Up from the Grave He Arose!
God released Jesus from the horrors of death and raised him back to life again, for death could not keep him in its grip. Acts 2:24 NLT
Low in the grave He lay, Jesus my Savior! Waiting the coming day, Jesus my Lord!
Death cannot keep his prey, Jesus my Savior! He tore the bars away, Jesus my Lord!
Vainly they watch His bed, Jesus my Savior! Vainly they seal the dead, Jesus my Lord!
Up from the grave He arose, with a mighty triumph o're His foes; He arose a Victor from the dark domain, and He lives forever with His saints to reign, He arose! He arose! Hallelujah! Christ arose!
Christ Arose Robert Lowry (1826-1899)
It's hard to match this hymn for sheer drama. The first stanza begins dismally, then strikes a note of hope, and then the chorus explodes with joy. The music itself comes rising up from the depths and celebrates on high.
Robert Lowry wrote both the words and music to this hymn in 1874. At the time, he was professor of literature at Bucknell University in Pennsylvania and pastor of a nearby church. He had written other hymn tunes and texts as he practiced his passion for poetry and song. "Sometimes the music comes and the words follow," he explained once. "I watch my moods, and when anything strikes me, whether words or music, no matter where I am, at home, on the street, I jot it down. My brain is sort of a spinning machine, for there is music running through it all the time."
What a great way to pray -- sing a great hymn and let it empower your prayers!
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Monday, March 22, 2010
Saying the Jesus Prayer and Other Sentence Prayers
Prayer is not Optional! It is Required for the Christian. We need our longer times of prayer, but sentence prayers have an important place in our prayer lives.
Recenlty, at a workshop, we were told about the power of simple sentence prayrs. There is a classical form of prayer called the Jesus Prayer that dates back to at least the sixth century, A.D. It is "Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner."
The actual words of our short prayers can vary. We might say the classic version of the Jesus Prayer, or we might say, "Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me." We may say, "Lord Jesus, have mercy." Or, we might say a Psalm verse, or a Bible quote, or some other prayer.
Monks of old said, "Lord, make haste to help me. Lord, make speed to save me," all day long. I often say "God help me!" or "Lord, help me!" Or "Jesus, Praise You and Thank You!" as sentence prayers.
The history of the Jesus Prayer goes back, as far as we know, to the early sixth century, with Diadochos, who taught that repetition of the prayer leads to inner stillness. Even earlier John Cassian recommended this type of prayer. In the fourth century Egypt, in Nitria, short "arrow" prayers (aimed at a target quickly) were practiced.
Abba Macarius of Egypt said there is no need to waste time with words. It is enough to hold out your hands and say, "Lord, according to your desire and your wisdom, have mercy." If pressed in the struggle, say, "Lord, save me!" or say, "Lord." He knows what is best for us, and will have mercy upon us.
Recenlty, at a workshop, we were told about the power of simple sentence prayrs. There is a classical form of prayer called the Jesus Prayer that dates back to at least the sixth century, A.D. It is "Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner."
The actual words of our short prayers can vary. We might say the classic version of the Jesus Prayer, or we might say, "Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me." We may say, "Lord Jesus, have mercy." Or, we might say a Psalm verse, or a Bible quote, or some other prayer.
Monks of old said, "Lord, make haste to help me. Lord, make speed to save me," all day long. I often say "God help me!" or "Lord, help me!" Or "Jesus, Praise You and Thank You!" as sentence prayers.
The history of the Jesus Prayer goes back, as far as we know, to the early sixth century, with Diadochos, who taught that repetition of the prayer leads to inner stillness. Even earlier John Cassian recommended this type of prayer. In the fourth century Egypt, in Nitria, short "arrow" prayers (aimed at a target quickly) were practiced.
Abba Macarius of Egypt said there is no need to waste time with words. It is enough to hold out your hands and say, "Lord, according to your desire and your wisdom, have mercy." If pressed in the struggle, say, "Lord, save me!" or say, "Lord." He knows what is best for us, and will have mercy upon us.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
An Adventure in Prayer: A Challenge to Pray Faithfully
Presbyterian theologian Ben Johnson invited us to experiment with prayer in his grat little book, "An Adventure in Prayer." Johnson claimed that in 30 days "you will become aware of God at a depth you've never known before." He relates how the experiment changed him - from dull living to a transformed person with new insight and feeling. He began by praying according to a pattern outlined by Dr. Robin Wainwright, professor of evangelism at Bethel Theological Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota. This pattern praying for a few minutes morning and night in a quiet place. He didn't repeat a specific prayer, line for line, but used a prayer pattern - steps around which to weave his own thoughts and feelings as an offering to God.
Johnson discussed the benefits he gradually perceived from as he stayed faithful to this pattern of prayer. His attitude about life improved and he found himself expectant and observantly looking for God's work in his life. His awareness of God's presence increased, both during prayer time and in daily life. Johnson found that he listened compassionately to others and "strange providences of God began occurring in which [God] made me aware of persons he sent my way, persons for whom he wanted me to pray and to share a word of hope ..and there were those 'sychronistic events' usually labeled as 'coincidence,'.. but are seen as answers to prayer by the eyes of faith."
Ben Johnson goes on to discuss "the God whom we meet" - the God whom he encountered face to face during his prayer experiment. This God is a God who IS, who comes to us, who peruses us, loves us unconditionally, who wills and accomplishes his purposes for the world. Johnson announces that the longer he continued his prayer experiment, the stronger his desire to share the blessings of prayer and of knowing God with others. "The God whom you meet will so fill your life with meaning and joy, you will feel compelled to share with others what you know of His love."
Johnson challenges us to take some moments each morning and evening for prayer. Don't treat it as "just another thing you need to add to your busy life." Think of it as time set aside for meeting your beloved and basking in His presence. It is an act of joyful worship, not of duty or obligation. Here is a brief synopsis of the pattern.
Each Morning (for at least 15 minutes)
Be Still Breathe deeply and sit quietly. Calm your mind. Read a Bible verse and run it through your mind a few times. Concentrate on God's presence with you.
Adoration Praise God for who he is, the qualities that make him God.
Thanksgiving Express gratitude for how God has been at work in your days, for the things that he has blessed you with, both great and small.
Dedication Review the vows you have made to God in the past and rededicate your self to his service. Dedicate your day to him.
Guidance "Envision your day before God" and ask for his wisdom in dealing with the challenges that lie ahead.
Intercession Mention people around you for which you are concerned. Bring the needs of others before God.
Petition What do you deeply desire? What burdens your heart? Speak to God about it.
Act of Trust Release your worries over things you have limited control and trust God to deal with it. Let go and let God.
Listen
Wait in silence before God. Listen for his small quiet voice inside of you. Let your soul savor the peace.
Throughout the day, carry a verse or short passage from the Bible with you to reflect upon.
Every Evening (at least 5 minutes)
Be Still Breathe deeply and sit quietly. Calm your mind. Concentrate on God's presence with you.
Review the Day Where has God been active in your day? Thank God and petition God about the things of your day.
Confession Where do you feel you have failed to love God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength and love your neighbor and yourself? Did you notice sin in your life that needs to be admitted before God?
Commitment Release all your concerns before God and listen to his words of grace and mercy to you. Recommit yourself to following more closely to his footsteps in front of you.
Johnson discussed the benefits he gradually perceived from as he stayed faithful to this pattern of prayer. His attitude about life improved and he found himself expectant and observantly looking for God's work in his life. His awareness of God's presence increased, both during prayer time and in daily life. Johnson found that he listened compassionately to others and "strange providences of God began occurring in which [God] made me aware of persons he sent my way, persons for whom he wanted me to pray and to share a word of hope ..and there were those 'sychronistic events' usually labeled as 'coincidence,'.. but are seen as answers to prayer by the eyes of faith."
Ben Johnson goes on to discuss "the God whom we meet" - the God whom he encountered face to face during his prayer experiment. This God is a God who IS, who comes to us, who peruses us, loves us unconditionally, who wills and accomplishes his purposes for the world. Johnson announces that the longer he continued his prayer experiment, the stronger his desire to share the blessings of prayer and of knowing God with others. "The God whom you meet will so fill your life with meaning and joy, you will feel compelled to share with others what you know of His love."
Johnson challenges us to take some moments each morning and evening for prayer. Don't treat it as "just another thing you need to add to your busy life." Think of it as time set aside for meeting your beloved and basking in His presence. It is an act of joyful worship, not of duty or obligation. Here is a brief synopsis of the pattern.
Each Morning (for at least 15 minutes)
Be Still Breathe deeply and sit quietly. Calm your mind. Read a Bible verse and run it through your mind a few times. Concentrate on God's presence with you.
Adoration Praise God for who he is, the qualities that make him God.
Thanksgiving Express gratitude for how God has been at work in your days, for the things that he has blessed you with, both great and small.
Dedication Review the vows you have made to God in the past and rededicate your self to his service. Dedicate your day to him.
Guidance "Envision your day before God" and ask for his wisdom in dealing with the challenges that lie ahead.
Intercession Mention people around you for which you are concerned. Bring the needs of others before God.
Petition What do you deeply desire? What burdens your heart? Speak to God about it.
Act of Trust Release your worries over things you have limited control and trust God to deal with it. Let go and let God.
Listen
Wait in silence before God. Listen for his small quiet voice inside of you. Let your soul savor the peace.
Throughout the day, carry a verse or short passage from the Bible with you to reflect upon.
Every Evening (at least 5 minutes)
Be Still Breathe deeply and sit quietly. Calm your mind. Concentrate on God's presence with you.
Review the Day Where has God been active in your day? Thank God and petition God about the things of your day.
Confession Where do you feel you have failed to love God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength and love your neighbor and yourself? Did you notice sin in your life that needs to be admitted before God?
Commitment Release all your concerns before God and listen to his words of grace and mercy to you. Recommit yourself to following more closely to his footsteps in front of you.
Friday, February 26, 2010
31 Days and Ways to Pray for the Children and Youth
Let us pray for our children and youth will develop strong Christian morals and the fruits of the Spirit had prompted her to develop a unique prayer list, that included reminders to pray for her children's salvation and growth in grace, as well as other concerns (such as that they would "be leaders, not followers").
Here is a simple practice that has revolutionized the way we can pray for my children. Each day of the month, in addition to my prayers for their safety and for the concerns of that day, I also pray for a specific character trait, virtue, or fruit of the Spirit to be planted and nurtured in our children, through parents and church adults efforts, through the influence of others, and throug hthe children;s own actions and decisions. At the end of each month, we begin praying through the list again, combining traits when the month is shorter than thirty-one days.
Following is the list I have developed, complete with brief suggestions for prayer from Scripture. Feel free to duplicate it--or improve upon it--to help you pray specifically and purposefully for your children to experience and evidence: Read the Scriptures and let them fuel your prayers.
1st Salvation "Lord, let salvation spring up within my children, that they may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory" (Isaiah 45:8, 2 Timothy 2:10).
2nd Growth in grace "I pray that they may 'grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ'" (2 Peter 3:18).
3rd Love "Grant, Lord, that my children may learn to 'live a life of love,' through the Spirit who dwells in them" (Ephesians 5:2, Galatians 5:22).
4th Honesty and integrity " May integrity and honesty be their virtue and their protection" (Psalm 25:21).
5th Self-control " Father, help my children not to be like many others around them, but let them be 'alert and self-controlled' in all they do" (1 Thessalonians 5:6)
6th A love for God's Word " May my children grow to find your Word 'more precious than gold, than much pure gold; [and] sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb'" (Psalm 19:10).
7th Justice " God, help my children to love justice as you do and to 'act justly' in all they do" (Psalm 11:7, Micah 6:8).
8th Mercy " May my children always 'be merciful, as [their] Father is merciful'" (Luke 6:36).
9th Respect (for self, others, authority) " Father, grant that my children may 'show proper respect to everyone,' as your Word commands" (1 Peter 2:17a).
10th Strong, Biblical self-esteem " Help my children develop a strong self-esteem that is rooted in the realization that they are 'God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus'" (Ephesians 2:10).
11th Faithfulness "' Let love and faithfulness never leave [my children],' but bind these twin virtues around their necks and write them on the tablet of their hearts" (Proverbs 3:3).
12th Courage "May my children always 'Be strong and courageous' in their character and in their actions" (Deuteronomy 31:6).
13th Purity "'Create in [them] a pure heart, O God,' and let their purity of heart be shown in their actions" (Psalm 51:10).
14th Kindness "Lord, may my children 'always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else'" (1 Thessalonians 5:15).
15th Generosity "Grant that my children may 'be generous and willing to share [and so] lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age'" (1 Timothy 6:18-19).
16th Peace, peaceability "Father, let my children 'make every effort to do what leads to peace'" (Romans 14:19).
17th Joy " May my children be filled 'with the joy given by the Holy Spirit'" (1 Thessalonians 1:6).
18th Perseverance " Lord, teach my children perseverance in all they do, and help them especially to 'run with perseverance the race marked out for [them]'" (Hebrews 12:1).
19th Humility " God, please cultivate in my children the ability to 'show true humility toward all'" (Titus 3:2).
20th Compassion " Lord, please clothe my children with the virtue of compassion" (Colossians 3:12).
21st Responsibility " Grant that my children may learn responsibility, 'for each one should carry his own load'" (Galatians 6:5).
22nd Contentment " Father, teach my children 'the secret of being content in any and every situation. . . . through him who gives [them] strength'" (Philippians 4:12-13).
23rd Faith " I pray that faith will find root and grow in my children's hearts, that by faith they may gain what has been promised to them" (Luke 17:5-6, Hebrews 11:1-40).
24th A servant heart " God, please help my children develop servant hearts, that they may serve wholeheartedly, 'as to the Lord, and not to men'" (Ephesians 6:7).
25th Hope " May the God of hope grant that my children may overflow with hope and hopefulness by the power of the Holy Spirit" (Romans 15:13).
26th The willingness and ability to work hard " Teach my children, Lord, to value work and to work hard at everything they do, 'as working for the Lord, not for men'" (Colossians 3:23).
27th A passion for God " Lord, please instill in my children a soul that "followeth hard after thee," a heart that clings passionately to you (Psalm 63:8).
28th Self-discipline " Father, I pray that my children may develop self-discipline, that they may acquire 'a disciplined and prudent life, doing what is right and just and fair'" (Proverbs 1:3).
29th Prayerfulness " Grant, Lord, that my children's lives may be marked by prayerfulness, that they may learn to 'pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests" (Ephesians 6:18).
30th Gratitude " Help my children to live lives that are always 'overflowing with thankfulness,' 'always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ'" (Colossians 2:7, Ephesians 5:20).
31st A heart for missions " Lord, please help my children to develop a heart for missions, a desire to see your glory declared among the nations, your marvelous deeds among all peoples" (Psalm 96:3).
An additional benefit to my prayer program; as you pray for the children each night, the Lord will bring mind the subject you prayed for that morning, and you would repeat your request in the children's hearing. Before long, they began to echo your praying, and pour out their own hearts in prayer for the very virtues and qualities you desired to see in them. By God's grace it will influence how we all live!
Here is a simple practice that has revolutionized the way we can pray for my children. Each day of the month, in addition to my prayers for their safety and for the concerns of that day, I also pray for a specific character trait, virtue, or fruit of the Spirit to be planted and nurtured in our children, through parents and church adults efforts, through the influence of others, and throug hthe children;s own actions and decisions. At the end of each month, we begin praying through the list again, combining traits when the month is shorter than thirty-one days.
Following is the list I have developed, complete with brief suggestions for prayer from Scripture. Feel free to duplicate it--or improve upon it--to help you pray specifically and purposefully for your children to experience and evidence: Read the Scriptures and let them fuel your prayers.
1st Salvation "Lord, let salvation spring up within my children, that they may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory" (Isaiah 45:8, 2 Timothy 2:10).
2nd Growth in grace "I pray that they may 'grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ'" (2 Peter 3:18).
3rd Love "Grant, Lord, that my children may learn to 'live a life of love,' through the Spirit who dwells in them" (Ephesians 5:2, Galatians 5:22).
4th Honesty and integrity " May integrity and honesty be their virtue and their protection" (Psalm 25:21).
5th Self-control " Father, help my children not to be like many others around them, but let them be 'alert and self-controlled' in all they do" (1 Thessalonians 5:6)
6th A love for God's Word " May my children grow to find your Word 'more precious than gold, than much pure gold; [and] sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb'" (Psalm 19:10).
7th Justice " God, help my children to love justice as you do and to 'act justly' in all they do" (Psalm 11:7, Micah 6:8).
8th Mercy " May my children always 'be merciful, as [their] Father is merciful'" (Luke 6:36).
9th Respect (for self, others, authority) " Father, grant that my children may 'show proper respect to everyone,' as your Word commands" (1 Peter 2:17a).
10th Strong, Biblical self-esteem " Help my children develop a strong self-esteem that is rooted in the realization that they are 'God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus'" (Ephesians 2:10).
11th Faithfulness "' Let love and faithfulness never leave [my children],' but bind these twin virtues around their necks and write them on the tablet of their hearts" (Proverbs 3:3).
12th Courage "May my children always 'Be strong and courageous' in their character and in their actions" (Deuteronomy 31:6).
13th Purity "'Create in [them] a pure heart, O God,' and let their purity of heart be shown in their actions" (Psalm 51:10).
14th Kindness "Lord, may my children 'always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else'" (1 Thessalonians 5:15).
15th Generosity "Grant that my children may 'be generous and willing to share [and so] lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age'" (1 Timothy 6:18-19).
16th Peace, peaceability "Father, let my children 'make every effort to do what leads to peace'" (Romans 14:19).
17th Joy " May my children be filled 'with the joy given by the Holy Spirit'" (1 Thessalonians 1:6).
18th Perseverance " Lord, teach my children perseverance in all they do, and help them especially to 'run with perseverance the race marked out for [them]'" (Hebrews 12:1).
19th Humility " God, please cultivate in my children the ability to 'show true humility toward all'" (Titus 3:2).
20th Compassion " Lord, please clothe my children with the virtue of compassion" (Colossians 3:12).
21st Responsibility " Grant that my children may learn responsibility, 'for each one should carry his own load'" (Galatians 6:5).
22nd Contentment " Father, teach my children 'the secret of being content in any and every situation. . . . through him who gives [them] strength'" (Philippians 4:12-13).
23rd Faith " I pray that faith will find root and grow in my children's hearts, that by faith they may gain what has been promised to them" (Luke 17:5-6, Hebrews 11:1-40).
24th A servant heart " God, please help my children develop servant hearts, that they may serve wholeheartedly, 'as to the Lord, and not to men'" (Ephesians 6:7).
25th Hope " May the God of hope grant that my children may overflow with hope and hopefulness by the power of the Holy Spirit" (Romans 15:13).
26th The willingness and ability to work hard " Teach my children, Lord, to value work and to work hard at everything they do, 'as working for the Lord, not for men'" (Colossians 3:23).
27th A passion for God " Lord, please instill in my children a soul that "followeth hard after thee," a heart that clings passionately to you (Psalm 63:8).
28th Self-discipline " Father, I pray that my children may develop self-discipline, that they may acquire 'a disciplined and prudent life, doing what is right and just and fair'" (Proverbs 1:3).
29th Prayerfulness " Grant, Lord, that my children's lives may be marked by prayerfulness, that they may learn to 'pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests" (Ephesians 6:18).
30th Gratitude " Help my children to live lives that are always 'overflowing with thankfulness,' 'always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ'" (Colossians 2:7, Ephesians 5:20).
31st A heart for missions " Lord, please help my children to develop a heart for missions, a desire to see your glory declared among the nations, your marvelous deeds among all peoples" (Psalm 96:3).
An additional benefit to my prayer program; as you pray for the children each night, the Lord will bring mind the subject you prayed for that morning, and you would repeat your request in the children's hearing. Before long, they began to echo your praying, and pour out their own hearts in prayer for the very virtues and qualities you desired to see in them. By God's grace it will influence how we all live!
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Praise Honors God! Praise is the Voice of Faith!
Praise - Honors God! Praise - Undergirds faith!
Praise - Brings deliverance! Praise - Is the voice of faith!
Praise - Is the language of heaven! Praise - Sets the stage for God to move!
Praise - Releases the angels to minister! Praise - Fuels joy, which is your strength!
Praise - Knocks down walls of resistance! Praise - Stills the enemy and the avenger!
Praise - Dispels darkness and depression! Praise - Must precede, not follow blessings!
Praise - Gives God the legal right to help you! Praise - Brings the presence of God onto the scene!
Praise - Is a sure sign of acceptance of the Word of God!
Praise - Is the highway that faith moves its blessings down!Praise - Is calling those things that be not as though they were!
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, In everything give thanks; For this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
1 Thess 5:16-18 NKJV
In the above verse, take note that it says "in" everything give thanks - it did not say "for" everything give thanks. In the midst of the trial, in the midst of the attack, when you feel as if the enemy is in your face with all of hell itself, right there, at that moment do not give in to the pressure of the devil, instead turn the tables on him and put the pressure back on the devil where it belongs and lift your hands to the Lord and begin to just love on God and praise and worship Him. (It'll just give the devil fits!)
Praise - Brings deliverance! Praise - Is the voice of faith!
Praise - Is the language of heaven! Praise - Sets the stage for God to move!
Praise - Releases the angels to minister! Praise - Fuels joy, which is your strength!
Praise - Knocks down walls of resistance! Praise - Stills the enemy and the avenger!
Praise - Dispels darkness and depression! Praise - Must precede, not follow blessings!
Praise - Gives God the legal right to help you! Praise - Brings the presence of God onto the scene!
Praise - Is a sure sign of acceptance of the Word of God!
Praise - Is the highway that faith moves its blessings down!Praise - Is calling those things that be not as though they were!
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, In everything give thanks; For this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
1 Thess 5:16-18 NKJV
In the above verse, take note that it says "in" everything give thanks - it did not say "for" everything give thanks. In the midst of the trial, in the midst of the attack, when you feel as if the enemy is in your face with all of hell itself, right there, at that moment do not give in to the pressure of the devil, instead turn the tables on him and put the pressure back on the devil where it belongs and lift your hands to the Lord and begin to just love on God and praise and worship Him. (It'll just give the devil fits!)
Monday, February 8, 2010
Praying For Others is a Great and Good Thing
Praying for Others is Something We are Called Upon to Do!
In John 16:6-24, Christ prays for his disciples—that God would protect them from the evil one as they went out into the world to spread the Word— and for those who would hear their message and come to believe that God had sent his son to save the world. Christ prayed for others and so should we.
We are commanded to pray for others:
"You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven" —Matthew 5:43-45a.
"Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should" —Colossians 4:2-4.
"I urge, then first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. … I want men everywhere to lift up holy hands in prayer, without anger or disputing" —1 Timothy 2:1-4, 8.
We are also given examples of praying for others by the Apostle Paul::
"Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends his greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured" —Colossians 4:12.
"I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe" —Ephesians 1:16-19a.
"For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus through out all generations, for ever and ever! Amen" —Ephesians 3:14-21
In John 16:6-24, Christ prays for his disciples—that God would protect them from the evil one as they went out into the world to spread the Word— and for those who would hear their message and come to believe that God had sent his son to save the world. Christ prayed for others and so should we.
We are commanded to pray for others:
"You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven" —Matthew 5:43-45a.
"Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should" —Colossians 4:2-4.
"I urge, then first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. … I want men everywhere to lift up holy hands in prayer, without anger or disputing" —1 Timothy 2:1-4, 8.
We are also given examples of praying for others by the Apostle Paul::
"Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends his greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured" —Colossians 4:12.
"I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe" —Ephesians 1:16-19a.
"For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus through out all generations, for ever and ever! Amen" —Ephesians 3:14-21
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Let Us All Pray for the People of Haiti
WE PRAY FOR HAITI
Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
As the eyes of the world turn to Haiti, let us join our hearts in prayer:
God of compassion
Please watch over the people of Haiti,
And weave out of these terrible happenings
wonders of goodness and grace.
Surround those who have been affected by tragedy
With a sense of your present love,
And hold them in faith.
Though they are lost in grief,
May they find you and be comforted;
Guide us as a church
To find ways of providing assistance
that heals wounds and provides hope
Help us to remember that when one of your children suffer
We all suffer
Through Jesus Christ who was dead, but lives
and rules this world with you. Amen.
(Adapted from Book of Common Worship, Presbyterian Church, USA)
Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
As the eyes of the world turn to Haiti, let us join our hearts in prayer:
God of compassion
Please watch over the people of Haiti,
And weave out of these terrible happenings
wonders of goodness and grace.
Surround those who have been affected by tragedy
With a sense of your present love,
And hold them in faith.
Though they are lost in grief,
May they find you and be comforted;
Guide us as a church
To find ways of providing assistance
that heals wounds and provides hope
Help us to remember that when one of your children suffer
We all suffer
Through Jesus Christ who was dead, but lives
and rules this world with you. Amen.
(Adapted from Book of Common Worship, Presbyterian Church, USA)
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