Sunday at youth group, I challenged the youth to have a more consistent prayer time with God. We talked about some things they might do to become better equipped to make their prayer life and scripture reading more dynamic. Some things we discussed:

1. Find a time of day that works for them

2. Find a location where they will not be interrupted

3. Consider keeping a prayer journal which includes a scripture reading for each day

4. Try cultivating a daily habit which includes reading scripture, writing down what you learn about God, how the text speaks to your life and how you can apply it to your daily walk with God.

5. Praise God everyday for who He is and His wonderful attributes. Take some time to thank Him for at least three things in your life. Confess to Him the areas in your life that are not bringing honor to His name. Pray for others and their needs that the Lord lays upon your hearts.

My challenge requires the exercise of personal discipline and a sincere desire to want to know the Lord deeper than ever before. Satan doesn’t want you to attempt the things I am suggesting. He hates it when the disciples of Jesus get serious about knowing the Savior more and more each day. He says, “Don’t live by the power of the Holy Spirit. Don’t allow the Spirit to guide your life and help you experience the abundant life that Jesus talks about in John 10:10”. If the believers at Knox Church get serious about the spiritual disciplines: scripture reading, daily prayer, routine fellowship, dynamic worship, ministry involvement and sharing your faith it will drive the evil one crazy. Get prepared for his constant attacks to distract you with his call to live a life totally focused on yourself.

This message comes from a fellow pilgrim who works on these things every day.

Fred Daniels