A Model for Prayer - Stressing the Rails - January 12, 2024, Stressing the Rails with Dr. Michael W. Wesley Sr. - Greater Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church with Dr. Michael W. Wesley Sr.

A Model for Prayer - Stressing the Rails - January 12, 2024

January 12, 2024

DAILY DEVOTIONAL FROM PASTOR WESLEY January 12, 2024

A Model for Prayer

Don't let life's busyness distract you from the important work of intercession.

So that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience; joyously giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in Light. For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. Colossians 1:10-14

Let’s continue using Paul’s prayer as a model. Yesterday, we made note of the first two requests. Now let’s consider the other four. In Colossians 1, Paul prays that his brothers and sisters would:

Bear fruit in every good work (v. 10)—The Lord desires that our actions bring Him glory. We all seem to be very busy, but the amount of work isn’t what matters. Instead, we must be sure that the things we do are eternally valuable.
Grow in the knowledge of God (v. 10)—The apostle’s request is not merely for believers to gain facts regarding Christ. He speaks of a deeper understanding in the heart.
Be strengthened according to His power (v. 11)—Having endurance and focus in the midst of life’s trials requires God’s strength. Our own simply isn’t enough.
Walk in gratitude (v. 12)—When we realize where all good gifts originate, we live with thankfulness. Contentment and joy come from a grateful heart, not our circumstances.

Life is busy, so prayer often gets squeezed out of our schedules. We must always remember that lifting our loved ones before God’s throne is far more important than any other task.

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About Dr. Michael W. Wesley Sr.

Dr. Michael W. Wesley Sr. is a native of Birmingham, Alabama where he was educated in the public school system. He graduated from Tennessee State University, Nashville,Tennessee with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Music Education. He received a Master’s Degree in Music Education; a Class A certification in School Principal ship and the Educational Specialist Degree in Educational Leadership from Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama. In addition, Dr. Wesley received a Bible Diploma and Bible Certification from Birmingham Baptist Bible College. He completed the Beeson Institute for Advanced Church Leadership Program from Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky. Dr. Wesley earned the Doctor of Ministry Degree from Louisiana Baptist University and Theological Seminary in Shreveport, Louisiana May 2006.

Dr. Wesley retired in 2003 after a brilliant 26-year career as an educator in the Birmingham Public Schools. He served as a teacher, assistant principal and principal of three different schools (Powderly Elementary; Arrington Middle and was the first African American principal of Woodlawn High School). He served on the Central Office staff as Extended Day Principal and Coordinator of Safe and Drug Free Schools.

Dr. Wesley is regularly sought after to speak in both schools and churches. He has had the privilege of speaking across the nation and in several foreign countries. His spiritual gifts of teaching and preaching are well documented. He is a member of many organizations. His civic and professional associations are too numerous to mention.

Most recent is the evidence of his leadership, occurred with the completion of a multimillion dollar edifice and education facility located in the heart of the West End community.

Dr. Wesley is currently the pastor of the Greater Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church in the West End community where he has given thirty years of service. He has a great love for people and for learning.

He is married to the former Venita Burkes, and is the father of two sons, Rev. Michael Wesley Jr. and James Edward, one grandson and two granddaughters.

Dr. Wesley is the author of three books, When God Changes A Church, Everybody Deserves A Good Funeral and Reaching the Unchurched_Pathway to Church Growth.

Greater Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church

Dr. Michael W. Wesley Sr.