Psalm of the Day: Psalm 69:17-36
Wisdom of the Day: Ecclesiastes 7:16-29
Scripture Reading: Luke 6:12-19
Let us observe that when our Lord ordained His first ministers, He did it after much prayer. We read that He "went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God. When morning came, He called His disciples unto Him, and He chose twelve of them, whom He named apostles."
We need not doubt that there is a deep significance in this special mention of our Lord's praying upon this occasion. It was intended to be a perpetual lesson to the Church of Christ. The church must pray and pray without ceasing.
Do we desire to help forward the cause of pure and undefiled religion in the world? Then let us never forget to pray for ministers and especially for young men about to enter the ministry. The progress of the Gospel, under God will always depend much on the character and conduct of those who profess to preach it.
In this, and in too many other cases, the words of James are often sadly applicable, "You have not because you ask not" (James 4:2). We do not ask God to raise up a constant supply of converted young men to fill our pulpits and God chastises our neglect by withholding them.
Prayer for the Day: Dear Lord, help me to understand that prayer is my vital lifeline to receive your blessings today.
Action Plan: On a typical day, how much do I pray? How can I live my life more in a spirit of prayer? How can I pray for my pastor more?
This devotional was taken from The Gospel of Luke by J.C. Ryle published in 1858
and adapted by Pastor Tim Lewis of New England Shores Baptist Church.
