September 25, 2026 – Daily Devotional
“I will give to the Lord the thanks due to his righteousness, and I will sing praise to the name of the Lord, the Most High.” -Psalm 7:17
This week we continue our sermon series on the Three Simple Rules. The third rule is to “stay in love with God.” John Wesley knew we needed to be intentional about our practices of faith. To stay connected to God and deepen our love for God, we are encouraged to use the tools we have been given: prayer, study, worship, and service. These significant practices help us stay in love with the One who first loved us.
Of these practices, prayer is the daily practice that allows us to come before God and actively strengthen our relationship with Him. The Apostle Paul encourages us to “Pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Paul understood how important it is to do all we can to love God with our whole heart.
Prayer is necessary. I want to share something I learned a long time ago that still helps me in my prayer life today. When I was in youth, our leader taught a prayer outline that I find both simple and helpful. This prayer outline is called A.C.T.S. This is an outline that directs you to pray these important parts of prayer:
A – adoration (Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. -Psalm 63:3)
C – confession (“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just, and will forgive our sins -1 John 1:9)
T – thanksgiving (naming the things that God has given and done for us)
S – supplication (asking for the things we need)
I try to start my prayers with a time to simply adore God. I offer my gratitude for who God is. When I start my prayer with gratitude for God’s character (mercy, grace, lovingkindness), I find myself drawn into a peaceful time, away from the struggles of this world. Prayer offers me a moment to remember who God is. I am reminded that God is my source of strength and joy. I am so thankful for a loving God who spends time with me, listens to me, and leads me.
I want to encourage you to take a moment, pause, and lift your prayers to God today. God is love. God’s love is for you. God wants to be connected to you. Pray. Let your love for God grow. Remember, God loves you!
-Rev. Keith King, Pastor of Worship
