INTRODUCTION

One might think that prayer has always existed in the exact manner in which it presently exists, but such is not the case.  It appears that the first major shift in prayer took place in Genesis 4:26And to Seth, to him also there was born a son; and he called his name Enos: then began men to call upon the name of the LORD.
See All.... We know that Adam and Eve freely spoke with the Lord face-to-face in the garden (Genesis 3:8And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden.
See All...). However, it seems that the fall of man caused men to have to begin “to call upon the name of the LORD.” Even then, prayer was not as it is today. The very fact that prayer has not always existed parallels a time in the future when prayer as we know it will not exist. When man had full access to the Lord, there was no need for prayer. In eternity, the same will be true. For now, the Lord has given us access to Him through prayer (Hebrews 4:16Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
See All...).

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

• (For children): When you want to talk to someone, dad and mom may be busy and your friends may not be home. God says we are His friends (John 15:15Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.
  See All...b). He is always near (Psalm 145:18The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth.
  See All...) and invites us to talk to Him (Jeremiah 33:3Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.
  See All...). Have you talked to Him today?
• (For everyone): Why does God desire for His people to be able to have access to Him? How does prayer fill the void caused by the fall in the garden. Are you excited that that access to the Lord will be restored in eternity?
• If God made prayer available in order to allow access to Him, what does it suggest when we do not take advantage of prayer? He wants to hear from us, do we want to talk to Him?

PRAYER NEEDS

• Ask God to help you see the blessing of being able to pray.
• Ask God to help you take advantage of the access you have.

HYMN

NEAR TO THE HEART OF GOD

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