Prayer has seen many through difficult times, it is our voice unto God.Many seek miracles of all sorts but often the real miracle of prayer is not that there is an answer to our request to God, but at times the true miracle is that in spite of not receiving and answer in the way we might want, we still hold fast to Him, knowing that no matter what befalls us He is there. He hears our cries for His intervention in our lives.
We Ought to Pray
"And he spoke a parable to them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;" Luke 18:1
Prayer a Heavenly Ministry
Jesus teaches us to pray , it is a heavenly ministry that all Christian are called to as part of the Priesthood of believers.
"But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a
peculiar people; that you should show forth the praises of him who has
called you out of darkness into his marvelous light," 1Peter:2:9
The act of prayer is so much an act of worship, often we approach prayer as just a means of acquiring wants or needs; but it is far more than that, it is a worship relationship, a communion.
"And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty
elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and
golden vials full of odors, which are the prayers of saints." Revelation:5:8
"Let my prayer be set forth before you as incense; and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice" Psalm:141:2
"Let my prayer be set forth before you as incense; and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice" Psalm:141:2
Enter Our Closet
When we pray we enter into what, Christ has done for each of us. Jesus taught the disciples ,and us, to avail our selves of prayer, to "enter into your closet"
"But you, when you pray, enter into your closet, and when you have shut
your door, pray to your Father which is in secret; and your Father which
sees in secret shall reward you openly." Matthew:6:6
In that culture and day the closet was the place where a persons most valued possession was kept. Our most valued possession is our relationship that we have with our Lord, this speaks to us of entering this relationship, that is engaging it , participating in it, of having communion with God in Jesus. This is a personal relationship with Him.
The Door is Always Opened
"I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture." John:10:9
This door stands open to us ant any time, that is our God is always available to communion with each of us at any and at all times.
"After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up here, and I will show you things which must be hereafter." Revelation:4:1
That door is always opened to us at any time, it will not shut.
Prayer For All Seasons
What about prayer, for us each day? Often we "feel" that there are no results, this can be hard during times when life, or situations ,seemed to remain unchangeable, or situations get worse, how should see this? Understand that the point is not just in getting an answer, but in turning to our Lord as the answer Himself. Look at the Epistle of the Apostle James, he address perseverance in difficulties. This discussion of perseverance is uses to lead to an admonition regarding prayer."Behold, we count them happy which endure. You have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy." James:5:11
"But above all things, my brothers, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yes be yes; and your no, no; lest you fall into condemnation."12
This speaks to us of the certainty and confidence that we have in Christ and that we see He is our one true hope in every and all need, whether we are facing problems and troubles or if this are going well in life ether way we should pray, recall that pray should be worship filled.Prayer is not just for the day of trouble but times of joy and personal worship.
"Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise".13
When we need healing, or afflicted with difficulties or sickness, we can ask help in prayer for help in overcoming weakness.
" Is
any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray
over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord.
And
the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord
will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven.
Therefore
confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may
be healed." 14-16
James adds assurances that our prayers can effect situations ,prayer is not just the domain spiritual giants, but for us all.
"The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops."17-18
James adds assurances that our prayers can effect situations ,prayer is not just the domain spiritual giants, but for us all.
"The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops."17-18
Prayer is powerful leading some to be restored to fellowship or the strength turn away from harmful behavior.
"My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins." 21-22
For One Another
Some might ask, do we need to come together with and for each other, should we only pray alone? Christians are intended to be in relationship, and prayer for each other gives us an opportunity to vest our lives into each others, to participate in each others lives. When we are asked to pray with or for each other our response should not be to lecture or quote Scripture at each other, but to hear that persons need and join with them in their sorrow , their frustration, pain or even their joy.
Alert in Prayer
"Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth." Colossians:3:2
Prayer that is focused on our Lord Jesus and guided by His Spirit will keep us alert.
"And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints." Ephesians:6:18
For His Work
"Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should ." Ephesians:6-19-20
Christians should ask that the body of Christ all over the world where ever it is at work, would be powerful and reach many with the Gospel.
We should be in a state of prayerful readiness, always tuning to Jesus ,ever ready to bring our needs to Him, but our joys as well with all gratitude.
"Be Instant in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving:" Colossians:4:2
You Request
Paul wrote to Christians in Phillpi , which was largely a retirement community of former Roman soldiers,they understood the need to have a strong supply line, they would understood the point, if the Roman Empire could supply its' legions while they were in far off lands , how much more so could the great God be trusted to supply our needs as we do His work upon the Earth, we can have peace in Him.
Bring our needs to Him, He not only has the answer He is the answer.
Even the way Prayer should be ended with the affirmation of Amen reflects that He is the answer and that God hears and receives our prayers.
"These are the words of the Amen," Revelation:3:14a
"For all the promises of God in him are yes, and in him Amen, to the glory of God by us." 2 Corinthians 1:20
Turn to Him each day and in all seasons through which we pass, in every, and all that we face in this life , enjoin Him in prayer in this relationship, let us always be found being in Prayer. Amen
Rev.Todd Crouch, Pastor
The Fountain of Life Church a Congregation of Grace Communion
Washington, Pennsylvania
the Fountain of Life heard on RKP
Radio 1710 & 1670 AM in Washington, Pa. and 1710 AM in Bentleyville ,
Pa. And online around the world at www.rkpradio.com
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