Daily Scripture

John 4:23-26

But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father seeks such as these to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” The woman said to him, “I know that Messiah is coming” (who is called Christ). “When he comes, he will proclaim all things to us.” Jesus said to her, “I am he, the one who is speaking to you.”

Prayer Tip

When I started middle school, I joined the 6th grade band and began learning to play the clarinet. Initially, it was pretty boring. I had to learn individual notes. I think for the first week, all I learned was playing five different notes for different lengths of time. Then I went on to learn my first scale – still boring. Soon, I could play basic songs, mostly nursery rhymes and single lines of well-known melodies.

Each week, I had to keep track of how much time I spent practicing, and my parents had to sign my practice chart. If I didn’t practice, it negatively affected my grade. More than that, if I hadn’t practiced when I didn’t feel like it, I would never have gotten to the point where I could play more complicated pieces (while running around a football field in formation, no less!), and I would never have found the joy in being able to play beautiful compositions.

I don’t always feel like praying. Maybe you don’t either. I find, though, that when I pray even when I don’t want to, I’m always glad I did. It doesn’t matter what’s going on in my life, I always feel better for having spent time with God; that’s not to say my situation is magically fixed, but it seems more manageable and bearable. If you struggle with remembering to pray daily, consider setting up a “practice chart” to remind yourself to pray and keep yourself on track. Prayer might feel like a chore at first, but after doing it regularly, you’ll likely find joy in connecting with God.

Holy God,

We are so privileged to have direct access to you through prayer. Draw us close to you, and give us the desire to spend time with you in prayer. Show us how much joy can be found with you. 

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

 - Angela LaVallie Tinsley, Prayer and Funeral Ministries

Read today's Insight by Angela LaVallie Tinsley Angela serves as the Funeral and Prayer Program Director, overseeing on-site funerals and assisting with prayer classes, vigils, walk, retreats, and other events. She began working at Resurrection in April 2007 and in that time has worked with the Singles, Seniors, Young Adults, and Guest Connections ministries.