I have not used too many devotionals over the years, even though I have read quite a few books on prayer.  Of those I have read, there are a few that stand out to me: “God’s Best Secrets”; by Andrew Murray; “Moments in Majesty” by Jack Hayford; “My Utmost for His Highest”, by Oswald Chambers; and the one I wish to mention in this article, “Smith Wigglesworth on Prayer”, a thirty-day devotional edited and compiled by Larry Keefauver (Charisma House Publishers, ISBN# 0-88419-439-b)

I came across this in a Christian Coffee shop in Black Mountain, NC., that also sells books.  I had heard of Smith Wigglesworth, but did not know much about him.  And, this devotional, has helped me have a “view into the heart” of this man of God.

Here are two things I like about it:

1. Each day’s devotions are short enough to “prime the pump” for my times with the Lord, but not too long to distract me.  There can be a real temptation with devotionals to use them as a “substitute” for our own time with the Lord, rather than an “encouragement” in our pursuit of the Lord.  We should not allow anyone or anything to become a “substitute” for our own personal relationship with the Lord.
2. Each days’ devotions are very personal, inspiring and encouraging.  Here is an example from this small book, Day 2 in its entirety so that you can experience first hand its blessing:

Prayer Anywhere and Everywhere

Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit.
Ephesians 6:18

When traveling by ship from England to Australia, these people came round me and said, “We want to know if you will join us in an entertainment.”  So I had to go quietly to the Lord and ask, “Can I?”  I had the sweetest rest about it being all right.

So I said, “Yes, I will be in the entertainment.”  They said, “What can you do?” I can sing,” I said.  Then they said to me, “Well, we have a very large program and would like to put you down to sing a song.”  “Oh,” I said, “my song will be given just before I sing.  So you cannot put it down until I am to sing.”

They said, “We are very anxious to know what place you would like to be put in the entertainment.”  “Well, how are you going to finish up?” I asked.  “We’re going to finish with a dance,” they replied.  “Put me down just before the dance,” I said.

My turn came.  A woman, half-dressed, no sleeves, no skirt, came to play for me.  I gave her the music.  “Oh,” she said, “I never, never could play that kind of music.”  “Don’t you be troubled now,” I said, “I have music and words.”  I sang:

If I could only tell it as I know it, My Redeemer who has done so much for me;
If I could only tell you how much He loves you,
I am sure that you would make Him yours today.
Could I tell it?  Could I tell it?

I never could tell it.  The people were weeping all over.  The dance was put off.  They couldn’t have a dance.  But we had lots of prayer meetings.  We had some fine young men give themselves to Jesus.

Prayer Principle #2

Pray anywhere and everywhere.
Pray this closing prayer today:

Father God, grant me the boldness to transform any place I am into an occasion for prayer.  Amen.

Every once in awhile, devotions like this are helpful.  May this also be a blessing to you, Beloved of the Lord.