Acts 12:1-5 Now about that time Herod the king stretched out his hand to harass some from the church. Then he killed James the brother of John with the sword. And because he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to seize Peter also. Now it was during the Days of Unleavened Bread. So when he had arrested him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four squads of soldiers to keep him, intending to bring him before the people after Passover. Peter was therefore kept in prison, but constant prayer was offered to God for him by the church.
This last Sunday, our Associate Pastor Obie continued in our church’s sermon series through the book of Acts. He had learned that Country Music Artist Jelly Roll (Jason Bradley DeFord) recorded a hit single “I Need A Favor”, which was released in December of 2022. The lyrics of the song centers on a man being on the verge of losing his daughter and praying for God to do him a favor, but also admitting he does not deserve it and hoping to repent for his past actions. The first verse goes: “I only talk to God when I need a favor. And I only pray when I ain't got a prayer. So, who the hell am I, who the hell am I to expect a Savior. o-o-oh, If I only talk to God when I need a favor. But God I need a favor!”
Jelly Roll correctly identified prayer as a conversation directly with God; our Father who art in Heaven. The 1828 Webster’s dictionary defines the word “Prayer” as: In worship, a solemn address to the Supreme Being, consisting of adoration, or an expression of our sense of God's glorious perfections, confession of our sins, supplication for mercy and forgiveness, intercession for blessings on others, and thanksgiving, or an expression of gratitude to God for his mercies and benefits. A prayer however may consist of a single petition. Our Maker is the Supreme Creator of our body, soul and spirit, who cherishes communication with His children and hearing our thoughts. concerns, confessions and petitions for His Divine hand upon our life. The song speaks of a person that in desperation goes to God in prayer for assistance, saying: “Hanging in there, just barely. Throwing up prayers, like Hail Mary’s. If You're still there, Lord spare me. Oh my God, oh my God - Hail Mary.”
The reference of throwing up a “Hail Mary” prayer refers to a very long forward pass in American football, typically made in desperation on the last play of the half or game with no time left in regulation play, with an exceptionally small chance of achieving a completion. Due to the difficulty of a completion with this pass, it makes reference to the Catholic "Hail Mary" prayer for strength and God’s help. But, Pastor Obie declares that prayer needs to be our first response, not our last resort. Focus on the promises of God, not the problems of life. Read you Bible, fix your eyes on Jesus’ faithfulness and catch a glimpse of the future. Thy Word is truth, so adore the Lord.
Philippians 4:5-7 tells us, “Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
Supernatural gentleness and peace is a fruit of the Holy Spirit. Galatians 5:22-25 proclaims that “the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” The other spiritual fruit is much desired for the Good Life in Christ. Praying through problems brings peace. In John 14:25-27 Jesus states: “These things I have spoken to you while being present with you. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. Ephesians 2:13-14 explains, “But now in Christ Jesus you who previously were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For He Himself is our peace.”
Let's continue Pastor Obie's message in the next post.
In Christ, Brian
https://youtu.be/P1nRboaLTzU?si=UHWzWTCK_W6UbZAE
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