Jars of Clay

"We have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us."  

-1 Corinthians 4:7

Filled to the Brim

"Jesus said to the servants, 'Fill the jars with water'; so they filled them to the brim."  -John 2:7

With God

"For nothing is impossible with God."  -Luke 2:37

Gates of Grace

"Because my servant Caleb has a different spirit and follows me wholeheartedly, I will bring him into the land he went to, and his descendants will inherit it."  

-Numbers 14:24

Like the Feet of a Deer

"The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer he enables me to go on the heights."  -Habukkuk 3:19

Press On

"I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."  -Philippians 3:14

Eternal Glory

"For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all."  

-2 Corinthians 4:17

God's Presence

"I pray that out of His glorious riches He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being."  

-Ephesians 3:16

Trusting God

"They will be like a tree planted by the water."  -Jeremiah 17:8

God Triumphs

"In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials.  These have come so that your faith--of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire--may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed."  -1 Peter 1:6-7

Storm Clouds

"The clouds are the dust of his feet." -Nahum 1:3

Imagine

"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us..." - Ephesians 3:20

Prayer

"Everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened."  -Matthew 7:8

Jesus speaks these words during his discourse known as the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7).  My study Bible lists (with scripture references) the following conditions for effectual prayer:

1. a right relationship of repentance and faith, for God never promises to answer the prayers of unbelievers although He may occasionally choose to do so
2. an earnest and spiritual desire
3. a confidence in God which leads the petitioner to ask in simple trust
4. a faith which believes that God is both able and willing to answer
5. a reception of the anticipated answer by faith as we appropriate or lay hold of that which we have not yet received

The footnote adds:  "While there are many hindrances to prayer, all of them may be comprehended under two general classifications:  sin and unbelief."

There are many, many books on how to pray and I've read lots of them.  I've attended prayer meetings and led a prayer chain.  I've had prayers answers and some not.  One could make a case for praying without ceasing and another for once is enough because to keep on praying is to show a lack of faith that God has answered.  I've heard the sentiment that the only prayer we need to pray is one of thanksgiving.  Some advocate a set time of day and length of time to pray.  It can quickly become a chore to pray if you to turn it into a formula.  You lose the whole purpose of prayer which is to have a relationship with God.

As I write the verse that comes to my mind is Romans 8:26:  "Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with sighs too deep for words."  Knowing that I need only call out to God and He will do the rest simplifies prayer in a way that encourages me to pray unceasingly.  

I am grateful that if I am humble enough to ask and trusting enough to search, I will find my way to God who gives me His Spirit who intercedes for me, making my request known to Him through which I will receive all that I need--even if it's not what I was expecting.

Cross of Christ

"But those who are of The Messiah have crucified their flesh with all its weaknesses and its cravings."
  -Galatians 5:24

Deep Wells

"'Sir,' the woman said, 'you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep.  Where can you get this living water?'" -John 4:11

A Well-Watered Garden

"The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame.  You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose water never fails."  -Isaiah 58:11

Blessed are the Meek

"Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth."  -Matthew 5:5

Merciful

"Blessed are the merciful for they shall be shown mercy."  

-Matthew 5:7

Cast Your Anxiety

"Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."  

1 Peter 5:7

Genuine

"Let love be genuine.  Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good."  -Romans 12:9

Home on the Range

"Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." -Matthew 19:14

A Call to Followers of Christ

"Now when [the wise men] departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, 'Rise, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there till I tell you; for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.'" -Matthew 2:13

Holy Spirit Poured Out

"Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear."  -Acts 2:33

Begin Where You Are

"This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it."  -Psalm 118:24

Doing What is Right

"Who will harm you if you are eager to do what is good?  But even if you do suffer for doing what is right, you are blessed."  -1 Peter 3:13-14

Waiting

"Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord."  -Psalm 27:14

Secret to Being Happy

"I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live." -Ecclesiastes 3:12

Always in His Care

"The righteous care for the needs of their animals. . . ." - Proverbs 12:10