Be Still & Pray

Luke 18:1-8 Now He (Jesus) was telling them a parable to show that at all times they ought to pray and not to lose heart, saying, “In a certain city there was a judge who did not fear God and did not respect man. There was a widow in that city, and she kept coming to him, saying, ‘Give me legal protection from my opponent.’ For a while he was unwilling; but afterward he said to himself, ‘Even though I do not fear God nor respect man, yet because this widow bothers me, I will give her legal protection, otherwise by continually coming she will wear me out.’” And the Lord said, “Hear what the unrighteous judge *said; now, will not God bring about justice for His elect who cry to Him day and night, and will He delay long over them? I tell you that He will bring about justice for them quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?”

This week’s Sunday message from Pastor Kyle was on the need to “Be Still and Pray”. He explained that we may have many reasons for prayer that we can think of: (1) physical health problems, (2) whether single or married – friends and family relationships problems, or maybe (3) personal anxiety problems in life. Well, prayer tells us two things about ourself: (A) You’re Human – we all have problems now and then, & (B) You’re Christian and what to see God do something in your life. It is not easy being solid men and women of God. It is a myth that if we are godly then everything that we pray for goes well. It is entirely possible (and fairly common) to be doing all the “right” things n relation to God without receiving the desired answer for our prayers. God is working the plan that we see in the circumstances of our life. But God is more interested in changing us than our circumstances. We must remember that our Almighty Father in Heaven is not some genie to grant our every desire also.

Romans 12:10-12 “Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying.”

In the opening Bible passage, we see it’s easier to tell the negative effects to explain a point, rather than proclaim the “don’t do” standards because stories paint an emotional word picture in our mind that creates an emotional response which allows value agreement. In life we find that hurt people hurt people. For the child of God, when things are not going or working out our way, we need to keep living life God’s way; trusting the Lord, but also remembering that keeping our end of the bargain in the Christian life is not bargaining with God. We serve the Lord. Justifying our Sin is really saying; “I like it and don’t want to stop doing it.” The only difference is our personal participation. Repent and pray. The child of God when bullied doesn’t get bitter. When wounded, they go to worship. When persecuted they go to prayer and turn answered prayer to praise.

Ephesians 6:18 “With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit.”

Think of prayer as a personal conversation between you and God. Do not think of prayer as old-fashioned either. Lately, it seems that many in the church are so against religious rituals, standards, church seasons and schedules, or anything else that they determine as “dated” (translation: “too old”), but God meets us in godly  rituals, so maintain regular prayer. For example: The Lord’s Prayer is awesome and always significant. As I wrote once before: It is important to realize that since our Father in Heaven “knows the things you have need of before you ask Him”, that our prayers are for “our sake” because we need to be in personal relationship with active and lively conversation with God. Not some memorized sentences recited in vain repetition without thinking, but expressing our personal concerns and celebrations in every element that Jesus instructed in the Lord’s “model” Prayer. (1) Adoration/Worship, Love & Praise, (2) Declaration of Allegiance in Submission / Intercession, (3) Petition / Supplication / Intercession for our daily needs, (4) Confession / Expiation in Repentance of inequities, (5) for Deliverance / Protection (6) Meditation waiting on the Lord, and (7) Celebration / Rejoicing / Thanksgiving. The Lord Jesus gave us this model prayer and there is nothing wrong with reciting it. By reciting these treasured words in tender-hearted prayer, we are also in corporate prayer with brothers and sisters around the world, joining in prayer together with you and I. But, also do not forget to spend personal time in prayer with your Father, who art in Heaven.

Matthew 6:9-13 “Pray, then, in this way: ‘Our Father who is in heaven,
Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.’

One Word: Pray!

1 Thessalonians 5:17 “pray without ceasing”

In Christ, Brian