The beloved Twenty-third Psalm ends with these words, “Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever” (NIV).

What a good God to offer us God’s goodness and then promise us eternity!

Why does this matter for your prayer life? Because until you’re absolutely convinced that God is a good God and that God never does create evil in your life, your prayers are going to be powerless and passionless and pointless.

On the other hand, when you understand that no matter how you feel and no matter what your life looks like, God is for you and not against you.  God is a good God and God wants what’s best for you, even more than you want it yourself. God knows what will make you happy even more than you do: when these truths become the foundation of all your prayers, then your prayers become powerful and passionate and purposeful.

Nothing’s more important in your life than learning how to pray effectively. It’s the way you tap into God’s power, God’s presence, God’s peace, God’s purpose, and God’s plan.

So, what do you want to see God do in your life? What big things do you want to ask of God, believing in God’s good purpose for you? With God’s goodness as your foundation, what do you expectantly hope God will accomplish in you and in the work of your hands?

A Prayer for Resting in God’s Love

God of Goodness, I come into your presence so aware of my human frailty and yet overwhelmed by your love for me. I thank you that there is no human experience that I might walk through where your love cannot reach me. If I climb the highest mountain you are there and yet if I find myself in the darkest valley of my life, you are there. Teach me today to love you more.
Help me to rest in that love that asks nothing more than the simple trusting heart of a child.

– Author Unknown

HAVE A BEAUTIFUL WEEK!

ACTION ITEMS

1. Place a jar on the dining room table and add slips of paper with things you are thankful for as you think of them (read them to each other at the Thanksgiving table.)
2. Read I Thessalonians 5: 15-18—share the blessings you are experiencing.
3. Volunteer at the community Thanksgiving Dinner at the county fairgrounds.