Listen
What is God saying to you through the scriptures today?
Reflect
There may not be much written about Cornelius’ life in the book of Acts but one thing we are told is that he prayed regularly to God. We aren’t given details of his prayer life such as when he prayed or how he prayed. We are simply told that he consistently spent time with God in prayer. Prayer isn’t some magic potion to get God to move on our behalf. Instead, it is a crucial way to align ourselves to the work and the purpose of God. At the core, it is an invitation to walk with God intimately. Cornelius appears in the book of Acts during an impressionable stage in the early days of the local church. God uses his life to show Peter that God’s invitation to the good news isn’t reserved just for the select few but to everyone. It was a defining moment for Peter and the church to understand and embrace this new covenant. God’s love is much deeper and his invitation stretches far wider than anyone could have conceived.
And here is a thing that shows up over and over again in the stories of people who walk closely with God and have lived life with this kind of big and bold faith. They all prayed regularly! Jesus’ disciples certainly saw this pattern in Jesus and saw an unmistakable connection between Jesus’ prayer life and his life of uncommon clarity and power. And so they asked Jesus, “teach us how to pray!” And as we embark on this journey to prayer for the next 28 days, let’s ask God to also teach us how to pray. And as we pray regularly, may our expectations and anticipations to see and experience God be increased daily.
Pray
“Lord, teach me how to pray.” Before I share what’s in my heart, help me to make space to hear what is in yours.
Do
Mark Batterson says change of place and change pace brings about change of perspective. For the next 28 days, set aside a certain place where you can go to God in prayer daily. It could be a closet, a local park, or your favorite coffee shop, but build a consistent rhythm for the next 4 weeks and prioritize your time with God in prayer. Your goal is to be consistent, daily, and be expectant! So mark your place and time and see if God doesn’t show up more regularly in your life.