Prayer Matters??? A Word From THE WORD!!! #494

We talked last time about prayer, Daniel’s prayer to be specific and I’d like to continue our conversation about prayer today, knowing the difference that prayer can make in our lives.

Jesus prayed often and set an example for us, as well as instructing us in the matter of prayer.

“And when thou prayest,

thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are:

for they love to pray standing

in the synagogues

and in the corners of the streets,

that they may be seen of men.

Verily I say unto you,

They have their reward.

6 But thou, when thou prayest,

enter into thy closet,

and when thou hast shut thy door,

pray to thy Father which is in secret;

and thy Father which seeth in secret

shall reward thee openly.

7 But when ye pray,

use not vain repetitions,

as the heathen do:

for they think that they shall be heard

for their much speaking.

8 Be not ye therefore like unto them:

for your Father knoweth

what things ye have need of,

before ye ask him.

9 After this manner therefore pray ye:

Our Father which art in heaven,

Hallowed be thy name.

10 Thy kingdom come.

Thy will be done in earth,

as it is in heaven.

11 Give us this day

our daily bread.

12 And forgive us our debts,

as we forgive our debtors.

13 And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil:

For thine is the kingdom,

and the power,

and the glory,

for ever. Amen.”  Matthew 6:5-13

Prayer helps us keep ourselves prepared for life in this world; we are in a battle with the enemy of our souls, and of this Christian life; he is ever diligent to pursue God’s own.  Peter gives us a grave warning of the nature of the battle and the beast who opposes everything godly, including us!!!

“Humble yourselves therefore

under the mighty hand of God,

that he may exalt you in due time:

7 Casting all your care upon him;

for he careth for you.

8 Be sober, be vigilant;

because your adversary the devil,

as a roaring lion,

walketh about,

seeking whom he may devour:

9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith,

knowing that the same afflictions

are accomplished in your brethren

that are in the world.

10 But the God of all grace,

who hath called us unto his eternal glory

by Christ Jesus,

after that ye have suffered a while,

make you perfect,

stablish,

strengthen,

settle you.

11 To him be glory and dominion

for ever and ever. Amen.”  1 Peter 5:6-11

We ought to heed Paul’s advice which we have looked at recently, which I think needs to be continually before us.

“Rejoice evermore.

17 Pray without ceasing.

18 In every thing give thanks:

for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus

concerning you.

19 Quench not the Spirit.”  1 Thessalonians 5:16-19

“First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ

for you all,

that your faith is spoken of

throughout the whole world.

9 For God is my witness,

whom I serve with my spirit

           in the gospel of his Son,

that without ceasing

I make mention of you always

in my prayers;

10 Making request,

if by any means now at length

I might have a prosperous journey

by the will of God

to come unto you.”  Romans 1:8-10

As you ponder on all these things, I pray that you will also think on one of my favorite passages from Paul.  I hope that you will take it to heart and measure your life by God’s Word and His will for those who belong to Jesus’!

“I beseech you therefore, brethren,

by the mercies of God,

that ye present your bodies

a living sacrifice,

holy,

acceptable unto God,

which is your reasonable service.

2 And be not conformed to this world:

but be ye transformed

by the renewing of your mind,

that ye may prove

what is that good,

and acceptable,

and perfect, will of God.

3 For I say, through the grace given unto me,

to every man that is among you,

not to think of himself

more highly than he ought to think;

but to think soberly,

according as God

hath dealt to every man

the measure of faith.”   Romans 12:1-3

God bless and grow you as you dig into His Word!

Amen and Amen!!!