Week # 9 based upon Luke 18:1 from a parable shared by Jesus and how the disciples should never give up. We have all read of historical accounts or perhaps watched a film of some general of the past who made a statement, "we shall never give up". General Douglas MacArthur said, "We shall return". In other words, this isn't over.  But our Savior was saying to His followers, to avoid the inclination to "give up", you should pray.

I recall a scholar Ruben Welch, who served Point Loma Nazarene University, who shared a message of hope to students and congregation alike. "When nothing is happening, something is happening." Though there is no outward sign of anything happening, be sure that God is at work.

Our Lord is working for good in the lives of His followers, whether we can see the work of God happening or not. Romans 8:28 assures us of His promise. We are called to exercise our faith and trust, especially when things look bleak or even hopeless. Who would have ever imagined the walls of Jericho falling, from merely marching around the walls and blowing a trumpet. But, they did!

Do you have any walls before you? Don't give up, continue to march in prayer.

Week #8 devotional offers an empowering element to our prayer life. Matthew 26:41 calls us to; watch-n-pray!
Being watchful, not only listening for the Lord to speak to us in prayer but, being watchful, following our time of prayer. We know that 1 Corinthians tells us that temptation is common to mankind, meaning we will all experience temptation from time to time. It would appear that we approach our day as though we will not encounter temptation today. And when it comes, it seems to catch us by surprise.
In past military campaigns, before the tank-like mine sweepers emerged, men would go out ahead of the company or battalion of soldiers and detect and mark the location of the land mines. The soldiers were to be watchful of the markers in order to avoid death or wounds from falling into the enemies traps.
An early awakening occurred while participating in team sports in a small high school playing football. Our division played a nearby school known as C.S.D. The initials identified California School for the Deaf. It was especially noticeable when they had the ball, as there were no signals when the ball would be hiked. It was also noticeable when the official blew the whistle to end play, but they did not! Often, players who had hearing were hit unexpectedly, long after the whistle had blown, and they were on their back wondering, how did that truck get on the playing field? After the third or fourth such occasion, you became watchful!
Watch-n-pray, that you will not fall unexpectedly into temptation.
Prayer can make you both alert and victorious.

Week seven, of our prayer guide, gives us a view of Matthew 7:7, (ask, seek and knock). It encourages the follower of Christ to do his or her part in, entering into prayer with the Lord, as called for by  Him.
In my personal devotional time recently, I have walked (so to speak) with Moses as he arose in the morning and walked the familiar route he took to the "Tent of Meeting". There, he met with the Lord. In the scripture, Exodus 33:7-11, the people of God stepped out of their tent, and watched Moses as he went to seek the presence of God. Consider how  the people responded as he entered the tent. It appears to me that Moses sought to align his day with God's purposes and plans.  So did the people.
There are further benefits to seeking His presence.
A song comes to mind:
In the presence, of Jehoveh
God almighty, Prince of Peace.
Troubles vanish, hearts are mended.
In the presence of the King.

After reading week six of the prayer devotionals, it is fantastic to think that all of our prayers are brought before the Lamb of God, our Savior. We can have confidence that He will respond toward us with grace and mercy.

During the reign of Napoleon, an untested regiment engaged their enemy in a fierce battle. One of the young soldiers fled to the rear. The general decided to make an example of him for the other soldiers. He stopped everything to hold a court marshal charging the young man with desertion. Napoleon himself presided to make his point clear. When all of the evidence was heard, he asked if the young soldier had anything to add. The soldier was silent. The young man's mother was in the courtroom and stood to say; On behalf of my son, I ask for mercy. The general snapped with anger; You heard the evidence, justice calls for the guilty verdict. She responded, I didn't ask for justice, but mercy!

It is good to remember that we can have confidence the Lord hears our prayers and responds to us with mercy and grace. It is also good to remember when another needs forgiveness.

I think often of the prayer of Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane as He faced the cross (Matt.26:36-46). He prayed to His Father asking that there might be another way, than the one that seemed so eminent. He prayed three times over the same issue. We know that we are to be persistent in prayer yet not persistent in desiring our will! During the third prayer, there was an alignment with the will of the Father in the words; "may your will be done." It seems to say to me; I have offered solutions, suggestions and options that I prefer, yet, I choose your plan over my plan. Thinking of the Fathers plans for my life, He has not only my eternal good in mind, but as with Jesus, the eternal interests of others. There is peace for us as we trust that "Father knows best" for our lifes's situations. The Holy Spirit will guide us as we pray and seek His presence.