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(Parents, today’s devotion is material from Jim’s newest book, A Boy’s Guide to Prayer. We pray it blesses you and your tween as you read it together!)
Have you ever noticed a guy who looks like he’s talking to himself? You might even do this too. Well, when you talk to yourself, it’s only a one-way conversation. You are just saying what you are thinking in your mind and your heart.
But when you pray and talk to God, that’s a totally different story!
So, what is prayer?
Prayer Is an Act of Faith
If you have tried to pray, you probably agree with me that prayer can be difficult and feel awkward. Why is that?
One reason is that you can’t see or touch the one you are praying to.
Another reason is that you can’t and won’t hear any response to your prayers. It seems like you are just talking to the air. So there you are, doing what appears to you or others to be talking to yourself.
But is that really true? If you want to make sure you are not just talking to yourself, but you are really talking to God—to Someone who can actually hear you and help you with your problems and needs—there is a verse that will help you. Here’s what it says:
Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him (Hebrews 11:6).
What does this verse say is the first thing you must do if you want God to hear your prayers?
“Anyone who wants to come to him [God] must _____________________ that God _____________________…”
To believe means to have faith. It means you are confident that even though you cannot see God, He is real—He does exist. If you have faith that God exists, you can and are to sincerely seek Him. God knows you, loves you, and wants to hear from you. One way you can let Him know you love Him is to pray and ask Him for His help about everything in your life. Start today!
RESPOND
Dear God, I want to have faith in You even though I can’t see You or hear You. I do believe You exist, and I thank You for the gift of prayer. Amen.
RENEWING RESOURCES
NEW RELEASES! A Girl’s Guide to Prayerby Elizabeth George and A Boy’s Guide to Prayer by Jim George—These wonderful resources will help your tween understand what prayer really is, how to pray effectively, and what they can pray for.
Receive a free accompanying devotionalwith your purchase of these books!
REFLECT
Talk to your parents or your pastor about God. Ask them any questions you have about Him.
REMEMBER
If you have faith that God exists, you can and are to sincerely seek Him.
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Jim and Elizabeth George are bestselling authors and national speakers dedicated to helping people live a life after God’s own heart. Together, they have written over 150 books with more than 14 million copies sold around the world. For over 35 years, the teachings and steadfast example of Elizabeth and Jim have helped countless men and women:
Jim and Elizabeth George are bestselling authors and national speakers dedicated to helping people live a life after God’s own heart. Together, they have written over 150 books with more than 14 million copies sold around the world. For over 35 years, the teachings and steadfast example of Elizabeth and Jim have helped countless men and women:
Hannah appears in the Bible during the last days of the judges of Israel when “there was no king in Israel and everyone did what was right in his own eyes” (Judges 21:25).
How did men and women in the Bible accomplish great things for God? There wasn’t any secret formula or bestselling book on success for them. In fact, they were ordinary people like you and me. What made them effective was their willingness to obey God—one decision at a time.