FRIENDSHIP WITH THE WORLD TERMINATES PRAYER
THE LIVING WATER DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE
DATE: Tuesday, 18th August, 2026
TOPIC: FRIENDSHIP WITH THE WORLD TERMINATES PRAYER
MEMORISE
Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God (James 4:4).
READ: James 4:4-10
[4]. Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.
[5]. Or do you think that the Scripture says in vain, “The Spirit who dwells in us yearns jealously”?
[6]. But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”
[7]. Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.
[8]. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
[9]. Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom.
[10]. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.
EXPOSITION
Being too attached to the world is another factor that hinders prayers. The Bible describes friendship with the world as enmity with God (Jas. 4:4). When we prioritise worldly desires over our relationship with God, we cannot expect Him to answer our prayers. God desires intimacy with us, but this requires that we live in holiness and reject the corrupt ways of the world.
Sin, strife and worldly distractions prevent our prayers from reaching God. When we are far from God, our prayers lose their power. God answers those who are close to Him — those who walk in obedience and holiness.
We have been reminded that sin separates us from God, making our prayers ineffective (Isa. 59:2). For this reason, we must draw near to God. To overcome worldly influences, we need to seek God daily, resist temptation and focus on His purpose for our lives. When we live according to God’s will, our prayers will not be hindered.
Remember that God hears the prayers of those who sincerely follow Him. By choosing to live for Him and rejecting worldly distractions, we ensure that our prayers are powerful and effective.
PREVIOUS DEVOTIONAL
PRAYER POINTS
1. Lord, help me to resist worldly distractions and stay close to You.
2. Father, draw me nearer to You by the day, in the journey of life.
3. Ask God for His sustenance for CAC General Secretariat, our fathers in the Lord, the Principal Officers and the staff, in Jesus’ name.
SUGGESTED HYMN FOR TODAY:
CACGHB: 816
10 10 10 7 & Ref
1. Though the world allure with its gilded charm,
I’m a child of God, whom it cannot harm;
He will me uphold by His mighty arm,
Every moment of my day.
Chorus:
I’ve a friend who will ev’ry need supply,
I’ve a home far beyond the starry sky,
And you know, that is just the reason why,
I am singing Hallelujah!
1. I can ne’er forget how upon the tree
Laid the son of God, there to die for me;
Yet to save my soul, thus it had to be,
There could be no other way.
1. I would e’er be true to my Lord and King,
Every waking hour praise to Him sing,
Knowing that at last He my soul shall bring,
Ever more with Him to stay.
Amen.
EXTRA READING FOR TODAY:
Isaiah 57-59
AUTHOR
CAC, Christian Education Department.
Stay blessed and fruitful for the glory of God.
Content Credit: THE LIVING WATER- CAC DAILY DEVOTINAL GUIDE
Image Credit: Google.com
