Devotionals by Dr. James Dobson
A Heavenly Relationship
Devote yourselves to prayer.
Colossians 4:2
The Bible places great emphasis on prayer. We read many examples of how important prayer was to Jesus (Luke 5:16). We are taught that prayer should be for God’s benefit and not to gain favor in the eyes of men (Matthew 6:5–6), and that we need not use “many words” in an attempt to impress Him (v. 7). We are even given examples of the words we should use (vv. 9–13).
But why, exactly, is prayer so important to our Lord? Incredibly, it is an expression of His desire to have a relationship with us. Though it is impossible to explain why, our Lord wishes to know us intimately—to have a personal, two-way conversation with each of His children. Though He can read our minds, He wants us to seek Him, to love Him, and to talk with Him daily. The reason is that there is no relationship in eavesdropping!
As a father or mother, you naturally desire a close relationship with your kids. You appreciate hearing about their new discoveries and joys. When they tell you they are afraid, you quickly offer reassurance. Our heavenly Father, who loves us even more than we love our own children, responds to our prayers in the same way. Scripture tells us that “the prayer of the upright pleases him” (Proverbs 15:8). That’s true for you, your spouse, and your kids. Let’s please our loving Lord by seeking Him often in prayer.
Before you say good night…
- How is your prayer relationship with the Lord?
- How can you encourage each other, and your kids, to pray more often?
Heavenly Father, we are humbled that You would desire a personal relationship with us. We so want to enjoy holy intimacy with You. Help our family draw closer to You through the privilege of prayer. Amen.
Listen to today's broadcast of Dr. James Dobson's Family Talk at OnePlace.com. For more from Dr. Dobson, visit the resource center at drjamesdobson.org.
This devotional is taken from Night Light for Parents. Copyright © 2000 by James Dobson, Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission.
About Family Talk
Family Talk is a Christian non-profit organization located in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Founded in 2010 by Dr. James Dobson, the ministry promotes and teaches biblical principles that support marriage, family, and child-development. Since its inception, Family Talk has served millions of families with broadcasts, monthly newsletters, feature articles, videos, blogs, books and other resources available on demand via its website, mobile apps, and social media platforms.
The Dr. James Dobson Family Institute (JDFI) is a Christian non-profit ministry located in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Founded initially as Family Talk in 2010 by Dr. James Dobson, the organization promotes and teaches biblical principles that support marriage, family, and child development. Since its inception, Family Talk has served families with broadcasts, monthly newsletters, feature articles, videos, blogs, books, and other resources available on demand via their website, mobile apps, and social media platforms. In 2017, the ministry rebranded under JDFI to expand its four core ministry divisions consisting of the Family Talk radio broadcast, the Dobson Policy and Education Centers, and the Dobson Digital Library.
Dr. Dobson's flagship broadcast called, “Dr. James Dobson’s Family Talk," is aired on more than 1,500 terrestrial radio outlets and numerous digital channels that reach millions each month.
About Dr. James Dobson
Dr. James Dobson is the Founder Chairman of the James Dobson Family Institute, a nonprofit organization that produces his radio program, “Dr. James Dobson's Family Talk.” He has an earned Ph.D. from the University of Southern California and holds 18 honorary doctoral degrees. He is the author of more than 70 books dedicated to the preservation of the family including, The New Dare to Discipline, Love for a Lifetime, Life on the Edge, Love Must Be Tough, The New Strong-Willed Child, When God Doesn't Make Sense, Bringing Up Boys, Bringing Up Girls, and, most recently, Your Legacy: The Greatest Gift. Dr. Dobson served as an associate clinical professor of pediatrics at the University of Southern California School of Medicine for 14 years and on the attending staff of Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles for 17 years in the divisions of Child Development and Medical Genetics. He has advised five U.S. presidents and served on eight national commissions. Dr. Dobson has been married to Shirley for 64 years, and they have two grown children, Danae and Ryan, and two grandchildren.
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