Daily Devotional for April 7, 2022

The most important part of my day happens early in the morning when most of the world is still asleep.
 
There is something about stepping out into the darkness to take the dogs for a short walk, returning to a fresh brewed cup of coffee, and sitting down in my home office for my private devotion that brings me peace, sets aside worries, and prepares me for challenges and opportunities of the coming day.
 
The most important part of my devotional time is not praying for me, even though, too often I am my favorite subject.  What matters the most are the names on the first few pages of my prayer journal.
 
If I ever tell you I am praying for you, that means your name is written in the journal.  Next to your name is a note explaining exactly what I am praying for.  This makes my prayer time much more productive and efficient because all the concerns are written down.  The number of people I am praying for takes up several pages.
 
On this list are people dealing with illness, grief, depression, financial pressures, addiction, disintegrating marriages, hard decisions, one who is in jail for the most vile thing I can possibly imagine, one working out her call to ministry, the devastating pain faced by those in Ukraine and other parts of the world, my own family, the list goes on and on…..
 
And while praying for others is probably the most important thing I do, there are many who are not on my list because I am not aware of their need. 
 
Just know, even if your name is not recorded in my prayer journal, it is written down in the book that matters most.  All you have to do is believe.
 
This is what Jesus promised for those who believe: “If you conquer, you will be clothed like them in white robes, and I will not blot your name out of the book of life; I will confess your name before my Father and his angels.”  (Revelation 3:5)
 
God knows your name.  It’s written on God’s list.  That means you can face whatever comes your way because you are never alone.  
 
Prayer:  Dear Gracious Heavenly God, thank you for writing my name in your book of life.  Help me always trust in your presence, peace, and power.  In Jesus’ name I pray.  Amen.
 
 The first moment God saw your face, he wrote down your name.  
 
That’s what matters most.

I pray your day is filled with joy and laughter.
Tom Robbins