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THE LORD'S PRAYER (7) - "FORGIVE US OUR DEBTS, AS WE FORGIVE OUR DEBTORS."
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Jan 7, 2008 2:45 pm
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"FORGIVE US OUR DEBTS, AS WE FORGIVE OUR DEBTORS."
(Matthew 6:12)
This is a risky part of the Lord's Prayer. IT TAKES AWAY OUR RIGHT TO EXACT REVENGE, HARBOR RESENTMENT, OR EVEN TALK ABOUT THE SITUATION TO OTHERS. Here Jesus points us to:
HIS PARDON.
Have you been OVERLOOKED? BETRAYED? MISUNDERSTOOD? DO YOU KEEP GIVING TO OTHERS BUT IT NEVER SEEMS TO COME BACK? JESUS SAID, "OFFENSES WILL COME." SO WHERE ARE YOU GOING TO GO? TO THE CROSS! CHRIST FORGAVE HIS ENEMIES WHEN HE HAD THE POWER TO DESTROY THEM.
Think, IF GOD:
(a) were as selective in forgiving as you are;
(b) took His time so you could suffer;
(c) told everybody who'd listen what you've done to Him;
(d) forgave, but refused to give you another chance;
(e) made up His mind to distance and avoid you;
(f) next time you were in trouble, refused to help you saying, "Huh, it couldn't have happened to a nicer person,"
COULD YOU LIVE WITH THAT? NO? THEN EXTEND TO OTHERS THE SAME FORGIVENESS GOD EXTENDS TO YOU. When you pray "FORGIVE US OUR DEBTS, AS WE FORGIVE OUR DEBTORS" YOU'RE ASKING FOR A CHANGE OF HEART!
Nehemiah writes, "THOU ART A GOD READY TO PARDON" (Nehemiah 9:17). AREN'T YOU GLAD, HE DIDN'T WRITE, "THOU ART A GOD READY TO PUT US ON PROBATION." NO, PARDON IS GOD'S FIXED ATTITUDE TOWARD US. THE PARDON WAS IN PLACE BEFORE THE OFFENSE WAS COMMITTED. WOW! THAT UNBURDENS US AND SETS US FREE. THE ONLY PLACE BITTERNESS CAN LIVE IS IN OUR MEMORY. THE ONLY POWER IT CAN HAVE OVER US, IS THE POWER WE GIVE IT.
REMEMBER THAT, NEXT TIME YOU PRAY THE LORD'S PRAYER.
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THE LORD'S PRAYER (6) - "GIVE US THIS DAY OUR DAILY BREAD."
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Jan 7, 2008 2:27 pm
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"GIVE US THIS DAY OUR DAILY BREAD." MATTHEW 6:11
There are 2 REASONS FOR PRAYING. "GIVE US THIS DAY OUR DAILY BREAD" and they have to do with:
HIS PROVISION.
FIRST, while we may have so much food that our prayer is, "Lord, help me to lose weight," multitudes go to bed hungry. They pray this prayer because without an answer they won't make it. And we dare not turn away from them because; "GOD BLESSES THOSE WHO ARE KIND TO THE POOR. HE HELPS THEM OUT OF THEIR TROUBLES. HE PROTECTS THEM...HE PUBLICLY HONORS THEM AND DESTROYS THE POWER OF THEIR ENEMIES" (Psalm 41:1-2 TL .
SECOND, Jesus said, "MAN SHALL NOT LIVE BY BREAD ALONE, BUT BY EVERY WORD THAT PROCEEDETH OUT OF THE MOUTH OF GOD." (Matthew 4:4). Note the phrase "EVERY WORD." Some of the bread He feeds us is PLEASANT; some is PAINFUL. And we need both. "ICE CREAM CHRISTIANS" pick Scriptures that make them FEEL good. AS A RESULT THEY DON'T DEVELOP THE SPIRITUAL MUSCLE REQUIRED TO STAND STRONG IN THE HARD TIMES. God's promise to you is, "NO WEAPON THAT IS FORMED AGAINST THEE SHALL PROSPER." (Isaiah 54:17). QUIT PRAYING THAT THE WEAPON WON'T BE FORMED. IT WILL! JUST EAT RIGHT AND IT WON'T PROSPER. IT'S EASY TO TELL WHEN YOU'RE NOT EATING RIGHT. PEOPLE GET ON YOUR NERVES, YOU GO THROUGH MO0D SWINGS, YOU CAVE INTO FEAR. If that describes you, IT'S TIME TO PRAY: "LORD, I'M NERVOUS, GIVE ME THE BREAD. LORD, I'M MOODY, GIVE ME THE BREAD. LORD, I'M GOING THROUGH TOO MANY TEMPTATIONS AND MESSING UP, GIVE ME THE BREAD."
THE TRUTH IS, WITHOUT YOUR DAILY BREAD YOU WON'T MAKE IT!
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THE LORD's PRAYER (5) "THY KINGDOM COME."
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Jan 6, 2008 9:56 pm
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"THY KINGDOM COME." MATTHEW 6:10
In the KINGDOM OF SELF, YOU RULE. By the way, HOW ARE THINGS GOING IN YOUR KINGDOM THESE DAYS? NOT TOO WELL? That's because THE WRONG PERSON'S IN CHARGE! In the KINGDOM OF GOD, CHRIST RULES! HIS WORD SETTLES ALL ISSUES. No, "YEAH, BUTS." When Jesus taught us to pray "THY KINGDOM COME. THY WILL BE DONE," He was teaching us:
HIS PRIORITIES.
The fastest route to success in any job is to find out what the boss wants, and get it done with excellence. Bosses notice people like that. JESUS SAID, "SEEK YE FIRST THE KINGDOM OF GOD [His agenda, His priorities]." (Matthew 6:33) The rules are different in GOD'S KINGDOM:
(1) THE WAY UP, IS DOWN.
"HUMBLE YOURSELVES...THAT HE MAY EXALT YOU IN DUE TIME." (I Peter 5:6). Note the words, "DUE TIME." YOUR BLESSING IS ALREADY SCHEDULED ON GOD'S CALENDAR JUST KEEP YOUR HEAD DOWN.
(2) BY FORGIVING OTHERS YOU FREE YOURSELF.
At the point of forgiveness, all the energy lost to self-pity and resentment is reclaimed and redirected- and you get your peace back. What a deal! One of the last songs Elvis ever sang was, "I Did It My Way." In the Kingdom of God we do it HIS WAY. EACH TIME GOD'S WILL IS DONE, A LITTLE MORE OF HIS KINGDOM COMES. "BUT WHY DO WE HAVE TO PRAY, 'THY KINGDOM COME. THY WILL BE DONE IN EARTH, AS IT IS IN HEAVEN?'" BECAUSE WE CAN'T MAKE IT HAPPEN! THE NEEDED ENERGY MUST COME FROM ANOTHER SOURCE. SO, OUR PRAYERS ARE MORE THAN JUST AN INVITATION FOR GOD TO SHOW UP - THY'RE THE CONDUIT THROUGH WHICH HIS KINGDOM POWER FLOWS INTO OUR CIRCUMSTANCES.
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THE LORD'S PRAYER (4) - "HALLOWED BE THY NAME."
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Jan 6, 2008 9:38 pm
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"HALLOWED BE THY NAME." MATTHEW 6:9
If you ever get invited to Buckingham Palace and have the privilege of meeting the Queen, don't show up in cut-off blue jeans and a raggedy T-shirt. They won't let you in. You're not coming to a pizza parlor, you're entering a palace, you're addressing royalty. Keep that in mind. When Jesus told us to pray, "HALLOWED BE THY NAME," He was teaching us:
HIS PROTOCOL
There's only one way to enter God's presence. And it's not with a shopping list of all the things you want. If the only time someone comes to visit you is when they need something, you'll soon stop answering the door. David tells us how to approach God: "KNOW YE THAT THE LORD HE IS GOD: IT IS HE THAT HATH MADE US, AND NOT WE OURSELVES...ENTER INTO HIS GATES WITH THANKSGIVING, AND INTO HIS COURTS WITH PRAISE: BE THANKFUL UNTO HIM, AND BLESS HIS NAME." (Psalm 100:3-4). Did you get that? WE SHOULD ENTER HIS GATES WITH THANKSGIVING FOR ALL HE'S DONE. THEN WALK ACROSS HIS COURTYARD WITH PRAISE FOR WHO HE IS: "MY SAVIOR, MY DELIVERER, MY DEFENDER, MY PROVIDER, MY SOURCE OF STRENGTH, MY WAY-MAKER, THE CENTER OF MY JOY, THE LOVER OF MY SOUL, THE AUTHOR AND FINISHER OF MY FAITH." You say, "But I'm not the emotional type." Come on, you've no trouble expressing yourself when your team's winning. WHETHER YOU'RE A MORNING PERSON OR A NIGHT PERSON, THE BIBLE SAYS, "FROM THE RISING OF THE SUN UNTO THE GOING DOWN OF THE SAME THE LORD'S NAME IS TO BE PRAISED." (Psalm 113:3).
THE WAY TO ENTER, TO ENJOY, AND TO LIVE IN GOD'S PRESENCE - IS THROUGH PRAISE!
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THE LORD'S PRAYER (3) - "OUR FATHER WHICH ART IN HEAVEN."
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Jan 6, 2008 8:51 pm
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"OUR FATHER WHICH ART IN HEAVEN." MATTHEW 6:9
When we pray to the God Who is in heaven, we recognize:
HIS POSITION.
Daniel said, "THE MOST HIGH RULES IN THE KINGDOM OF MEN." (Daniel 4:17 NKJV). That's GOD'S ANSWER TO FRIGHTENING HEADLINES AND FEAR-FILLED HEARTS. A late-night TV comedian recently quipped: "TSUNAMIS, EARTHQUAKES, HURRICANES, TORNADOES, FLOODS, AVIAN FLU, AND TERRORISM. Maybe it isn't such a good time to be trying to TAKE OUT GOD OUT OF THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE." IF GOD IS NOT IN CONTROL - WHO IS? The President? The Prime Minister? Nice folks, and no doubt well intentioned, but not good enough if you enjoy the idea of sleeping peacefully in your bed at night. The Psalmist said, "MY HELP COMETH FROM THE LORD." (Psalm 121:2). THINK: IF HE'S LORD OVER EVERY CIRCUMSTANCE, AND IF HE'S PROMISED TO HELP US WHEN WE CALL ON HIM, WHAT DO WE HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT?
You say, "WHAT ABOUT TERRORISM? THE MIDDLE EAST?" NO PROBLEM! GOD HAD IT ALL ON THE DRAWING BOARD BEFORE A SHOT WAS FIRED. GOD MOVES MEN AND NATIONS like we move pawns in a chess game. Look at modern day Israel. God promised 3,000 years ago: "I WILL BRING BACK MY EXILED PEOPLE ISRAEL; THEY WILL REBUILD THE RUINED CITIES AND LIVE IN THEM...NEVER AGAIN TO BE UPROOTED FROM THE LAND I HAVE GIVEN THEM, SAYS THE LORD YOUR GOD." (Amos 9:14-15 NIV). Still think God's not running the show? HE'S GOD AND HE'S IN CHARGE. And one more thing you need to know: "AT THE NAME OF JESUS EVERY KNEE SHOULD BOW...AND...EVERY TONGUE SHOULD CONFESS THAT JESUS CHRIST IS LORD, TO THE GLORY OF GOD THE FATHER." (Philippians 2:10-11)
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THE LORD'S PRAYER (2) - "OUR FATHER"
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Jan 6, 2008 8:31 pm
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"OUR FATHER." MATTHEW 6:9
Jesus taught His disciples to pray: "AFTER THIS MANNER THEREFORE PRAY YE: OUR FATHER." (Matthew 6:9) Don't miss this: THE RELATIONSHIP YOU HAVE WITH SOMEONE DETERMINES THE LEVEL OF COMFORT AND CONFIDENCE WITH WHICH YOU APPROACH THEM. So Jesus begins by emphasizing:
THE PERSON. "OUR FATHER."
Now, if you had an absentee father who was never there for you, or an abusive father who hurt you, or an emotionally unavailable father who never showed you much love or acceptance, then you need a new concept of God - a scriptural one; otherwise YOUR PAST WILL SABOTAGE YOU. Before you can trust someone you have to know they really care about you. Once that happens you'll open up to them. Only then can your WOUNDED AREAS MADE WHOLE. "OUR FATHER" - THAT PUTS AN ADDRESS ON THE ENVELOPE! You need to understand Who you're talking to, and the relationship you have with Him. YOU APPROACH GOD ON THE BASIS OF WHO YOU ARE TO HIM, AND WHO HE IS TO YOU. YOUR HEAVENLY FATHER IS A COVENANT MAKING, COVENANT KEEPING GOD. When two people in Bible days made a covenant it wasn't a casual "call me sometime" with no commitment. No, THEY SEALED IT WITH BLOOD, meaning, "I'LL GIVE MY LIFE FOR YOU IF NECESSARY."
You can actually call God "PAPA" without a trace of irreverence: "THIS RESURRECTION LIFE YOU RECEIVED FROM GOD IS...ADVENTUROUSLY EXPECTANT, GREETING GOD WITH A CHILDLIKE 'WHAT'S NEXT, PAPA?...WE KNOW WHO HEIS, AND WE KNOW WHO WE ARE: FATHER AND CHILDREN." (Romans 8:15-17 TM).
So, to pray the Lord's Prayer effectively we must RECOGNIZE AND REJOICE IN WHO HE IS TO US - "OUR FATHER."
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THE LORD'S PRAYER (1)
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Jan 6, 2008 8:16 pm
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"LORD, TEACH US TO PRAY." Luke 11:1
One day Jesus' disciples watched and listened as He prayed. When He got through they said: "LORD, TEACH US TO PRAY." As a result He gave them what's become known as "THE LORD'S PRAYER." Can you remember when you last prayed it? If not, how come? Maybe you learned it by rote and you don't understand its significance or power. Or perhaps it was repeated like a meaningless ritual at the end of a church service as people put on their coats and headed for the parking lot. That tells you more about the hearts of the people than the power of the prayer. "Well, I think we need more contemporary prayers geared toward fast trackers." Really? Have you listened to some of the stuff they've replaced the Lord's Prayer with? Jesus warned us about prayers that are just "babbling" (Matthew 6 NIV). There are lots of prayers in the Bible: prayers for deliverance, for guidance, for forgiveness, for unity, etc. Here's the score: when you pray it should be
(a) PASSIONATE
(b) SCRIPTURAL
(c) INTIMATE
(d) UNHURRIED
(e) FAITH-FILLED
Take a moment and meditate on each of those 5 things. THEY'RE YOUR KEYS TO ANSWERED PRAYER.
We only tend to keep doing what rewards us, so when prayer becomes an unrewarding experience we quit. If that's why you no longer pray The Lord's Prayer, don't feel condemned - FEEL CHALLENGED. For the next few days let's go back to the ONLY prayer Jesus Himself gave us to pray. After all, who knows more about prayer? CAN YOU IMAGINE JESUS GIVING US A PRAYER THAT DIDN'T MOVE GOD, GET A HEARING AND BRING THE NEEDED ANSWERS?
-The WORD For You TODAY
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PRAYER....(Part 4) - MODEL PRAYERS!
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Jan 5, 2008 10:21 pm
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WHAT ARE THE CHARACTERISTICS OF PRAYERS IN THE BIBLE?
BIBLE READING: JOSHUA 7:1-26
KEY BIBLE VERSE: JOSHUA AND THE LEADERS OF ISRAEL TORE THEIR CLOTHING IN DISMAY, THREW DUST ON THEIR HEADS, AND BOWED DOWN FACING THE ARK OF THE LORD UNTIL EVENING. (Joshua 7:6)
BIBLICAL PRAYERS ARE MARKED BY HUMILITY.
Joshua and the elders tore their clothing and sprinkled dust on their heads as signs of deep mourning before God. They were confused by their defeat at the small city of Ai after the spectacular Jericho victory, so THEY WENT BEFORE GOD IN DEEP HUMILITY AND SORROW TO RECEIVE HIS INSTRUCTIONS. WHEN OUR LIFE FALLS APART, WE ALSO SHOULD TURN TO GOD FOR DIRECTION AND HELP. Like Joshua and the elders, we should HUMBLE OURSELF SO THAT WE WILL BE ABLE TO HEAR HIS WORDS.
BIBLICAL PRAYERS ARE MARKED BY HONESTY.
Imagine praying this way to God. This is not a formal church prayer; it is THE PRAYER OF A MAN WHO IS AFRAID AND CONFUSED BY WHAT IS HAPPENING AROUND HIM. Joshua poured out his real thoughts to God. Hiding your needs from God is ignoring the only one who can really help. GOD WELCOMES YOUR HONEST PRAYERS AND WANTS YOU TO EXPRESS YOUR TRUE FEELINGS TO HIM. Any believer can become more honest in prayer by remembering that GOD IS ALL KNOWING AND ALL-POWERFUL AND THAT HIS LOVE IS EVERLASTING.
BIBLE READING: 2 CHRONICLES 6:1-42
KEY BIBLE VERSE: HE PRAYED, "O LORD, GOD OF ISRAEL, THERE IS NO GOD LIKE YOU IN ALL OF HEAVEN AND EARTH. YOU KEEP YOUR PROMISES AND SHOW UNFAILING LOVE TO ALL WHO OBEY YOU AND ARE EAGER TO DO YOUR WILL." (2 Chronicles 6:14)
BIBLICAL PRAYERS ARE WIDE-RANGING AND SPECIFIC.
As Solomon led the people in prayer, he asked God to hear their prayers concerning a variety of situations:
(1) CRIME (6:22-23)
(2) ENEMY ATTACKS (6:24-25)
(3) DROUGHT (6:26-27)
(4) FAMINE (6:28-31)
(5) THE INFLUX OF FOREIGNERS (6:32-33)
(6) WAR (6:34-35)
(7) SIN (6:36-39)
GOD IS CONCERNED WITH WHATEVER WE FACE, EVEN THE DIFFICULT CONSEQUENCES WE BRING UPON OURSELF. HE WANTS US TO TURN TO HIM IN PRAYER. When you pray, remember that God hears you. Don't let the extremity of your situation cause you to doubt His care for you.
BIBLE READING: MATTHEW 6:5-15
KEY BIBLE VERSE: PRAY LIKE THIS: OUR FATHER IN HEAVEN, MAY YOUR NAME BE HONORED. MAY YOUR KINGDOM COME SOON. MAY YOUR WILL BE DONE HERE ON EARTH, JUST AS IT IS IN HEAVEN. GIVE US OUR FOOD FOR TODAY, AND FORGIVE US OUR SINS, JUST AS WE HAVE FORGIVEN THOSE WHO HAVE SINNED AGAINST US. AND DON'T LET US YIELD TO TEMPTATION, BUT DELIVER US FROM THE EVIL ONE. (Matthew 6:9-13)
BIBLICAL PRAYER IS PERSONAL.
The phrase "OUR FATHER IN HEAVEN" indicates that GOD IS NOT ONLY MAJESTIC AND HOLY; BUT ALSO PERSONAL AND LOVING. The first line of this model prayer is a STATEMENT OF PRAISE AND A COMMITMENT TO HONOR GOD'S HOLY NAME. We can honor God's name by being careful to use it respectfully. If we use God's name lightly, we aren't remembering God's holiness.
BIBLICAL PRAYER RECOGNIZES GOD'S POSITION.
The phrase "MAY YOUR KINGDOM COME SOON" is a reference to GOD'S SPIRITUAL REIGN, not Israel's freedom from Rome. GOD'S KINGDOM WAS ANNOUNCED IN THE COVENANT WITH ABRAHAM (8:11; Luke 13:2 , is PRESENT AS CHRIST REIGNS IN THE BELIEVER'S HEART (Luke 17:21), and will be COMPLETE WHEN ALL EVIL IS DESTROYED AND GOD ESTABLISHES THE NEW HEAVEN AND EARTH (Revelation 21:1)
BIBLICAL PRAYER RECOGNIZES OUR POSITION.
When we pray "MAY YOUR WILL BE DONE," we are not resigning ourself to fate, but praying that GOD'S PERFECT PURPOSE WILL BE ACCOMPLISHED IN THIS WORLD AS WELL AS IN THE NEXT.
BIBLICAL PRAYER DEMONSTRATES COMPLETE DEPENDENCE.When we pray, "GIVE US OUR FOOD FOR TODAY," we are acknowledging that GOD IS OUR SUSTAINER AND PROVIDER. It is a misconception to think that we provide for our own needs. We must trust God DAILY to provide what he knows we need.
BIBLICAL PRAYER ASKS GOD FOR GUIDANCE.
GOD DOESN'T LEAD US INTO TEMPTATIONS, but sometimes HE ALLOWS US TO BE TESTED BY THEM. As discipes, we should pray to be DELIVERED FROM THESE TRYING TIMES AND FROM SATAN ("the evil one") AND HIS DECEIT! All Christian struggle with temptation. Sometimes it is so subtle that we don't even realize what is happening to us. GOD HAS PROMISED THAT HE WON'T ALLOW US TO BE TEMPTED BEYOND WHAT WE CAN BEAR (I Corinthians 10:13). Ask God to help you recognize temptation and to give you strength to overcome it and choose God's way instead.
BIBLE READING: JOHN 17:1-26
KEY BIBLE VERSE: I AM PRAYING NOT ONLY FOR THESE DISCIPLES BUT ALSO FOR ALL WHO WILL EVER BELIEVE IN ME BECAUSE OF THEIR TESTIMONY. MY PRAYER FOR ALL OF THEM IS THAT THEY WILL BE ONE, JUST AS YOU AND I ARE ONE, FATHER-THAT JUST AS YOU ARE IN ME AND I AM IN YOU, SO THEY WILL BE IN US, AND THE WORLD WILL BELIEVE YOU SENT ME. (John 17:20-21)
BIBLICAL PRAYER RECOGNIZES THE SPIRITUAL WARFARE AROUND US.
This entire chapter is Jesus' prayer. From it, we learn that the world is a tremendous battleground where the forces under Satan's power and those under God's authority are at war: SATAN AND HIS FORCES ARE MOTIVATED BY BITTER HATRED FOR CHRIST AND HIS FORCES. Jesus prayed for His disciples, including those of us who follow Him today. He prayed that God would keep His chosen believers safe from Satan's power, setting them apart and making them PURE AND HOLY, UNITING THEM THROUGH HIS TRUTH.
BIBLICAL PRAYER IS NOT ESCAPE FROM THE WORLD.
Jesus didn't ask God to take believers OUT of the world, but instead to use them IN the world, nor should we avoid all relationships with non-Christians. We are called to be SALT AND LIGHT (Matthew 5:13-16), AND WE ARE TO DO THE WORK, THAT GOD SENT US TO DO.
BIBLICAL PRAYER BINDS US WITH OTHER BELIEVERS.
Jesus prayed for all who would follow Him, including you and others you know. He prayed for UNITY (17:11). PROTECTION FROM THE EVIL ONE (17:15), And SANCTITY (Holiness) (17:17).
KNOWING THAT JESUS PRAYED FOR US SHOULD GIVE US CONFIDENCE AS WE WORK FOR HIS KINGDOM.
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PRAYER... (Part 3) - METHODS OF PRAYER!
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Jan 5, 2008 8:37 pm
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HOW SHOULD WE PRAY?
BIBLE READING: EZRA 8:1-35
KEY BIBLE VERSE: THERE BY THE AHAVA CANAL, I GAVE ORDERS FOR ALL OF US TO FAST AND HUMBLE OURSELVES BEFORE OUR GOD. WE PRAYED THAT HE WOULD GIVE US A SAFE JOURNEY AND PROTECT US, OUR CHILDREN, AND 0UR GOODS AS WE TRAVELED.
(Ezra 8:21)
WE SHOULD PRAY WITH AN ATTITUDE OF DEEP RESPECT FOR GOD.
Ezra knew God's promises to protect His people, but he didn't take them for granted. He also knew that God's blessings are approppriated through prayer; so Ezra and the people humbled themselves by FASTING and PRAYING. And their prayers were answered. Fasting humbled them because going without food was a reminder of their complete dependence on God. Fasting also gave them more time to PRAY and MEDITATE ON GOD.
Too often we pray glibly and superficially. SERIOUS PRAYER, by contrast, REQUIRES CONCENTRATION. IT PUTS US IN TOUCH WITH GOD'S WILL AND CAN REALLY CHANGE US. Without serious prayer, we reduce God to a quick-service pharmacist with painkillers for our every ailment.
BIBLE READING: NEHEMIAH 2:1-10
KEY BIBLE VERSE: THE KING ASKED, "WELL, HOW CAN I HELP YOU?" WITH A PRAYER TO THE GOD OF HEAVEN, I REPLIED, "IF IT PLEASE YOUR MAJESTY AND IF YOU ARE PLEASED WITH ME, YOUR SERVANT, SEND ME TO JUDAH TO REBUILD THE CITY WHERE MY ANCESTORS ARE BURIED." (Nehemiah 2:4-5)
WE SHOULD PRAY WITH CONFIDENCE IN GOD'S GRACE.
With little time to think, Nehemiah immediately prayed. Eight times in this book we read that he prayed spontaneously (2:4; 4:4-5,9; 6:14; 13:14,22,29). Nehemiah prayed at any time, even while talking with others. He knew that GOD IS ALWAYS IN CHARGE, IS ALWAYS PRESENT, AND HEARS AND ANSWERS EVERY PRAYER. Nehemiah could confidently pray throughout the day because he had established an intimate relationship with God during times of extended prayer (1:4-7). IF WE WANT TO REACH GOD WITH OUR EMERGENCY PRAYERS, WE NEED TO TAKE TIME TO CULTIVATE A STRONG RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD THROUGH TIMES OF IN-DEPTH PRAYER.
BIBLE READING: MATTHEW 6:5-15
KEY BIBLE VERSE: WHEN YOU PRAY, DON'T BABBLE ON AND ON AS PEOPLE OF OTHER RELIGIONS DO. THEY THINK THEIR PRAYERS ARE ANSWERED ONLY BY REPEATING THEIR WORDS AGAIN AND AGAIN. DON'T BE LIKE THEM, BECAUSE YOUR FATHER KNOWS EXACTLY WHAT YOU NEED EVEN BEFORE YOU ASK HIM! (Matthew 6-
WE SHOULD PRAY WITH HUMILITY AND SINCERITY.
Some people, especially the religious leaders, wanted to be seen as "HOLY," and public prayer was one way to get attention. Jesus saw through their self-righteous acts, however, and taught that THE ESSENCE OF PRAYER IS NOT PUBLIC STYLE, BUT PRIVATE COMMUMNICATION WITH GOD. There is a place for public prayers, but to pray only where others will notice you indicates that your real audience is not God.
BIBLE READING: COLOSSIANS 1:1-14
KEY BIBLE VERSE: WE ALWAYS PRAY FOR YOU, AND WE GIVE THANKS TO GOD THE FATHER OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, FOR WE HAVE HEARD THAT YOU TRUST IN CHRIST JESUS AND THAT YOU LOVE ALL OF GOD'S PEOPLE. (Colossians 1:3-4)
WE SHOULD PRAY FOR OTHERS.
Sometimes we wonder how to pray for missionaries and other leaders we have never met. Paul had never met the Colossians, but he faithfully prayed for them. His prayers teach us how to pray for others whether we know them or not. We can request that they:
(1) UNDERSTAND GOD'S WILL,
(2) GAIN SPIRITUAL WISDOM,
(3) PLEASE AND HONOR GOD,
(4) BEAR GOOD FRUIT,
(5) GROW IN THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD,
(6) BE FILLED WITH GOD'S STRENGTH,
(7) HAVE GREAT ENDURANCE AND PATIENCE,
( STAY FULL OF CHRIST'S JOY AND
(9) GIVE THANKS ALWAYS.
All believers have these same basic needs. When you don't know how to pray for someone, use Paul's pattern for the Colossians.
TO BE CONTINUED...Part (4)- MODEL PRAYERS!
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PRAYER... (Part 2) MOTIVES FOR PRAYER!
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Jan 5, 2008 7:47 pm
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WHY SHOULD WE PRAY?
BIBLE READING: GENESIS 25:19-34
KEY BIBLE VERSE: ISAAC PLEADED WITH THE LORD TO GIVE REBEKAH A CHILD BECAUSE SHE WAS CHILDLESS. SO THE LORD ANSWERED ISAAC'S PRAYER, AND HIS WIFE BECAME PREGNANT WITH TWINS. (Genesis 25:21)
PRAYER REFLECTS OUR DEPENDENCE ON GOD.
As Isaac pleaded with God for children, so the Bible encourages us to ASK - and even PLEAD - for our most personal and important requests. God wants to grant our requests, but He wants us to ask Him. Even then, as Isaac learned, God
may decide to withhold His answer for a while in order to (1) DEEPEN OUR INSIGHT INTO WHAT WE REALLY NEED, (2) BROADEN OUR APPRECIATION FOR HIS ANSWERS, OR (3) ALLOW US TO MATURE SO WE CAN USE HIS GIFTS MORE WISELY.
BIBLE READING: EXODUS 17:1-7
KEY BIBLE VERSE: TORMENTED BY THIRST, THEY CONTINUED TO COMPLAIN, "WHY DID YOU EVER TAKE US OUT OF EGYPT? WHY DID YOU BRING US HERE? WE, OUR CHILDREN, AND OUR LIVESTOCK WILL ALL DIE!" (Exodus 17:3)
PRAYER IS FAR BETTER THAN COMPLAINING TO EACH OTHER.
Again the people of Israel COMPLAINED about their problem instead of PRAYING. They had followed God's leading into the desert, but now were doubting His ability to take care of them. Some problems can be solved by careful thought or by rearranging our priorities. Some can be solved by discussion and good counsel. But some problems can be solved only by prayer. We should make a determined effort to pray when we feel like complaining, because complaining only raises our level of stress. PRAYER QUIETS OUR THOUGHTS AND EMOTIONS AND PREPARES US TO LISTEN.
BIBLE READING: JUDGES 16:23-31
KEY BIBLE VERSE: SAMSON PRAYED TO THE LORD, "SOVEREIGN LORD, REMEMBER ME AGAIN. O GOD, PLEASE STRENGTHEN ME ONE MORE TIME SO THAT I MAY PAY BACK THE PHILISTINES FOR THE LOSS OF MY EYES." (Judges 16:2
PRAYER CAN RESTORE RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD.
In spite of Samson's past, God still answered his prayer and destroyed the pagan temple and worshipers. God still loved him. He was willing to hear Samson's prayer of confession and repentance and use him this final time. One of the effects of sin in our life is to KEEP US FROM FEELING LIKE PRAYING. But perfect moral behavior is not a condition for prayer. Don't let guilt feelings over sin keep you from your only means of restoration. NO MATTER HOW LONG YOU HAVE BEEN AWAT FROM GOD, HE IS READY TO HEAR FROM YOU AND RESTORE YOU TO A RIGHT RELATIONSHIP. Every situation can be salvaged if you are willing to turn again to Him. If God could still work in Samson's situation, he can certainly make something worthwhile out of yours.
TO BE CONTINUED...PART (3)- METHODS OF PRAYER
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|
9
|
10
|
113
|
12
|
13
|
14
|
15
|
16
|
17
|
18
|
19
|
20
|
21
|
22
|
23
|
24
|
25
|
26
|
27
|
28
|
29
|
30
|
|
|
|
