Daily Devotion
In Jesus' Name
By Cathy Messecar
I tell you the truth, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. John 16:23
A new prayer-priority emerged for me: to remember my High Priest Jesus interceding throughout the day. After reading Ruth Gibson's Chipped Dishes, Zippers & Prayer, short meditations about marriage, children, neighborhood, and church family, I longed to be aware and give thanksgiving for the different ways Jesus helped me each day.
When Ms. Gibson's children were young, she had a difficult decision to make. She wanted to return to graduate school, and she closed her prayer for guidance, "In memory of Jesus, whose mother never went to college."
Ms. Gibson's prayers prompted soul-searching for me. The typical closing phrase after my prayers was "In Jesus' name." Over the years, those final words became a habitual prayer component. Instead of acknowledging the way Jesus life-supported me on any given day, I merely repeated a phrase heard since childhood.
To recognize the hand of the Savior in my daily life became very important to me. Paul understood the abiding presence of Jesus and wrote about the spiritual boosts he received, "I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me" (Colossians 1:29).
I began to notice that on some days Jesus became my Prince of Peace. On others, he revealed himself as Counselor. And one particular night, he crossed stormy seas to climb into my rocking boat.
Nave's Topical Bible lists over 200 names and titles for Jesus. Here are a few: Servant of Rulers, Faithful and True Witness, Good Master, Finisher of faith, Captain of the Lord's Host, Righteous Judge, Sanctuary, Vine, Door, Fountain, Arm of the Lord and a Friend of Sinners.
The Hebrew writer's instructions to "fix your thoughts on Jesus," and "consider him" became a daily goal. After a time, for I'm a slow-learner, I began to recognize Jesus' care to be constant, conformed to my need, and energizing.
Ruth Gibson was a link in bringing me to a deeper relationship with my Savior. One day, I spoke with her and expressed my thanks because her written prayers led me to holy ground.
Father, You spoke to Moses, Joshua, and the priests about holy places. Now I'm remembering the barefoot Christ and his sacrifice for me. Please, forgive me the careless times I've tagged the name of Jesus at the end of my prayers. I ask in the name of the seventy-times-seven forgiving Savior. Amen.
Excerpt from The Stained Glass Pickup: Glimpses of God's Uncommon Wisdom. Used by permission of Leafwood Publishers. www.LeafwoodPublishers.com
Related Links:
Can God change your life?
God has made it possible for you to know Him and experience an amazing change in your own life.
Discover how you can find peace with God.
You can also send us your prayer requests
 Author Cathy Messecar speaks at local and national women's retreats, social clubs, and writing guilds. Her inspirational columns ran in Houston Community Newspapers (11 years, 600 columns). She wrote A Still and Quiet Soul: Embracing Contentment (2011) and other gift books www.cathymessecar.com
Log in or create an account to post a comment.
CBN IS HERE FOR YOU!
Are you seeking answers in life? Are you hurting?
Are you facing a difficult situation?
A caring friend will be there to pray with you in your time of need.
|