Prayer in the Pages By Barbara M. Britton

It is with great pleasure I bring you another guest post! Please welcome my friend, Barbara M Britton to our blog with some beautiful sentiments on God's Word.

​Take it away Barb...
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Thanks Pam!
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God’s Word never ceases to amaze me. Even though I know a Bible story well, there are always details that deepen my faith. 
My latest release covers six stories in the Gospel of Mark that show the power and compassion of Jesus. In Jesus, we have the Son of the Most-High God, and someone who was fully human. Jesus never sinned, but He needed to take care of His physical self. 

This week I studied two other Bible heroes, who like Jesus, prayed to God in good times and challenging times.
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Let us start with Jesus. While Jesus is listening to His disciples debrief on their exploits of evangelism, so many people are disturbing them that Jesus says, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” (Mark 6:31 NIV)

If you know what comes next, Jesus doesn’t find rest right away. He and the disciples feed five thousand men, and the women and children with them. Preparing a banquet for thousands is not restful. Afterward, we are told that Jesus made His disciples get in a boat and go on ahead of Him. What did Jesus do? He went up on a mountainside to pray. (Mark 6:46).

Jesus knew prayer with the Father was critical to staying focused on His mission. He may have had to multiply loaves and fishes first, but He didn’t forget to talk to His Father.

Likewise, when Nehemiah received word that his home city of Jerusalem was in ruins, he “mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heavens.” (Nehemiah 1:4 NIV). Nehemiah also prayed while in the presence of King Artaxerxes. Long prayers or short prayers, Nehemiah stayed connected to God. He would need that connection to complete the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s wall while facing enemies from outside the city and from within.

And then there is Daniel. I taught this story to a group of elementary girls this week. I thought I knew this story by heart. Daniel is thrown into a lion’s den because he doesn’t stop praying to God. An edict had been given that everyone had to worship King Darius alone.

Daniel continued to pray at least three times a day to God. (Daniel 6:10).

The word that caught my eye regarding Daniel’s prayer life was uttered by King Darius. Before throwing Daniel into the lion’s den, something he didn’t want to do, the king states, “May your God, whom you serve continually, rescue you!” (Daniel 6:16 NIV).

When the king goes back to the lion’s den in the morning, he asks something similar, “has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to rescue you from the lions?” (Daniel 6:20). Did you catch the word that stood out to me? Daniel prayed to God and worshiped God continually. People noticed, even the king.

Daniel’s prayer life affected the king and his new decree declared that everyone in Darius’s kingdom must fear and reverence the God of Daniel. Amen!

These accounts in the Bible encouraged me to pray to God more often.

I don’t know what you are facing in your life. Your days may be smooth sailing in a boat, or you may be facing your own den of lions. Pray continually and consistently to God. We need to stay connected to God and focused on His sovereignty and compassion.
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As you read Scripture this week, notice other prayer warriors in God’s Word. If you have a favorite, share it with us.

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Discover the life changing power of Jesus in six short stories from the Gospel of Mark. The miracles of Jesus will leap from the page in a Biblical Fiction story, author reflection, and relatable study.

Travel with Jesus as he calms a storm, heals a desperate woman, raises a dead daughter to life, sends His disciples on a minimalist mission, feeds thousands on a hillside, and shows compassion to a persistent mother.

A perfect study for your small group, personal or family devotions, or even a book club.
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Barbara M. Britton is an author of Christian Fiction who loves to bring little-known Bible stories to light. She has taught the Bible in church and schools for thirty years. Barbara has a nutrition degree from Baylor University but loves to dip healthy strawberries in chocolate. You can find out more about Barbara and her books on her website barbarambritton.com.

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