Today’s Key Scripture

“The prayer of a person living right with God is something powerful to be reckoned with.”

— James 5:16, msg

Though it is no longer published, for more than a century Moody Monthly magazine was one of the main voices of Moody Bible Institute. Some time ago, while thumbing through cherished old copies of this periodical, I remember seeing this eye-opening paragraph:

It is not the arithmetic of our prayers, how many they are; nor the rhetoric of our prayers, how eloquent they be; nor the geometry of our prayers, how long they may be; nor the music of our prayers, how sweet our voice may be; nor the logic of our prayers, how argumentative they may be; nor the method of our prayers, how orderly they may be; or even the theology of our prayers, how good the doctrine—which God cares for. Fervency of spirit is that which availeth much.

Fervency of spirit!

Maintaining our zeal toward God and spending time in His presence is not easy in a world that seems to continually be in a hurry. It’s our responsibility to be fervent in spirit by staying close to Him. That takes discipline. That means worshipping Him, even when it is not convenient. It means remaining fervent as the Holy Spirit stands ready to empower our obedience.

A close, intimate relationship with God is born of fervency. Fellowship springs from fervency. And I pray that God’s power and presence will be released upon your life, filling your heart with His knowledge as you seek Him passionately throughout every day.

 

A Prayer for Today

Father, Thank You for another day as You wash all my sins away, keep me on the path of righteousness, and visit me with Your presence. I have a grateful heart filled with praise for all You are doing in my life—both seen and unseen. May I live today overflowing with zeal, even as You remind me that life is not always easy or without challenges. Forgive me for dwelling on past mistakes, sins, failures, or grudges that hold me back. Instead, help me look forward to the future with a hunger to serve You. In the name of Jesus, I pray, amen.

 

*All Scripture references are NKJV unless otherwise noted.