Today’s Key Scripture (all references NKJV unless otherwise noted:

Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it.

—Matthew 13:45-46, KJV

When Jesus suffered and died for our sins on the cross of Calvary, we are told that the veil of the temple was ripped from top to bottom: “And, behold , the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent” Matthew 27:51, KJV). Never again could anything except sin and unbelief keep us from fellowship with God as we come to Him through our Lord Jesus.

Neglecting time with God in prayer flies in the face of this privilege. It reveals our unbelief: “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him” (Hebrews 11:6, KJV).

God demands to be first in the believer’s life: “Thou shalt have no other gods before me… Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God” (Exodus 20:3,5, KJV).

Commit ourselves to spend daily time with God in prayer, a priceless privilege: “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33, KJV).

A Prayer for Today:

Dear Lord, thank You for the priceless privilege of prayer. I’m so grateful for Your abundant, abounding grace. I’m thankful that Your grace—Your unmerited favor—means that I don’t have to earn a single drop of the mighty river of grace that flows freely over me today. Help me to walk in the path of Your love, Your righteousness, and Your grace. Help me to remember how crucial it is for me to spend time with You regularly, drinking freely from the water of life. And when the challenges in life come, help me to be prepared for whatever happens because of my time with You every day. In the precious Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen!