Prayer

Mercy and Grace Awaits

Posted on by Jesse Walker

In Hebrews 4:16 we read, “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”

Hebrews 4:14-15 explain the reason why we can rush the throne of God boldly expecting to receive grace and mercy. Simply put it’s because of Jesus. Jesus has faced every temptation we have faced. Our prayers rise up to a God who completely gets it. He knows of our struggles. He’s faced our temptations and understands. He gets it. For he himself suffered so that we can come to him in complete confidence.

We can come boldly before him, expecting to receive mercy and grace. Matthew 7:9-11 says, 9 “Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? 11 If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! We can approach God knowing that he knows what we need. For in Jesus’ death on the cross, is our victory. If we’re honest, most times what we need isn’t more stuff. Some of us are buried alive in our stuff. What we need is Jesus. We need a Savior who offers mercy when we deserve punishment and grace, God’s unconditional love.

I pray you will be encouraged to approach God with boldness. Knowing that Jesus has looked our struggles straight in the face and beat the enemy. He fully understands what you need. All you have to do is ask and believe that he is able.

Stand Strong

Posted on by Jesse Walker

How long do you think a football player would last in a game today without a helmet or shoulder pads before getting injured?  My guess is not very long.

The same is true for a Christian who enters the game today without being properly dressed. You don’t have to do anything to enter this game. If you’re a child of God, the devil makes it his mission to seek you out and to defeat you.

So, what can you do to prevent him from succeeding?  I’m glad you asked. Like a football player you need proper equipment. In Ephesians 6:11-18 there are several things mentioned that can help us.

First, we must stand in the power of God’s might. We can never unplug from God. This is a supernatural battle, and we need supernatural power to defeat our enemy. We must put on all the armor of God. No single piece of equipment is going to win the battle for us. It will take everything God has given us to defeat the enemy. We fight with the truth. When Jesus was tempted, he fought back with the word of God when he said, “it is written”. We fight with righteousness. We have been redeemed. We are seen as righteous in the eyes of God. We are holy, a people separated unto God’s glory. Our faith shields us from the fiery darts of the devil. We know that nothing can separate us from the love of God. We fight with the Gospel of Peace. We have a peace that passes all understanding. We stay alert and we pray often.

Don’t be fooled, the devil seeks you every minute of every day, and you need the power of God to win this battle. You can never unplug from God. He is your power source. Suit up brothers and sisters, and stand.

Unanswered prayer

Posted on by Bob Mathews

When I exercise, I like to listen to audiobooks. Some time back, I listened to Prayer, by Philip Yancey. Many times the author uses the phrase “unanswered prayer”. Granted, Yancey explains his use of the term, but I’ve always disliked calling a prayer “unanswered” just because it’s not answered according to our liking. To say that prayer is unanswered is to say God turns a deaf ear to requests to which He has said he would listen.

A Christian can literally do whatever he wants to do.

So how do we know God answers every prayer? Because he told us so.

If we ask according to His will, we know He hears us — 1 John 5:14.

God is attentive to the prayer of the righteous — 1 Peter 3:12.

Prayers of the righteous are powerful and effective — James 5:16.

“If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.” John 15:7

I see a few qualifiers there. These verses tell me God will answer my prayer if whatever I ask is according to His will, if I am righteous, and if I abide in Jesus and His words abide in me. I see no cause for confusion on the first 2 points. God said He will “hear us” and that He is “attentive to [our] prayer” if we are righteous. But will God really do anything for me if I just ask? Isn’t that what Jesus promised? In a word, no.

I once heard an elder say in a Bible class that a Christian can literally do whatever he wants to do. He didn’t just leave it at that; he explained his statement and I agree with him. If I truly abide in Christ, and His words abide in me (John 15:7), then the very things I want to do will be exactly what He wants me to do. Thus, I can literally do whatever I want. By extension, I can literally ask for whatever I want and it will be given to me (NIV) or done for me (NASV).

So, just like an attentive parent answers every request of his child, God answers every prayer of His child. Sometimes he says “yes, right now”, sometimes he says “yes, but later”, and sometimes he says “no”, but He listens attentively when I talk to Him, and He responds in accordance with His good and perfect will (Romans 12:1-2).

Prayer in the Life of our Savior

Posted on by Bob Mathews

Jesus demonstrated great dependence on the Father which helped him fulfill his mission on earth. Prayer gave him strength to teach and heal, aided him in difficult decisions, and sustained him through the dark hours of temptation. Great things often happened when Jesus prayed. After Jesus was immersed, he prayed. At that time “heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: ‘You are My beloved Son, in You I am well-pleased‘” (Luke 3:21, 22).

After the wilderness temptations, Jesus began to preach and teach. His message was accompanied by the casting out of demons and healing of all sicknesses. This ministry was surely draining for Jesus since people continually came to him with their physical and spiritual problems. After a healing episode, Jesus tried to get away: “At daybreak Jesus went out to a solitary place. The people were looking for him and when they came to where he was, they tried to keep him from leaving them” (4:42). The Savior retreated for both physical rest and spiritual revitalization: “Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed” (5:16; see 9:10, 11).

Major decisions in the life of Christ were met with prayer. Jesus had already attracted a following of disciples. But it was time for him to designate leaders among them who would be his closest associates. “One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God. When morning came, he called his disciples to him and chose twelve of them, whom he also designated apostles” (6:12, 13).

Later, while he was praying with his disciples, Jesus asked them about his identity.  The disciples had heard Jesus teach and they had seen him perform miracles – but they had also heard his fervent prayers. “And He said to them, ‘But who do you say that I am?’ And Peter answered and said, ‘The Christ of God’” (9:20). After a few days, Jesus took the inner circle – Peter, James, and John – up on a mountain for the purpose of praying. Jesus was transformed before his sleepy disciples: “As he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning” (9:29).

After hearing the Savior pray one day, the disciples asked Jesus to instruct them (11:1). Jesus also told them a parable about a persistent widow to encourage their prayer life and endurance (18:1-8). He upheld the sanctity of the temple based on the premise that it was to be a “house of prayer” (19:46). Jesus called his disciples to greater heights of prayer: “Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man” (21:36).

It was also in the darkest of moments that Jesus fervently prayed. He prayed for Simon’s final outcome – that after he had fallen he would be restored to usefulness among the disciples (22:31, 32). Jesus prayed for himself – for the cup of suffering to be taken from him: “Father, if you are willing take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done” (22:42). In his submission, Jesus was strengthened by an angel and was empowered to endure the suffering of crucifixion. The Savior even prayed from the cross: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (23:34).

It’s not hard to look at the life of Jesus and see how important prayer is. It helps to connect you with the Father. It can bring strength and renewal. It can even be a way to convey your concerns or cares to God. Prayer will hopefully be as important to us as it is to Jesus. Hopefully we will have a continual practice of communication with our Lord each and every day.

A True Man of God

Posted on by Bob Mathews

Many things can speak to the character of Daniel. From the beginning of the book to the end his traits can be seen. These characteristics show Daniel to be a true man of God.  Are we people that others can see as being true children of God? When others look at us, do our characteristics attest to this? If we examine ourselves honestly, how would we answer these questions?

Daniel is a man worth emulating when it comes right down to it. We can see that fact by just looking at a few of his traits. Daniel is a man that stands by God. Daniel was unwilling to waver from his convictions even though he faced death. Daniel is a man of prayer. We know that Daniel went to God in prayer at least three times a day. It would not be hard to believe that on some days he may have prayed more for special circumstances, as when he got a vision. He is a good leader of the people. When praying to God, Daniel spoke for the people, telling God of the sin that they had done. Daniel did not blame others like most would but took on that burden with them. These are just a few characteristics of many that Daniel has.

Going back to our self-examination, can we say that we have any of these traits? If we cannot say yes to these traits, then we have a lot of work to do to be true children of God. Therefore, here is our three-part challenge. First, we need to read through the book of Daniel. Second, we need to read through the book again, but this time, picking out and listing Daniel’s characteristics. Third, take that list of characteristics and work on making those our characteristics. May we always be the true children of God.   Jacob Saarloos

 

Prayer about Coronavirus

Posted on by Bob Mathews

Prayer and Coronavirus

(Over at our place, we are taking turns praying for specific groups of people affected by this ugly pandemic. I am sure you also are praying. The following is a prayer posted by World Vision, an international aid organization. You may find it helpful in structuring your thinking and praying during this troublesome time. Robert)

Pray for people who are infected with COVID-19 or facing quarantine.

Jesus, during Your ministry on Earth You showed Your power and caring by healing people of all ages and stations of life from physical, mental, and spiritual ailments. Be present now to people who need Your loving touch because of COVID-19. May they feel Your power of healing through the care of doctors and nurses.

Take away the fear, anxiety, and feelings of isolation from people receiving treatment or under quarantine. Give them a sense of purpose in pursuing health and protecting others from exposure to the disease. Protect their families and friends and bring peace to all who love them.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. (Philippians 4:6)

Pray for people at higher risk of developing the disease.

Dear Lord, we lift to You our concern for people who are more likely than others to become severely ill from COVID-19 — the elderly and people with chronic health conditions. Protect them from harm and be their comfort in this time of uncertainty and, for many, preventive isolation from loved ones.

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. (1 Peter 5:7)

Pray for medical professionals, caregivers, and researchers responsible for fighting the new coronavirus.

God, as more people get sick, healthcare workers and first responders are working longer hours with fewer supplies and with more risk of contracting the new coronavirus themselves. Renew their energy and sustain them on long shifts. Bring Your protection upon them as they work with patients. Multiply their supplies so they have the protective items needed to stay safe on the job.

Inspire and invigorate the research doctors developing better tests to diagnose the virus, create vaccines to prevent it, and identify protocols to eliminate the disease’s spread.

Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. (Psalm 23:4)

Pray for leaders responsible for making decisions about the new coronavirus.

Father, we seek Your wisdom daily. Be with people making decisions that affect the lives and futures of our families, communities, countries, and the wider world. We pray that they communicate clearly, truthfully, and calmly — with each other and with the public — and that their messages are received and heeded. May truth and empathy be the touchstones of people setting policies for our protection.

He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us again. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers … (2 Corinthians 1:10-11)

Pray for families adjusting to new ways of life.

Holy Spirit, as families adjust to everyone being home as businesses and schools close, we ask that You guide people in their new realities. Give spouses grace for each other. Prompt worn-out parents to speak words of kindness and encouragement to their children. Help children find creative ways to experience the beauty of all You have created and continue learning.

Have mercy on me, my God, have mercy on me, for in you I take refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed. (Psalm 57:1)

Pray for business owners and families facing financial stress.

Jesus, we thank You for Your faithfulness in how you have guided and equipped people in their jobs and have provided in the past. It can be scary and overwhelming not knowing how bills and obligations will be met or to not be able to provide for families. As people feel financial strain during the uncertainty, bring them comfort and peace, reminding them that You are there for them. Provide for them in their times of need.

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. (John 14:27)

Pray for grocery store workers and delivery drivers.

Lord, we are so grateful for all the people who continue to work each day so that people are able to eat. We ask that You bless and protect them as they serve. Give them grace to handle disgruntled customers during supplies shortages. Keep their bodies healthy as they unload and stock boxes of supplies. Keep their cars and trucks running smoothly as they deliver needed supplies and food people have ordered online. And please protect them all from contracting the new coronavirus.

Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. (Lamentations 3:22-23)

Pray for the disease to stop spreading.

Almighty God, we know that everything is in Your sovereign control. We ask that You keep this new coronavirus from continuing to spread. Give government officials the ability to safely handle people arriving from other countries. Help people decide to stay home instead of traveling or going out needlessly. Holy Spirit, remind people to wash their hands properly. And while it may be heartbreaking, comfort families as they decide to keep their distance from elderly or other high-risk family members.

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea … (Psalm 46:1-2)

Kristy J. O’Hara-Glaspie of World Vision’s office in the U.S. contributed to this