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Daily Devotions

The Prayer Life of Cain and Able

By January 4, 2016January 5th, 2016No Comments

Read Genesis 4:1-7

I have heard people say it doesn’t matter how we pray as long as we pray. But scripture does not concur with this sentiment. Although we can pray any way we desire, not every prayer gains God’s approval. Genesis 4:1-7 tells us the prayer life of Abel was superior to Cain’s. I want to point out three superiorities of Abel’s prayer life: (1) He had a superior approach. Although both Cain and Abel believed God was real and desired them to approach Him, only Abel approached by faith. (2) He had a superior sacrifice.Abel made his approach with the sacrifice God expected, Cain did not. To be accepted, all Cain had to do was make his approach on God’s terms. (3) Abel received a superior response from God.Prayer, our approach to God, to be accepted, must only be on His terms, and based on the sacrifice of His Son Jesus Christ. When it is we will never go away disappointed.

Lord, I do not want to pray just to say I have prayed. I want my prayers received and approved by you. Help me follow the pattern of Abel rather than Cain. Help me to always pray by faith based on your appointed sacrifice, that I might enjoy your approval rather than your disapproval.

A question to ponder: When I pray, do I approach God in a way most pleasing to me or that it will be pleasing to Him?