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

And their nobles shall be of themselves, and their governor shall proceed from the midst of them; and I will cause him to draw near, and he shall approach unto me: for who is this that engaged his heart to approach unto me? saith the Lord.

— Jeremiah 30:21, KJV

Near Campbellville, Ontario, some thirty miles southwest of Toronto, are the grounds of a retreat center called Bezek, a wonderful place founded by Bernie Warren. He named the retreat Bezek after the place where the Israelites gathered to be refreshed and encouraged as they faced an important battle (1 Samuel 11).

On one particular day I arrived quite early and began to walk alone on the grounds of the retreat center, talking to God. I went up the hill and sat on a rock, a hymnal in hand. As I sat, I began to worship the Lord as I waited upon Him, calling His precious name.

During that glorious time, a revelation filled my heart as I began to understand the importance of being alone with God, in the right condition for prayer and His presence with a heart drawn and touched by God Almighty.

From that point I began to discover that it is impossible to pray effectively or spend time in His presence until the Lord touches your heart and quickens it. The Word of God tells us, “Then we will not turn back from You; Revive us, and we will call upon Your name.” (Psalm 80:18).

The right condition for prayer and spending time in the Lord’s presence is when God draws you to Himself. It is my prayer that you will make yourself available to Him all day, every day, beginning today!

A Prayer for Today:

Good Morning, Holy Spirit! In this day I give You thanks for waking me up in anticipation of spending time with You. What a wonderful way to start this day! I am so blessed to be with You, knowing that the more time I spend in Your presence, the more I will be spiritually transformed into Your image. Help me to never again awaken with a grumbling spirit or an attitude that is still focused on the challenges of yesterday. Instead, I choose to be filled with thanksgiving, knowing that whatever happened before is in the past. I thank You for a clean slate this morning, and I ask You to help me fill that slate with Your will being done in my life. In Your holy Name I pray, with gratefulness. Amen!