The Basics
When I am out washing windows, I am often asked what the "secret" to cleaning windows is. Everyone expects some "special solution" in the water when, in fact, the answer is soap and water and a good squeegee.
Our society is one that likes "quick fixes" for everything...the latest fad diet that is guaranteed to be quick and easy. In reality, there is no "quick fix" or "magic pill." Losing weight takes the basic ingredients of exercising more and eating less. When it comes to our spiritual life and prayer, it comes down to the basics too. We will not find those basics in most of the books on the shelves at Barnes & Noble, but in God's Word, the Bible. When we read the Psalms, we learn what David, a man after God's heart, prayed about. His prayers were full of praise and thanksgiving to God for His Word, mercy and law, as well as asking for forgiveness, guidance and deliverance. In an Ambassador Bible Center class, Dr. Don Ward suggests praying with the Psalms. Take the Bible and read a psalm every day in your prayers. It is amazing how this guides you to more fervent prayers. Psalm 119 is especially good when you take eight verses at a time. Another book that can be used in prayer is Proverbs. When it comes to praying for brethren, a prayer list is helpful. A good relationship with the brethren in our congregation also helps us know how to pray specifically for one another. And of course, loving one another (John 15:12) leads to praying for one another. I have found that if I feel my prayers aren't going past the ceiling, I need to be studying more. Bible study brings me closer to God and helps me keep focus and substance in my prayers. What is the key to a good prayer life? There isn't a magic quick fix; it is simply the basics: Bible study, fasting, meditation and obedience to God's law.
Course Content
Janet Keisel
Janet Keisel grew up on a farm in central Illinois, the youngest of three girls. She began attending God's Church with her parents at the age of 12.
After graduating from high school she worked as a secretary until her marriage in 1970. They have three children and four grandchildren.
Janet enjoys time with family and friends, grandchildren, reading, hiking, gardening, making cards and traveling. She and her husband have attended the Feast of Tabernacles in a variety of places in the US plus travels to Germany, Italy, New Zealand, Australia and Canada. These opportunities have given her a wide variety of friendships and perspectives.
