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God, are You listening?

In the Word

The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective (James 5:16b).

Of the Word

Have you ever thought, “Why isn’t God listening to me? I prayed that my life would be changed. Nothing happened.” As weak, sinful humans, we are tempted to blame and accuse. Sometimes we are even tempted to blame God for everything that goes wrong. Could our own human frailties be hampering us, keeping us from hearing God’s good and timely answers to our prayers? Maybe we need to pray with the psalmist: Create in me a pure heart, O God (Psalm 51:10a).

Our loving and merciful God promises to listen and answer even when we are weak and fearful. … call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me (Psalm 50:15).

God’s answers don’t depend upon fancy words or even upon the strong faith of the one who prays. God answers in the right way and at the right time because He loves us.

Walking with my Lord

Dear God, forgive me for doubts and weakness. Strengthen my faith and help me to come to you with petitions that are pleasing in Your sight. Then help me to listen for Your timely answers. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living in Prayer. Written by 2003–2005 LWML Christian Life Committee. 30/31 ©2005 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. All rights reserved worldwide.

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Praise Him! Praise Him!

In the Word

O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! (Psalm 8:1).

Of the Word

Where in nature have you seen the majesty of God? Niagara Falls? Carlsbad Caverns? Yellowstone? The ocean shore? A starry sky? A glowing sunset?

Or is His majesty shown in smaller ways? The curl of a tiny hand around your finger? The first crocus of spring? The red and gold leaves of autumn?

When we stop to think of the Almighty Creator whose plan and power surround us, we stand in awe and amazement. Who but the Almighty God could design a child, build a mountain, carve a canyon, or plan the changing seasons?

Our God does all that and more. He cares for us moment by moment. He cares so much that He gave His Son to be our Savior.

With the psalmist we can pray: Let me live that I may praise You (Psalm 119:175a).

Walking with my Lord

Lord, help me to see Your majesty in both great and small things. Help me to live a life of praise to You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living in Prayer. Written by 2003–2005 LWML Christian Life Committee. 29/31 ©2005 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. All rights reserved worldwide.

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How can I know God? God found a way. He became my Brother.

In the Word

And Christ became a human being and lived here on earth among us and was full of loving forgiveness and truth (John 1:14a TLB).

Of the Word

Life is often compared to a journey. It has a beginning, middle, and end. We follow a path with many crossroads, many choices. God did not set us on our journeys alone. He sent Jesus to walk with us. One of Jesus’ names, Emmanuel, means “God is with us” (Matthew 1:23 TLB).

Jesus came to show us the Father’s heart. Jesus said, “Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father” (John 14:9b). Jesus came with His Father’s authority to share His message of forgiveness, peace, and reconciliation. Jesus came to share our human journey. … Jesus himself became like them [you and me] and shared their human nature. He did this so that through his death he might destroy the Devil, who has the power over death … (Hebrews 2:14b GNT).

Jesus gives us a clear picture of God. Now we know God loves us, that we are His dear children because of our Brother Jesus Christ and all He’s done to save us. Our life journey is blessed with Jesus.

Walking with my Lord

Lord Jesus, gracious Savior, receive my thanks and praise, my love and adoration for sharing life’s journey with me. Walk with me daily, Lord. Forgive, renew, and sustain me in my faith. Make me more like You, dear Brother. In Your name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Walking with My Lord. Author: Donna Streufert. 4/30  ©2007 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations were taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. All rights reserved worldwide.

Scripture quotations marked TLB are taken from THE LIVING BIBLE, Tyndale House Publishers, Wheaton, IL. Copyright © 1971.

Scripture quotations marked GNT are taken from the GOOD NEWS TRANSLATION – Second Edition, American Bible Society, New York, NY. Copyright © 1992.

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Example

In the Word

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience (Colossians 3:12).

Of the Word

Jesus saved all people by His death and resurrection. As a result, Christians strive to follow the example of Jesus in their words and actions. They want to show forth the fruit of the Spirit in their lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (see Galatians 5:22).

Drawing on the gifts given by the Holy Spirit, Christian parents set a positive example for their children. That positive example displayed in parents and mimicked in children is one way Jesus Christ demonstrates His gift of salvation for us all. Hearing their children say, “Through you, I have seen Jesus!” can bring great joy to the hearts of Christian parents.

Stretch your faith-filled parenting: Tell about a person who has been an inspiring example of God’s love in your life. Explain how this person has had a positive influence upon you.

Walking with my Lord

Perfect Redeemer, I praise You for those You have given as mentors and examples of Your love in my life. Help me to be a faith-filled example for my child. Through the Holy Spirit, lead my dear child to see You as Redeemer and Friend. In Your saving name I pray. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Faith-Filled Parenting. Authors: Rev. Larry and Shari Miller. 17/32 ©2009 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations were taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. All rights reserved worldwide.

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Hallelujah! Praise the Lord!

In the Word

Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord (Psalm 150:6).

Of the Word

It’s morning, it’s noon, it’s evening — it’s the right time to praise God. You’re happy, you’re sad, you’re busy — it’s the right time to praise God. You’re a new Christian, you’re a lifelong believer, you’re a person of godly wisdom — it’s the right time to praise God!

Praise God! You made me! I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14a).

Praise God! You redeemed me! Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine (Isaiah 43:1b).

Praise God for Jesus! My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior (Luke 1:46b–47).

Walking with my Lord

Heavenly Father, Jesus has paid for my sins, my soul praises You. You have promised to always be there, my soul praises You. When times are dark and my way is treacherous, You guide and protect me. My soul praises You for Your love and faithfulness. Help me share my praise for You with others so they may also know You as their Lord and Savior. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Living in Prayer. Written by 2003–2005 LWML Christian Life Committee. 27/31 ©2005 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. All rights reserved worldwide.

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God’s Word

In the Word

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God (Colossians 3:16).

Of the Word

God speaks to mankind through His Word. The Bible is God’s gift of the written Word in which the Holy Spirit shows us the plan of salvation through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.

Children see the importance of God’s Word when they see their parents read and meditate on it each day. Parents can establish a habit of reading God’s Word with young children and reinforce it as they grow into young adults.

As we read the Bible, the Holy Spirit makes our faith grow and mature. He helps us to use the scriptures as a guide for our life. [God’s] … word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path (Psalm 119:105).

Stretch your faith-filled parenting: Make a conscious effort to become involved in at least one Bible study at your church. Bring your family to Sunday school, vacation Bible school, and other studies of the Word of God where the Holy Spirit can increase your faith.

Walking with my Lord

Jesus Christ, You are the Word of God made flesh. Draw me to Your written Word that I may learn more of You. In Your name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Faith-Filled Parenting. Authors: Rev. Larry and Shari Miller. 16/32 ©2009 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations were taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. All rights reserved worldwide.

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Prayer

In the Word

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you” (Matthew 7:7).

Of the Word

Christian parents pray with their children and encourage them to pray in their own words from an early age. Prayers are said at mealtimes, at bedtime, and anytime in between. When major decisions or times of crisis occur, prayer is the first thought for Christians.

God promises to hear and answer all the prayers of His people for the sake of His Son Jesus, our Savior and Redeemer. He wants us to come to Him with our needs, requests, praises, and thanksgivings. The Apostle Paul encouraged the Christians at Thessalonica to … pray continually … (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Parents who openly turn to God in prayer and listen to His answers through His Word establish a foundation of prayer their children will use throughout their lives.

Stretch your faith-filled parenting: End one of your mealtimes with a circle prayer around the table. Encourage each member of the family to contribute to the prayer.

Walking with my Lord

Heavenly Father, help me to remember to bring everything to You in prayer. I trust Your answer will be one that fulfills Your good and gracious will for my life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: Faith-Filled Parenting. Authors: Rev. Larry and Shari Miller. 15/32 ©2009 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. www.lwml.org

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations were taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. All rights reserved worldwide.

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