You Are My Beloved Child

Most of us don’t understand what prayer signifies about our relationship with God. The parable of the prodigal son illustrates this relationship for us. (See Luke 15:11–24.) God says to each of us, in effect, “You aren’t a servant; you are a son.” Too often we come to prayer and say, “Lord, I am Your unworthy servant.” God responds, “What are you talking about? You are My beloved child!” When you pray, keep in mind who you are in Christ and what God has promised you. If you do not immediately receive an answer, don’t allow feelings of unworthiness to make you think nothing happened. It did. It may take a week. It may take twenty-one days, as in the case of Daniel. It may take longer. However, your prayer has been answered and will be manifested. Remember—you are not a servant, but a child of God. “He has made us accepted in the Beloved” (Ephesians 1:6 NKJV). God loved you before laying the earth’s foundation. When you were estranged from Him by sin, He sent His Son to die for you. He has made you worthy in Christ Jesus. He has made you a coheir with His Son. He sends His angels to minister to you. Therefore, live and pray accordingly.

Prayer: Father, You have assured me in Your Word that I am Your child. Please help me to walk as someone who is accepted by You, loved by You, and listened to by You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Thought: When you pray, keep in mind who you are in Christ.

Reading: 1 Chronicles 22–24; John 8:28–59