SCRIPTURE
GEMS – 6
One of the greatest blessings in the
life of a Christian is prayer. When we
pray we are asking, pleading, petitioning, and thanking Almighty God. Many, many examples are recorded for us in
the Scriptures as well as instructions both positive and negative. David was known as a “man after God’s own
heart.” He certainly was not sinless but
he was a man of repentance, confession, and most definitely—a man of prayer. Ps.51:
10 Create
in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me. This could well be a daily prayer for us
to utter every morning. Our spiritual
lives would be strengthened and grow.
Probably most of our prayer life is
personal and alone. Matt.6:6 This verse is not
an indication that all of our prayers should be private. When the first church of Christ began on Pentecost,
prayer was one thing to which the Christians devoted themselves. Acts
2:42 We sometimes call this
corporate prayer as there are more than one involved. We are given a promise in Matt. 18:20. There is power as we pray together. A person really committed to the power of
prayer will not miss the opportunity of praying with other Christians.
One part and perhaps the first part of
our prayers would be the adoration of our awesome God. When Nebuchadnezzar was returned to humanness
from being as an animal, he gave a wonderful praise of God in Dan.4:34. David did this over and over in the
Psalms. God delights in our
adoration. 2 Sam.7:22
Confession of our sin is of extreme
importance as we begin to pray. 1 Jhn.1:9
As we confess our sins it is understood that we would truly and
sincerely repent. This is done
specifically. It is not a generic
exercise. Heb.6:4-6 To recognize our specific sins and not take care of them
becomes a matter of our eternal destination.
Heb.10:26 It is important that we do realize God’s
merciful forgiveness and grace. It is up
to us to receive that.
Being accountable to another Christian
helps us stay faithful. Jam.5:16
Always remember that prayer accomplishes so much alone and together,
even more. Matt.18:19
Several words are used to indicate a
petition or asking God. One is
supplication which might be more of a pleading for a specific outcome. 1
Tim.2:1 “All Men” even includes
enemies (Matt.5:44) and leaders in
the church (1 Thess.5:12,13) and
government. 1 Tim.2:2 Another is
intercession. The word, intercession, is
sometimes translated intervene or intercede.
Heb.7:25 We pray for others and the pain, problems,
and sorrow that they experience. One
example was when the Christians gathered to pray for Peter to be released from
prison in Acts 12.
Personal requirements are given for
prayer to be successful. One is to have
purity of heart. Ps.66:18 It isn’t a matter
of praying when a problem occurs, expect an answer and then go our way. God must be first in our lives. Prov.15:29;
1 Pet.3:12
All prayer must be within God’s
will. 1 Jhn.5:14 Even Jesus
prayed in this fashion when He was praying in the Garden the night before He
was crucified. Lk.22:42 Our entire life
must be within God’s will. 1 Jhn.2:17
Our prayers will not succeed if we do
not believe. Jam.1:6-8 When our prayers
are answered, are we surprised? Matt.21:22
Our belief must be so strong
that we can lay all in our life on Him. Heb.11:6
In his last book, Paul wrote to Timothy and expressed his firm
belief. 2 Tim.1:12 Sometimes
praying in Jesus’ name is forgotten.
Jesus explained this and the reason for it. Jhn.14:13
When we confess and repent of our sins,
do we expect to be forgiven? We have
many promises; however, even this prayer has requirements. Matt.6:14,15 We need to take this very
seriously. Too often we take God for
granted.
Other reasons why our prayers are
refused are mentioned in Scripture. Too
often our prayers are selfish—just for “me” and what “I” want. Jam.4:3 Some think if they pray once or twice
and their prayer isn’t answered, they should quit. Jesus tells a parable that teaches otherwise
in Lk.18:1. Another parable indicates a similar
lesson. Lk.11:8,9
We pray in humbleness as we realize in
truth who we are. Lk.18:13,14 This is a good
example for us. Prayer is talking to God
and our prayers do not have to be filled with many words nor fancy words. Matt.6:7
As we close our thoughts on prayer, may
our faith be strong enough that we can cast our cares upon the Lord. 1 Pet.5:7 This will keep us from so much
worry. Phil.4:6 May our minds be
ready to pray anytime and anywhere. 1 Thess.5:17; Col.4:2 Let us pray with David, Create a
clean heart in me, O God, and renew a stedfast spirit within me. Ps.51:10
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