants us to love Him. This is not because He needs us, but because we need Him and He loves us.

I am continually amazed that the Creator of all things not only takes notice of such tiny creatures, but has chosen to love us. It’s not that we’re lovable. God is love!

Prayer is a privilege. But how important is it? After my dad’s death, my mother was often saddened by the sense that she had no one left to care for. All her life, she enjoyed cooking meals, cleaning house, and doing a multitude of tasks for those she loved. With only herself to care for, she found herself longing for heaven.

While we understood her desire to be with her Lord, we also realized how much we would miss her. We were blessed to have her in our home as our boys went through adolescence and prepared for manhood. We were keenly aware that her daily fervent intercession on our behalf made a profound difference and provided the best protection possible for us. When she died, it fell to us to extend the prayer covering she so graciously provided for many years.

All of her children continually assured her that we were deeply grateful for her prayers. We knew that throughout the day, she would look at the photos of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and continually intercede on our behalf. But, how important was her prayer vigil? Does prayer really qualify as an important use of our time and energy?

Yes! Though few of God’s children seem to grasp the foundational necessity of prayer; there is no more  important work in life. As a friend of mine says, “Prayer is not what we do before we go to work; prayer is the work.” A personal, intimate relationship with our loving Creator is our reason for living. It is the heart of the matter!

Jesus, through whom all things were created, came to earth as the Redeemer of the world. He lived a sinless life and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for our sins. Having died on the cross, He then rose from the grave as conqueror over death. He proved to His followers that He is alive. He has ascended to the Father’s right hand in glory. So, what is He doing now?

The Bible says that Jesus always lives to intercede for us! Our Lord Himself is engaged in prayer! You and I could never ask for a more important assignment than prayer. God has called His children to appear before His throne. And, as we draw near and behold His face, His Spirit rises up within us. With joy and wonder we cry, “Daddy!”

Taken from : Calling Him Daddy, by Jim Wood

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