The Time Is Now - Developing A Lifestyle Of Prayer

I proceeded to study eve1y Scripture passage focusing on love, and I learned that I "loved" ice creambecause it brought me pleasure. It made me feel good. And that's the way the world uses the word love: ''I'll love you as long as you make me feel good." But biblical love is a commitment that is not dependent on emotional feeling. Let's take this one step furthe1� into the realm of prayer. Since prayer is an expression of love toward God and people, our love L� expressed most biblically when we pray in spite of how we feel. Don't wait until you feel like praying. Commit to love God and people by praying under all circumstances. Afterward, don't determine the effectiveness of your prayers by your feelings. Good feelings will often follow when we express unconditional love through prayer, but that's not guaran­ teed. When you have prayed, you have told God, "I'm committed to You; I love You," no mat­ ter what emotions follow. And you can also know with confidence that you have impacted the lives of people for whom you have prayed, even if you don't feel "loving." 9. Read 1 Corinthians 13:4-8, the heart of the famous "love chapte1'. "According to Paul's teaching here, describe the role, ifany, that emotions play in the various expres­ sions of love he lists.

10. How does the unconditional nature of loving prayer explain Paul's exhortation in Ephesians 6:18? (Note his repeated use of the words "all"and "always.")

The Next Step The Father who loves you awaits your company. Turn to "1\venty Steps to Daily Prayer" (page 147). Tty to keep the idea of your intimate companionship with God in mind as you take the next step. Memory Passage "Dear Friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Eve1yone who loves has been born of God and knows God." -1John4:7