There are certain spiritual disciplines that I have struggled to put into practice on a consistent basis. These undertakings are ones that the Lord Jesus teaches us by example as we read the Letters in Red. As we look into the scriptures though, we can see that Jesus was never asked by His disciples to, “teach us to preach”, “teach us church growth strategies”, “teach us how to have prosperity, money, and wealth”, or even “teach us how to do an altar call”. Jesus was asked one of the most important questions ever asked that all of His children really need to take to heart. It is written in *Luke 11:1 Now it came to pass, as He was praying in a certain place, when He ceased, that one of His disciples said to Him, “Lord, teach us to pray…* Jesus’ response was all about adoration & God’s will: Honoring God’s name and praying for His kingdom and His will to be done in every aspect of our lives. Dependence upon Him and Him alone: Asking for daily provision (daily bread). Seeking forgiveness for all our wrong doings while also extending forgiveness to others. Asking to be led away from temptation and delivered from evil in order to glorify Him. This prayer taught the disciples then (and believers today) how to approach God, focusing on His glory and kingdom first, followed by our own needs, and emphasizing a forgiving heart and reliance on God for strength, power, and endurance. Jesus lived a life of prayer, He was a man of prayer. How did the disciple know? The disciples had seen it before as it is written about in *Luke 5:16 So He Himself often withdrew into the wilderness and prayed.* My world is so filled up with noise and distractions it is challenging for me to have uninterrupted prayer time with God most days. Some of my most intimate times with God are when I leave my home, without my phone, and go for a walk, just God and me. I am convicted by what Charles Spurgeon said, “We do not forget to eat: we do not forget to take the shop shutters down: we do not forget to be diligent in business: we do not forget to go to our beds to rest: but we often do forget to wrestle with God in prayer, and to spend, as we ought to spend, long periods in consecrated fellowship with our Father and our God.” My brethren, if you do not pray you will never know what God can do, but if you do pray, you will be amazed when you realize all that He has already done for you. I have come to understand that I have the peace of God when I Pray, and when I think I am done, I am convinced that I should Pray some more to receive more of His presence. Please pray for me to endure through the challenging times in the ministry that God has entrusted to me, and that He provides for my family’s needs in a way that only He can. 

My BeLoved, may the grace and peace of the Lord Jesus, the love of God the Father, and the communion of the Holy Spirit, be with you all. Amen. In Christ Love, douglas. HE>i. pastord.blog

Special Note: I want to thank those who read what I write and are encouraged to support the ministry God has entrusted to me either one time or have decided to give on a monthly basis. I am encouraged to see certain verses playing out before my eyes like what is written in *Philippians 4:16 For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account.*

To any who are interested, please feel free to reach out to me with prayer requests, questions, encouragement, or for information on how to come alongside me with financial support at pastord.blog@gmail.com or I do have a Zelle account associated with my phone number, 5202720387 last name Blaser. Thank you my Beloved for your ongoing prayers and support.