23 August Pray for Life ©C DIEGO 2015
Philippians 1:9-11 AMP And this I pray: that your love may abound yet more and more and extend to its fullest development in knowledge and all keen insight [that your love may display itself in greater depth of acquaintance and more comprehensive discernment], So that you may surely learn to sense what is vital, and approve and prize what is excellent and of real value [recognizing the highest and the best, and distinguishing the moral differences], and that you may be untainted and pure and unerring and blameless [so that with hearts sincere and certain and unsullied, you may approach] the day of Christ [not stumbling nor causing others to stumble]. May you abound in and be filled with the fruits of righteousness (of right standing with God and right doing) which come through Jesus Christ (the Anointed One), to the honor and praise of God [that His glory may be both manifested and recognized].
The safest way I know to successfully lead my thoughts into the obedience of Jesus Christ is to maintain constant contact with God in prayer. I may have responded unduly sharply to a situation, disappointed God, myself or those dear to me in my actions or inactions got tired of sticking with my dreams and purpose and willing to throw in the towel and God would lead me to a thought, book or person that would literally wake me up. I'm sure you too have had similar experiences.
Just thinking about how much prayer has saved me sent me thinking about the Pauline prayers and how important it is to pray right. Frankly speaking, a lot of the prayers we make are not scriptural, indeed if we are not careful, they have the markings of paganism. In the next few days let's take a cue from Paul and pray like him. You don't have to cram the prayers or say them verbatim, just personalise them, think through them and ensure you pray in confidence. Not fear, doubt or confusion.
Thank you Lord forenabling me pray SCRIPTURALLY
August 24 Pray for Life (1)©C DIEGO 2015
Ephesians 1:15-17 AMP For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints (the people of God), I do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers. [For I always pray to] the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, that He may grant you a spirit of wisdom and revelation [of insight into mysteries and secrets] in the [deep and intimate] knowledge of Him,
Have you had an appointment with a Nigerian Leader? He asked you to come, you went, spending money you didn't have. Waited for hours unending, days even and although you travelled miles and sacrificed important appointments, he was unable to see you- 'responsibilities of state'. Depending on your relationship, his response could range from a rude "come again"to a conciliatory, "please don't be angry, let's do next week". No matter how miffed you are, you stomach it, claim you understand even though you really don't understand how he could waste your time so! Fake smile in place, you promise to return. This cycle may be repeated endlessly, yet we faithfully return with great hopes.
God, who could take life from the richest, most powerful and most connected, offers us protocol free entrance into his presence 24/7 (some people's calendars are so fully booked a 5 minute meeting with you requires one years' notice). Perhaps that's why we come to him with attitude, like he's our Butler and we his master. 'Speed it up, you should have answered by now, you are too slow...' If PMB or Obama promised us something we'd be more at rest! But they and all the great men of the world combined are so beneath our great God that even if we don't get our desires we should be so awed by having his audience that we are satisfied.
Much like being invited to the white house and merely shaking Obama 's hands/taking a picture would leave most of us. Yet, he doesn't treat us thus! We enter his presence like we're doing him a favour! We're too busy, too disapointed, too...How dare we give God attitude and deify mere men?
Thank you Lord for granting me deep and intimate knowledge of you
No comments:
Post a Comment