Here's your daily devotional!

If you wish to receive these free devotionals every weekday by E-mail, click the button below. Note: you'll have to log in or create your membership account first. Membership in the League is free. Join now!

Sign up to receive the Daily Devotional

“Engaging and Connecting in Prayer”

Thoughts for Today:

In Nehemiah 5, we see another reference to the word "Amen". The people were being charged exorbitant interest rates by the money changers, and they were told to stop (verse 13): "At this the whole assembly said, 'Amen,' and praised the Lord. And the people did as they had promised."

"Amen" is one word that is understood by every believer in every culture. I've heard it shouted by Indian believers in the deepest part of the jungle in Ecuador, natives on the plains of Sudan, and sherpas in the mountains of Nepal. So what does it mean? Very simply: "So be it -- we're in agreement." It's a beautiful expression of oneness. How much more effective would our gatherings at church be if while someone is speaking there were shouts of agreement: "Amen!"

Yet, there can be no expressions of agreement if no one understands what is being said. This is the problem with speaking in tongues in public. In our passage today, Paul reminds the Corinthians that he spoke in tongues more than all of them. Regardless, in the congregational setting, he preferred speaking only words that would be understood by everyone. That way they could not only comprehend what he said, but express their agreement by verbalizing, "Amen!"

Questions to Ponder:

I often look at the modern church and wonder how we became so stodgy and stiff. It's just not that way with believers in some of the remote places I've been to. I think we can learn a lot from them. Try it sometime. At your next Bible study, prayer meeting or church service, pay careful attention to what is being said or prayed. When a point resonates with you, say "Amen!" Jesus often taught of the importance of agreeing with one another in prayer. Openly saying, "Amen," is a powerful way for us to engage and connect with one another in prayer and demonstrate our unity.

Sign up to receive the Daily Devotional

There's nothing like God's Word to create purpose in your life that lasts the entire day and beyond. We encourage you to Read, Carry and Share the Word of God. Pocket Devotions are sent by E-mail every weekday (Monday to Friday). On weekends we encourage you to be creative and study on your own in any area of Scripture where God leads you.

You can start from Day 1 at any time. Messages are sent automatically. Subscribe now! You may unsubscribe at any time.

About the author

Pocket Devotions are written by Mike Brooks. A retired businessman, he is Moderator of South Shores church, leads the Deacon Board, serves on the finance committee, and he teaches a Men's Bible study and the Men's Ministry. Mike has a passion for evangelical missions. He is the husband of Sherry; the father of Ryan, Natalie, Krissy, Rebecca, and Amanda; the father-in-law of Ariel; and the grandfather of Conner and Christian.