5 Day Devotional for "Teach Us to Pray (Part 1): Purposeful Prayer"

Day 1: Connecting Our Hearts to God's Heart
Reading: 1 John 3:1-4
Devotional: Today, we focus on the incredible privilege of being called God's children. As we read this passage, let's reflect on the depth of God's love for us. He doesn't just tolerate us; He adopts us into His family. This intimate relationship should transform how we approach prayer. When we pray, we're not speaking to a distant deity, but to our loving Father.

Take a moment to consider: How does knowing you're God's child change your perspective on prayer? How might it affect your daily life? As you go through your day, try to see yourself through God's eyes - as His beloved child. Let this identity shape your interactions with others and your response to challenges.

Day 2: Conforming Our Will to God's Will
Reading: Matthew 6:9-13
Devotional: Jesus teaches us to pray, "Your kingdom come, your will be done." This is a profound statement of surrender and alignment with God's purposes. Often, we approach prayer with our own agenda, asking God to bless our plans. But Jesus invites us to a deeper level of trust and submission.

Reflect on areas of your life where you might be resisting God's will. What would it look like to fully surrender these to Him? Remember, God's will is always for our good and His glory. As you pray today, focus on aligning your heart with God's desires rather than just presenting your requests.

Day 3: Living Out God's Kingdom on Earth
Reading: John 4:19-26
Devotional: Jesus tells the Samaritan woman that true worshipers will worship in spirit and truth. This speaks to a life wholly devoted to God, where our inner spirit aligns with the truth of who God is. As we pray for God's kingdom to come "on earth as it is in heaven," we're asking for our lives to reflect God's reality here and now.

Consider: How can you bring a piece of God's kingdom to your workplace, family, or community today? Look for opportunities to show love, extend grace, or speak truth in a way that reflects God's character. Remember, you are an ambassador of God's kingdom wherever you go.

Day 4: Trusting God's Plans
Reading: Psalm 37:1-7
Devotional: "Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart." This verse isn't a guarantee that God will fulfill our every wish, but a promise that as we find our joy in Him, our desires will align with His. When we pray with purpose, we're asking God to shape our lives according to His perfect plan.

Reflect on your current goals and aspirations. Are they centered on your own comfort and success, or do they align with God's kingdom purposes? Ask God to give you a heart that delights in Him above all else. Trust that His plans for you are good, even when they differ from your own expectations.

Day 5: Praying with Renewed Purpose
Reading: Romans 12:1-2
Devotional: Paul urges us to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. This transformation is key to praying with purpose. As we immerse ourselves in God's Word and seek His presence, our thoughts and desires begin to align with His.

Today, approach your prayer time with fresh intentionality. Before presenting your requests, spend time praising God for who He is. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal any areas where your thinking needs to be renewed. As you pray, focus on seeking God's will and kingdom above your own needs and wants.

Remember, purposeful prayer connects our hearts to God's heart, conforms our will to His will, and converges our lives with His plans. Let this be your aim as you continue to grow in your prayer life.