Book of Proverbs – Proverbs For The Modern Day – Never Give Up

Stick-to-itiveness, Perseverance, Tenacity. Book of Proverbs – Proverbs For the Modern Day – Never Give Up.

Jim Carrey – Oprah Winfrey – Henry Ford – Colonel Sanders – Thomas Edison – Walt Disney – Stephen King – J. K. Rowling – Steven Spielberg – Sir Isaac Newton – Vera Wang – Sidney Poitier – Albert Einstein – Fred Astaire – Theodor Seuss Geisel – Lucille Ball – Winston Churchill – Lady Gaga – Harrison Ford – Jay Z. Book of Proverbs – Proverbs For The Modern day – Never Give Up. Check out my website

What do all these people have in common? They Never Gave Up! There are countless others who fall into this category, but I chose these to give a mixture of persons where anybody who reads this can relate. Whether you enjoy music, entrepreneurs, movies, books, food, automobiles, etc. You can be a person into music who relates to Lady Gaga or Jay Z or you can enjoy movies and relate to Sidney Poitier or Lucille Ball, Steven Spielberg, Jim Carrey, or Harrison Ford. You might be an avid book person who can relate to Stephen King, J. K. Rowling, Dr. Seuss. You could be in love with fashion and so you relate to Vera Wang. You may crave to be on TV and want to interview people and so then you relate to Oprah Winfrey even though her talents surpass that. You may have a creative inventive mind and with that in mind, you gravitate to people like Henry Ford, Thomas Edison, Walt Disney, Sir Isaac Newton, Albert Einstein. You may aspire to be in politics and tell it like it is, so you would relate to Winston Churchill. Finally, you may just love to eat and so you relate to Colonel Sanders. Book of Proverbs – Proverbs for The Modern Day – Never Give Up

If God has not given up on us, you don’t have the right to give up on yourself. You must keep pressing forward because you never know how close you are to your breakthrough because miracles happen every day. You are closer to your victory when you face the greatest opposition. Book of Proverbs – Proverbs For The Modern Day – Never Give Up. Check out my website

Jim Carrey = was raised in a low-income family. He dropped out of school at age 15 to get a job to help support the family. He auditioned for Saturday Night Live for the 1980-81 season, he failed to land the part. In an interview with Oprah Winfrey, Carrey talks about how he used the Law of Attraction by writing himself a check for $10,000,000 million dollars for “Acting Services Rendered,” later placing the check in his wallet for 7 years until he received a $10,000,000 million-dollar payment for his work in Dumb and Dumber.

Oprah Winfrey = As we have all heard Oprah say her living conditions were rough, and she was sexually abused starting at the age of 9 by family members and a family friend. She did intern work at a radio station while in college. She was fired by the producer from a local television station because she was deemed “unfit for television.” However, she persevered and ultimately received her own show The Oprah Winfrey Show, which was syndicated across the country. Book of Proverbs – Proverbs For The Modern Day – Never Give Up.

Henry Ford = He had several failures, but he did not let them deter him. In 1899, at the age of 36 years old, Ford formed his first company, the Detroit Automobile Company, that company went bankrupt. His second attempt was in 1901 when he formed the Henry Ford Company, which he ended up leaving with the rights to his name. That company was later renamed to the Cadillac Automobile Company. However, it was Ford’s third try, with the Ford Motor Company, that success bloomed. Check out my website

Colonel Sanders = he worked many jobs including fireman, tire salesman, insurance salesman, and of course, a cook. In 1952 he hit the road and began trying to sell his franchise-model chicken restaurant. He traveled across the U.S. looking for someone to sell his fried chicken, and after finally getting a business deal in Utah, Kentucky Fried Chicken was born. KFC is now one of the most recognizable franchises in the world. The company grew and expanded faster than he could have ever imagined. In 1964, at the age of 74 years old, Sanders sold the company for $2 million dollars to a group of investors. Book of Proverbs – Proverbs For The Modern Day – Never Give Up.

Thomas Edison = We’ve all heard the name before. This famous American is attributed to failing over 10,000 times to invent a commercially viable electric light bulb, but he didn’t give up. When asked by a newspaper reporter if he felt like a failure and if he should give up, after having gone through over 9,000 failed attempts, Edison simply stated “Why would I feel like a failure? And why would I ever give up? I now know over 9,000 ways an electric light bulb will not work. Success is almost in my grasp.” Edison went on to hold more than 1,000 patents and invented some world-changing devices, like the phonograph, practical electrical lamp, and the movie camera.

Walt Disney = The man who has affected generations to come with his cartoon creations was once considered a failure. Disney was fired by the editor in 1919 from his job at the Kansas City Star paper because he “lacked imagination and had no clever ideas.” However, the man who brought us Mickey Mouse and a slew of other characters didn’t stop failing there. Walt Disney was fired from the Kansas City Star because his editor felt he “lacked imagination and had no clever ideas.” Several more of his businesses failed before the premiere of his movie “Snow White.” He went onto become the guy who redefined American childhood. Book of Proverbs – Proverbs for The Modern Day – Never Give Up.

Stephen King = Stephen King grew so frustrated over his attempt to write the novel “Carrie” that he threw away the entire early draft. King’s wife Tabitha found the manuscript in the trash and took it out. “Carrie” became a hit and launched his career. Stephen King an American author of horror, supernatural fiction, suspense, science fiction, and fantasy has become a tremendous success. Check out my website

J.K. Rowling = Rowling is one of the most inspirational success stories of our time. Many people simply know her as the woman who created Harry Potter. But, what most people don’t know is what she went through prior to reaching stardom. Rowling saw herself as a failure at this time. She was jobless, divorced, penniless, and with a dependent child. She suffered through bouts of depression, eventually signing up for government-assisted welfare. J.K. Rowling was a single mom living off welfare when she began writing the first “Harry Potter” novel. Rowling is now internationally renowned for her Harry Potter series and, in US currency, became the first billionaire author.

Steven Spielberg = Steven Spielberg was rejected by the University of Southern California School of Cinematic Arts multiple times. He went on to create the first summer blockbuster with “Jaws” in 1975 and has garnered much success since then.

Sir Isaac Newton = Sir Isaac Newton left school to run the family farm and when it became evident he could not handle that Newton went back to school to finish his basic education and was eventually enrolled in Cambridge University. Newton went on to become one of the greatest scientists of all time, revolutionizing physics and mathematics.

Vera Wang = Vera Wang failed to make the 1968 US Olympic figure-skating team. Then she became an editor at Vogue but was passed over for the editor-in-chief position. She began designing wedding gowns at age 40 and today is one of the premier designers in the fashion industry, with a business worth over $ 630 million.

Sidney Poitier = When Sidney Poitier first auditioned for the American Negro Theatre, he flubbed his lines and spoke in a heavy Caribbean accent, which made the director angrily tell him to stop wasting his time and go get a job as a dishwasher. Poitier worked on his craft and eventually became a hugely successful Hollywood star. He won an Academy Award for Best Actor (“Lillies of the Field,” 1963) and helped break down the color barrier in the American film industry. Poitier was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1974. From 1997 to 2007, he served as the Bahamian Ambassador to Japan. On August 12, 2009, Poitier was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the United States‘ highest civilian honor, by ex President Barack Obama. In 2016, he was awarded the BAFTA Fellowship for outstanding lifetime achievement in film.

Albert Einstein = Even with Einstein’s communication and behavioral problems they were not indicative of a lack of intelligence. He went on to win the Nobel prize in physics for the discovery of the photoelectric effect, and his special theory of relativity theory corrected the deficiencies of Newtonian physics. He is known for who developed the theory of relativity, one of the two pillars of modern physics (alongside quantum mechanics). His work is also known for its influence on the philosophy of science.

Fred Astaire = In one of Fred Astaire’s first screen tests, an executive wrote: “Can’t sing. Can’t act. Slightly balding. Can dance a little.” He is widely regarded as one of the most influential dancers in the history of film and television musicals. Book of Proverbs – Proverbs For The Modern Day – Never Give Up.

Theodor Seuss Geisel = Theodor Seuss Geisel, better known as Dr. Seuss, had his first book rejected by 27 different publishers. Dr. Seuss became a legendary children’s author known around the world for classics like “The Cat in the Hat” and “Green Eggs and Ham.” His books have sold over 600 million copies and have been translated into more than 20 languages by the time of his death.

Lucille Ball = Lucille Ball appeared in so many second-tier films at the start of her career that she became known as “The Queen of B Movies.” She finally achieved success with the show “I Love Lucy”. In 1962, Ball became the first woman to run a major television studio, Desilu Productions, which produced several popular television series, including Mission: Impossible and Star Trek.

Winston Churchill = Due to many disagreements with his political party between the years of 1929-1939 he was alienated. At the outbreak of World War II on Sep. 3, 1939, Churchill was appointed to the British Admiralty, thus ending his “exile.” The next year, he was elected prime minister at the age of 62. Churchill’s quote showed his perseverance. “If you’re going through hell, keep going.” Book of Proverbs – Proverbs For The Modern Day- Never Give Up.

Lady Gaga = Lady Gaga got dropped by her record label, Island Def Jam, after 3 months. Lady Gaga, born Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta, is an American songwriter, singer, actress, philanthropist, dancer, and fashion designer. She now has a net worth of over $275 million dollars.

Harrison Ford = After Harrison Ford’s first small movie role, an executive took him into his office and told him he’d never succeed in the movie business. Ford’s career went on to span six decades and has included timeless starring roles in blockbuster films like the “Star Wars” and “Indiana Jones” series. Ford’s worldwide box office grosses surpass $6 billion, making Ford the second highest-grossing U.S. domestic box-office star. Book of Proverbs – Proverbs for the Modern Day – Never Give Up.

Jay Z = In 1995 when Jay-Z tried tirelessly to strike a record deal, not a single label would sign him. It led him to establish his own record company called Roc-a-fella Records with partners Damon Dash and Kareem Biggs. Eventually, he successfully negotiated a contract with Priority, later releasing his debut album entitled, Reasonable Doubt, which would eventually go on to hit platinum. Now, the musician — who’s also an investor and entrepreneur — is worth $900 million.

As you can see with all of these people all of them believed in never giving up. Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence and determination. If you want something bad enough nothing is ever out of reach. Live your life like failure is not an option and remember the longer your good is incoming the greater it will be when it comes. Book of Proverbs – Proverbs For The Modern Day- Never Give Up. Check out my website

Christian Books – Donna Louis – Victim Mentality

Victim – one that is acted on and usually adversely affected by a force or agent; one that is subjected to oppression, hardship, or mistreatment.

Mentality – mode or way of thought; outlook

Drag your thoughts away from your troubles… by the ears, by the heels, or any other way you can manage it. – Mark Twain. Christian Books – Donna Louis – Victim Mentality. Check out my website

As I am writing this blog I am fighting thoughts of victim mentality myself.

Every great writer knows that personal stories are vital to them being successful. Don’t be afraid to be open and vulnerable! Write about your challenging times and how you overcame them or are overcoming them. This is a concept I am very familiar with as I have had to do this, and it has brought me remarkable success as I have been one of 50 finalists for the “50 Great Writers You Should Be Reading” book for the past 3 years. Christian Books – Donna Louis – Victim Mentality. Check out my website

I have written a previous blog titled “Abase and Abounding” when we go through highs and lows in our lives. There are also times when we sometimes feel like victims and that is the thought process in our minds. Thoughts run through our minds like Life is not fair, I never get the good breaks, Why do I always end up with the short end of the stick, It’s just another day everything is still the same, Is God on vacation, did he forget about me? Christian Books – Donna Louis – Victim Mentality.

We are all guided by our minds. We become what we think about. When we feel like we have entered the stage of victim mentality we have to break that thought process immediately and the quickest way is to start a gratitude process. Christian Books – Donna Louis – Victim Mentality.

Every day we should make a list of at least 10 things we should be grateful for before we start our day. You can write it on an index card, do a word document, or use the memo pad on your phone and create the list. When we send positive grateful thoughts through our mind we don’t have time to have a negative thought process which would include having a victim mentality. The world as we have created it is a process of our thinking. It cannot be changed without changing our thinking. – Albert Einstein.

We need to realize that we have to be grateful for the smaller things and when we do we are given bigger things. We need to be grateful for the food we eat, the water we drink, the choices we have for cellular services, cable services, supermarkets to shop at, etc., the things nature offers such as planet earth, air, and the sun. – “I started out giving thanks for small things, and the more thankful I became, the more my bounty increased. That’s because what you focus on expands, and when you focus on the goodness in your life, you create more of it. Opportunities, relationships, even money flowed my way when I learned to be grateful no matter what happened in my life.” – Oprah Winfrey. I am working on my gratitude list now as I’m writing this blog.

So, whenever you are having your ups and downs and highs and lows and feel like you are slipping into a victim mentality mode remember you have to allow a power greater than you to take care of the how. For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. – Jeremiah 29:11. Christian Books – Donna Louis – Victim Mentality. Check out my website

Book of Proverbs – Proverbs For The Modern Day – Feelings Vs Faith

Book of Proverbs – Proverbs For The Modern Day – Feelings Vs Faith.

Feelings – an emotional state or reaction.

Faith -something that is believed especially with strong conviction; belief and trust in and loyalty to God.

We are created as emotional beings. Feelings aren’t wrong, but a believer’s life is meant to be based on faith, not on feelings. Feelings have a prominent place in our lives, but we can’t use them to guide our lives. Feelings come and go and are unreliable guides to the truth and what is right. Whenever we walk by feelings rather than faith we fail. Many people just glide through life running on emotion. Christ had feelings and emotions and he didn’t hide them. Jesus wept when he came to the grave of Lazarus. – Book of Proverbs – Proverbs For The Modern Day- Feelings Vs Faith.

They say that anger weakens the liver, grief weakens the lungs, worry weakens the stomach, stress weakens the heart and brain, and fear fails the kidneys. So where do these things come from that weaken our systems? Disturbances from our spouse, family members, place of employment, the news media, etc. These are all examples of feelings. Book of Proverbs – Proverbs For The Modern Day – Feelings Vs Faith. Check out my website

Knowing about God and his will and obediently following him are the basics of a believer’s discipleship. Faith has nothing to do with feelings. Faith rests on the absolute word of God.

There is a story in the bible regarding two men of faith Caleb and Joshua. – Book of Proverbs – Proverbs For The Modern Day – Feelings Vs Faith.

Before God rescued His people from slavery in Egypt, He promised to bring the Israelites back to the land He had given to Abraham so many years ago. (Ex. 3:8). God was leading the Israelites to the promised land. When they were close, God instructed Moses to send 12 spies into the land to scout it out. The spies traveled around the land for 40 days, and it was just as God had promised. There was one problem: the people in the land were big and strong. And Moses sent them to spy out the land of Canaan, and said unto them, Get you up this way southward, and go up into the mountain: And see the land, what it is, and the people that dwelleth therein, whether they be strong or weak, few or many; And what the land is that they dwell in, whether it be good or bad; and what cities they be that they dwell in, whether in tents, or in strong holds; And what the land is, whether it be fat or lean, whether there be wood therein, or not. And be ye of good courage and bring of the fruit of the land. Now the time was the time of the firstripe grapes. So, they went up, and searched the land from the wilderness of Zin unto Rehob, as men come to Hamath. And they ascended by the south and came unto Hebron; where Ahiman, Sheshai, and Talmai, the children of Anak, were. (Now Hebron was built seven years before Zoan in Egypt.) And they came unto the brook of Eshcol and cut down from thence a branch with one cluster of grapes, and they bare it between two upon a staff, and they brought of the pomegranates, and of the figs. The place was called the brook Eshcol, because of the cluster of grapes which the children of Israel cut down from thence. And they returned from searching of the land after forty days. And they went and came to Moses, and to Aaron, and to all the congregation of the children of Israel, unto the wilderness of Paran, to Kadesh; and brought back word unto them, and unto all the congregation, and shewed them the fruit of the land. And they told him, and said, we came unto the land whither thou sentest us, and surely it floweth with milk and honey, and this is the fruit of it. Nevertheless, the people be strong that dwell in the land and the cities are walled, and very great: and moreover, we saw the children of Anak there. The Amalekites dwell in the land of the south: and the Hittites, and the Jebusites, and the Amorites, dwell in the mountains: and the Canaanites dwell by the sea, and by the coast of Jordan. And Caleb stilled the people before Moses, and said, Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it. But the men that went up with him said, we be not able to go up against the people; for they are stronger than we. And they brought up an evil report of the land which they had searched unto the children of Israel, saying, the land, through which we have gone to search it, is a land that eateth up the inhabitants thereof; and all the people that we saw in it are men of a great stature. And there we saw the giants, the sons of Anak, which come of the giants: and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight. – Numbers 13:17-33. And the Lord spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying, how long shall I bear with this evil congregation, which murmur against me? I have heard the murmurings of the children of Israel, which they murmur against me. Say unto them, as truly as I live, saith the Lord, as ye have spoken in mine ears, so will I do to you: Your carcases shall fall in this wilderness; and all that were numbered of you, according to your whole number, from twenty years old and upward which have murmured against me. Doubtless, ye shall not come into the land, concerning which I sware to make you dwell therein, save Caleb the son of Jephunneh, and Joshua the son of Nun. – Numbers 14:26-30. – Book of Proverbs – Proverbs For The Modern Day – Feelings Vs Faith.

As you can see God rewards those who live by faith. – Book of Proverbs – Proverbs For The Modern Day – Feelings Vs Faith.

So, then faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the word of God. – Romans 10:17.

But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. – Hebrews 11:6.

And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God. For verily I say unto you, that whosoever shall say unto this mountain, be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. Therefore, I say unto you, what things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them. – Mark 11:22-24.

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. – Hebrews 11:1.

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. – Ephesians 2:8-9.

For we walk by faith, not by sight. – 2 Corinthians 5:7.

Since we are made in the image of God we are to live our daily lives living in faith not relying on our feelings. – Book of Proverbs – Proverbs For the Modern Day – Feelings Vs Faith. Check out my website

Book of Proverbs – It’s Just A Test – Prayer Is The Answer

The word test seems to abound. There are several types of tests. You have an assessment test you take in school, driving test, health check test, eye examination test, dental exam tests. Etc. These are tests that we are all familiar with and must take at one time or another in our lives. – Book of Proverbs – It’s Just A Test – Prayer Is The Answer.

However, are you aware that God tests us as well? God tests us to prove our faith. God will allow a certain amount of trials and tribulations to come our way in this life, however, he will also use some of these trials as a way of testing all of us out from time to time to see if we have learned what He has been teaching us. He rarely, if ever, announces them ahead of time. They just come.

From time to time God will place us in uncomfortable situations that put us under pressure to show what our true character is. The Lord trieth the righteous: but the wicked and him that loveth violence his soul hateth. – Psalm 11:5. – Book of Proverbs – It’s Just A Test – Prayer Is The Answer.

A while back I was introduced to the Book of James that has a very profound set of verses that tell us to expect tests and that we should delight in them. My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into diver’s temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. – James 1:2-4. Now for those of you that have a type-A personality like myself, this was not something I wanted to read or hear. I am sure no one wants to be joyful when things are not going their way. I am very sure patience is the last thing in anybody’s mind when things are not going smoothly. We want it fixed and done like yesterday! When we are in an uncomfortable situation and our flesh is not enjoying it, we want it fixed immediately. However, that is not the way God works. According to him, tests are beneficial. Tests are God’s way of moving us out of our comfort zones. “Comfort is the enemy of progress.” – The Greatest Showman quote. – Check out my website

There are several types of test but here are some of the top ones.

The People Test – Do you place your faith in people? People are human and frail just like yourself. They may be there for you for a season but eventually, God will remove them, so you can place your faith where it truly belongs which is in God. That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men but in the power of God. – 1 Corinthians 2:5. – Book of Proverbs – It’s Just a Test – Prayer Is The Answer.

The Pressure Test – When all hell is breaking loose and things are tumultuous will you depend on yourself or depend on God? And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me. – Psalm 50:15. – Book of Proverbs – It’s Just A Test – Prayer Is The Answer.

The Faith Test – Do you have faith in God or do you operate from your feelings more? Noah operated in faith when God spoke to him and advised him to build an ark because the end of all flesh was coming because God was going to flood the earth and destroy all mankind and animals and beasts. Thus, did Noah; according to all that God commanded him, so did he. You can read the entire story in Genesis 6-8. – Book of Proverbs – It’s Just A Test – Prayer Is The Answer.

The Patience Test – This is one of the hardest tests of all especially if you are a type-A personality. This is where you have done everything you have been asked to do, but now God is going to ask you to just sit and wait for the big breakthrough to occur. This is the position Moses was in after Pharaoh finally released the people of Israel. They had traveled and walked so long, and the promise land was on the other side of the Red Sea. Once they reached the Red Sea God made Moses and the people of Israel wait before he parted it. The people started to complain to Moses why didn’t you just leave us in Egypt with Pharaoh instead of bringing us out here to die in the wilderness and in the sea. God did eventually part the Red Sea and the people crossed over to the other side and Pharaoh’s army was killed in the sea when God brought the waters back together. – Book of Proverbs – It’s Just A Test – Prayer Is The Answer.

The Obedience Test – There is one test in the Bible that brings tears to your eyes and fills you with joy at the same time. This is the story of Abraham and his son Isaac. God asked Abraham to put his son Isaac on an altar and then asked him to take a knife and kill his own son. As we all know, Abraham went as far as to tie his son down to the altar and had the knife in his hand ready to strike down on him to take his life, when suddenly God sends an angel down in the nick of time to stop him. Would you be obedient to God to this length? – Book of Proverbs – It’s Just A Test – Prayer Is The Answer.

Most tests that God puts you through are not this daunting. Tests are more in the realm of do you trust God, or do you worry? Do you have patience in a traffic jam or in line at the supermarket? Do you throw your hands in the air and give up as soon as you are disappointed? Where would we all be if Thomas Edison just gave up and didn’t pass the test?

Thomas Edison Quotes:

Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time.

Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration.

I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.

Many of life’s failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.

What we all need to do while we are waiting for our breakthrough is pray. However, the type of prayers you should be saying is to ask God to change you. God is interested in refining you and changing you and he does this through these tests. If your weakness is patience, then God will see to it that you are always in the wrong line in the supermarket. Or you always get caught up in traffic just to test your patience. The thing about tests is that God will allow you to take them repeatedly until you pass them. – Book of Proverbs – It’s Just A Test – Prayer Is The Answer.

Keep praying even though it seems like God went on vacation. God knows exactly where you are in life. Pay attention to the areas you are being tested in. It will make you more aware once God decides to test you. When you become familiar with the same patterns you will realize it is just a test. Pass it and move on. The faster you do the faster God will be able to open the skies and rain down exceeding and abundant blessing on your life and bring you into your divine destiny. Check out my website

Book of Proverbs – Proverbs- The Essence of Prayer

Book of Proverbs – Proverbs – The Essence of Prayer

Essence – the most significant element, quality, or aspect of a thing or person the essence of the issue.

Prayer – an address (such as a petition) to God or a god in word or thought; something prayed for.

Your prayer life needs to be simple. But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. Be not ye, therefore, like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of before ye ask him. After this manner, therefore, pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen. – Matthew 6:6-13. This is a very simple prayer that Jesus gave us to pray. Your prayer life should include the following:

Devotion – We need to let God know that we are dedicated and loyal to him.

He did that for us when he sent Jesus to the cross for all of us. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, [do] all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. – Colossians 3:17. Book of Proverbs – Proverbs- The Essence of Prayer. Check out my website

Confession – We need to confess our sins to God and ask for forgiveness. As it is written, there is none righteous, no, not one: There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one. – Romans 3:10-12. Book of Proverbs – Proverbs – The Essence of Prayer.

Gratitude – We all need to give thanks to God daily for every gift we receive. Water to drink, food to eat, use of our senses, sunshine, etc. In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. – 1 Thessalonians 5:18. O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: for his mercy endureth forever. – Psalms 136:1. Praise ye the Lord. O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: for his mercy endureth forever. – Psalms 106:1. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. – 1 Corinthians 15:57. Book of Proverbs – Proverbs – The Essence of Prayer.

Praise – When we praise God the heavens rejoice. Praise is a vital part of a life surrendered to God, and it gives credit where credit is due. Praise ye the Lord. Praise God in his sanctuary: praise him in the firmament of his power. Praise him for his mighty acts: praise him according to his excellent greatness. Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: praise him with the psaltery and harp. Praise him with the timbrel and dance: praise him with stringed instruments and organs. Praise him upon the loud cymbals: praise him upon the high sounding cymbals. Let everything that hath breath praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord. – Psalm 150:1-6. By him, therefore, let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. – Hebrews 13:15. Book of Proverbs – Proverbs – The Essence of Prayer.

Here is a sample prayer you can say daily:

Father God, I pledge my loyalty to you. I ask you to forgive me for my past sins. I am truly grateful for all the blessings and gifts you have bestowed upon me. I praise you for all the things you have done for me, as well as all the things I am currently praying for. I thank you for the things that you haven’t done because you knew with your infinite wisdom they were not right for me. Amen.

For those of you that are new to prayer, you may want to use the prayer I gave you but eventually, you may want to use your own words. Whichever route you take just remember to keep it simple and incorporate the true meaning of The Essence of Prayer. – Book of Proverbs – Proverbs – The Essence of Prayer. Check out my website