Prayer~

 

November 16, 2013

Prayer

“if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14).

So what about prayer?  Is it important? How important?  It appears in the Scriptures over 300 times.  I think it safe to say that it is pretty important.  What does the Bible say about it?  What ways are we to pray?  These are just a few of what I have looked at.  Fervently (having or showing great warmth or intensity of spirit, feeling, enthusiasm,)… “The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much” (James 5:16).  Constantly (continuing without pause or letup; unceasing) on behalf of others … “Peter was therefore kept in prison, but constant prayer was offered to God for him by the church” (Acts 12:5).  Effectively (adequate to accomplish a purpose; producing the intended or expected result)…  “Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much” (James 5:16).  Steadfastly (fixed in direction; steadily directed)... “rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer;” (Romans 12:12)  With lifted hands (to raise or direct upward; the act of lifting, raising or rising)... “I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting;” (1 Timothy 2:8). “Without Ceasing (to NOT stop; OR discontinue)… “pray without ceasing,  in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you (1 Thessalonians 5: 17-18). This also mentions that it is the will of God... Thankfully (grateful and appreciative)...  “Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving;” (Colossians 4:2). In the Spirit (according to the Spirit’s leading) “But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit,” (Jude 1:20); “praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit,” (Ephesians 6:18).  “Oswald Sanders says: “It hardly need be said that to pray in the Spirit means to pray in harmony with the Word of God, which He has inspired. He does not speak with two voices. He will never move us to pray for something that is not sanctioned by Scripture.”   John Piper says: “Praying in the Spirit is a divine means that God has appointed for keeping us in the love of God, and thus safe for eternal life.”    

When we are weakened, and do not know what to pray, He prays for us! “Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered” (Romans 8:26).

Are you anxious?  “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; (Philippians 4:6).  Are you in need of healing? “Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord” (James 5:14).  Are you tempted? “Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation.  The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak” (Matthew 26:41).  Are you suffering?  “Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms”. Pray for others. “Therefore we also pray always for you that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfill all the good pleasure of His goodness and the work of faith with power,” (2 Thessalonians 1:11).   

Clearly, it is important to God that we pray, since it is mentioned so many times in His word and: “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3: 16).  Holy God, thank You for Your Word.  Thank You for Jesus, who makes it even possible for me to approach Your throne of grace.  Thank You that You hear me when I call.  In Jesus Name, Amen.