Obedience and Prayer

I came across a study this month of the doctrines outlined in the Heidelberg Catechism, based on the Ten Commandments and how we are to obey God with our belongings, words, and attitudes. The study also considered prayer, looking at how it changes us and moves the Lord to act according to His sovereign will.

It seems almost weekly that our pastor is mentions that God desires our obedience to His holy Word, Will and Way in our thoughts, words and actions.

The 1828 Webster’s Dictionary defines the “word “obedience” as: Compliance with a command, prohibition or known law and rule of duty prescribed; the performance of what is required or enjoined by authority, or the abstaining from what is prohibited, in compliance with the command or prohibition. To constitute obedience, the act or forbearance to act must be in submission to authority; the command must be known to the person, and his compliance must be in consequence of it, or it is not obedience. Obedience is not synonymous with obsequiousness; the latter often implying meanness or servility, and obedience being merely a proper submission to authority. That which duty requires implies dignity of conduct rather than servility. Obedience may be voluntary or involuntary. Voluntary obedience alone can be acceptable to God. We obey God, not because we have to, but because we want to from the heart.

Obedience to God’s commands is not something we are capable of by nature; rather, we can serve Him only after He takes the initiative and changes our hearts. Thus, obedience always follows our justification, and our good works do not earn us a right standing before our just and holy Lord. Nevertheless, obedience is essential to our sanctification, as is prayer, through which God deepens our relationship with Him and strengthens us for godly service.

Prayer is just one way in which we grow into maturity in Christ. What does God require of you? That I do whatever I can for my neighbor’s good, that I treat others as I would like them to treat me, and that I work faithfully so that I may share with those in need. Abide in the Word of God. Hide them in your heart so that you may not sin against the Lord, but walk in the Spirit in obedience and prayer.

Blessings