Dr. David Jeremiah Presents
Living inthe Ageof Signs
Online Destination
Living in the Age of Signs
Online Destination
Sign 2
Preparation for Prayer
Today’s Audio Devotion:
Preparation for Prayer
The final editors of the book of Psalms appear to have grouped Psalms 93–100 together because of their consistent theme: the greatness of God over all creation (Psalm 95:3). Psalm 100 serves as a summary of the section, instructing the reader to “enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise.”
Why is praise the proper introduction to prayer? Because praise recognizes that God is greater than everything, including what is happening in our life. When we come to God with our petitions and requests, if we have first spent time in praise of Him, we are prepared to receive from Him that which is His will. Praise says, “You are sovereign, O Lord, and You are good. Therefore, I can trust You with the concerns of my life. However You answer my prayers, I know that Your answers will be best for me.” Praise is the perfect way to prepare for prayer—the perfect way to acknowledge that God’s will is our greatest desire.
Practice incorporating praise into your prayer life and anticipate the peace that will result as you make your requests known to God (Philippians 4:6-7).
The best atmosphere for prayer is praise.
Peter Anderson
For Your Phone or Tablet
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Some 2,600 years ago, God gave King Nebuchadnezzar a dream. In this dream, the king saw a five–part statue made of five different metals (see Daniel 2). Each section represented an empire, beginning with Nebuchadnezzar's Babylon. Four of these empires have already risen and fallen in history—a clear fulfillment of Daniel's prophetic interpretation. The fifth and final empire indicates a future Europe—a ten nation coalition that will unite under the Antichrist's rule.
You can read about the King's dream and Daniel's interpretation in Daniel 2, but let's take a quick visual look at what you will find:
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King Nebuchadnezzar's Babylon
Daniel's words to the king are clear. "You are this head of gold" (Daniel 2:37–38).
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Medo–Persian Empire
The Medo–Persian Empire conquered Babylon in 539 BC and remained in power for approximately two hundred years (Daniel 5:28).
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Grecian Empire
Greece's Empire succeeded the Medo–Persians (Daniel 8:21).
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Roman Empire
When the Grecian empire was conquered by Rome, all the lands and peoples of the previous kingdoms were assimilated into the Roman Empire through the strengths of the "iron legions of Rome" (Daniel 2:40).
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Future European Coalition
This empire has not yet risen. Daniel foretells a time when the Roman Empire—Europe—will consist of ten kingdoms or leaders. The future Roman Empire will be present on the earth when God sets up His earthly kingdom (Daniel 2:44).