How to Improve Your Personal Devotional Worship–Part 7

As we move from what content we might consider for the different times of day in our devotion, it is time again to focus on prayer.

Closing Prayer

Now is the time to praise God for the wonderful treasures He has revealed to you in your study and memorization time. Ask for wisdom to know how to apply the knowledge obtained to your daily life. Plead that God will help you not to make mistakes that will greatly inconvenience those for whom you work, or teach, or in whatever career you find yourself.

Always spend time praying for others, and not for yourself alone. Make a list. Fervently pray for each individual or event. Pray for their spiritual growth, their conversion to God, and that God would supply every need that is brought to their attention. God will hear and answer intercessory prayers that are lifted up to Him in ways that are beyond our imagination. Pray that God will use you as an answer to these prayers. We must cooperate with Him, and not get in the way.

“In the Word of God are represented two contending parties that influence and control human agencies in our world. Constantly these parties are working with every human being. Those who are under God’s control and who are influenced by the heavenly angels, will be able to discern the crafty workings of the unseen powers of darkness. Those who desire to be in harmony with the heavenly agencies should be intensely in earnest to do God’s will. They must give no place whatever to Satan and his angels.

“But unless we are constantly on guard, we shall be overcome by the enemy. Although a solemn revelation of God’s will concerning us has been revealed to all, yet a knowledge of His will does not set aside the necessity of offering earnest supplications to Him for help, and of diligently seeking to cooperate with Him in answering the prayers offered. He accomplishes His purposes through human instrumentalities.” (Ellen White, Manuscript 95, 1903, emphasis added.)

“If you are sincere in your prayers, you will act in accordance with them. You will diligently study the Scriptures that you may understand what is truth, that you may cooperate with God, and not work at cross-purposes with your own prayer.” (Ellen White, Youth’s Instructor, February 9, 1893, emphasis added.)