Category: Uncategorized

Sunshine Blogger Award

~ A Prayer Life ~ 5 Comments

“A Prayer Life” was graciously nominated by Theodora at “Amazing Grace” blog for the Sunshine Blogger Award. I am very humbled and blessed by this recognition. (I didn’t know such an award existed). As part of the nomination process, and to get to know your fellow bloggers a little better, she posed the following 11 questions to her nominees. I will do my best to give my answers here. I pray all who read this blog are blessed for having done so.

1. How old is your blog?

I started ‘A Prayer Life’ in September 2019.

2. What do you enjoy most about blogging?

Reaching others with the the hope and love of God in Christ.

3. How important do you think Social Media is for the success of a blog?

If used with integrity and discretion, Social Media can be a wonderful tool for reaching others with your message.

4. How would you define a successful blog? In other words, what do you think a successful blog looks like?

A successful blog accomplishes it’s purpose; whatever purpose the blogger has in mind.

5. Describe your feelings when you received your first blogging award nomination?

Surprised and humbled. 🙂

6. Have you ever thought about monetizing your blog?

No, not at this time.

7. If so, what do you think is the best method for monetizing?

By providing a link or some other method for people to give or contribute.

8. What kind of post do you find easiest or most enjoyable to write?

Brief Biblical, devotional and thought-provoking posts.

9. What do you think is best, long or short posts?

Short posts. I think brevity in writing makes the writer think more concise, and for the reader, the message more succinct.

10. Funny/weird Question: What is the weirdest thing you have ever eaten?

A gnat. (Not intentionally)

11. What is your favourite way to unwind after a hectic day?

A quiet evening with soft music, beautiful weather and good conversation.

Embraced By Faith

~ A Prayer Life ~ 1 Comment

Because all men be sinners and offenders against God, and breakers of His law and commandments, therefore can no man by his own acts, works, and deeds (seem they never so good) be justified, and made righteous before God: But every man of necessity is constrained to seek for another righteousness or justification, to be received at God’s own hands, that is to say, the forgiveness of his sins and trespasses, in such things as he hath offended. And this justification or righteousness, which we so receive of God’s mercy and Christ’s merits, embraced by faith, is taken, accepted, and allowed of God, for our perfect and full justification.

~ Thomas Cranmer (1489-1556)

The Mightiest Weapon

~ A Prayer Life ~ 1 Comment

Prayer is the mightiest weapon that God has placed in our hands. It is the best weapon to use in every difficulty, and the surest remedy in every trouble. It is the key that unlocks the treasury of promises, and the hand that draws forth grace and help in time of need. It is the silver trumpet that God commands us to sound in all our necessity; it is the cry He has promised always to listen to.

~ J. C. Ryle (1816-1900)

The Path of Life

~ A Prayer Life ~ 1 Comment

You will show me the path of life…

~ Psalm 16:11a (NKJV)

In Robert Frost’s famous poem The Road Not Taken, he describes one path that eventually diverges into two deep in the woods. This individual spends the greater portion of the poem contemplating which road to take. Yet, unable to take them both, and having to decide, the traveler chooses the one that looks less worn, less used. And his conclusion upon taking “the one less traveled by” is that it made all the difference in his life.

When it comes to our spiritual path, our soul’s life journey, only the path God shows us is the path of life. Though other paths might entice us with the lure of worldly treasures and temptations, ultimately they lead to death. Jesus would put it this way, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” If He has not done so already, pray God would show you the path of life. For in His path alone, lays all true difference.

~ apl

The Comfort of The Cross

~ A Prayer Life ~ 2 Comments

We have taught our people to use prayer too much as a means of comfort – not in the original and heroic sense of uplifting, inspiring, strengthening, but in the more modern and baser sense of soothing sorrow, dulling pain, and drying tears – the comfort of the cushion, not the comfort of the Cross.

~ G. A. Studdert Kennedy (1883-1929)

The Ears of God

~ A Prayer Life ~ Leave a comment

The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, And His ears are open to their cry.

~ Psalm 34:15 (NKJV)

Note: Even though the Bible teaches God is Spirit, the Lord is sometimes described in Scripture using human features. He is said to have human characteristics. I think the best way to interpret the passages that speak of God in this manner is not literally, but figuratively. And the Lord uses this human (anthropomorphic) language to describe certain attributes, not so we know what He looks like, but so we can better relate to Him and understand more fully who He is in our relationship to Him.

Having touched on the Biblical significance of The Eyes of God, let us turn our attention to the importance behind the Scriptural language of the Lord’s ears. The ear is the organ of hearing. By the ear, we receive and interpret sounds of various kinds. And like the human ear which is limited to detecting only a certain range of sounds, it seems Scripture teaches God’s ears are more specifically tuned towards the cries of His people. God wants to hear from us. He has inclined His ear towards us that we might know the Lord not only sees us in our life condition, but desires to hear from us regarding it. Therefore, may we not neglect so great a grace. Whether it be songs praise and thanksgiving, or the prayers of deep anguish and pain, Christians serve a compassionate loving God whose ears are open to their cries.

~ apl

The Eyes of God

~ A Prayer Life ~ 3 Comments

[God’s] eyes are upon the ways of a man, And He sees all his steps.

~ Job 34:21

Note: Even though the Bible teaches God is Spirit, the Lord is sometimes described in Scripture using human features. He is said to have human characteristics. I think the best way to interpret the passages that speak of God in this manner is not literally, but figuratively. And the Lord uses this human (anthropomorphic) language to describe certain attributes, not so we know what He looks like, but so we can better relate to Him and understand more fully who He is in our relationship to Him.

It has been said the eye is the window to the soul. There is something about looking someone in the eye. There is an honesty, purity, and clarity the eyes find hard to hide. When the Bible speaks of God’s eyes, or the eyes of the Lord, is speaks to His full awareness or knowledge of all things. God is omniscient. Nothing is unknown to Him. From beginning to end, the ways of man are plain in His sight. As Proverbs 15:3 reads, “The eyes of the Lord are in every place, watching the evil and the good.” For those who trust Him, God’s watchful eye is a wonderful blessing. We can know He sees our afflictions. God knows our condition, and will come to our aid. But for those who do not fear the Lord, His knowledge of their sin will ultimately be what condemns them. Therefore, fear the Lord, take comfort in Him, for His eyes are upon you.

~ apl