Tuesday, October 11, 2005

Bible Teaches Us About Prayer

God,
I pray that we will dedicate ourselves to prayer for the 40 Days Of Purpose Campaign. Get us spiritually ready for what You want us to do. We know what without your power, we will labor in vain. Encourage us to saturate these important 40 days in prayer.

Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart. Don't forget to pray for us, too, that God will give us many opportunities to preach about his secret plan – that Christ is also for you Gentiles. That is why I am here in chains. Pray that I will proclaim this message as clearly as I should. Live wisely among those who are not Christians, and make the most of every opportunity. Colossians 4:2-5

Paul encourage us to be consistent in prayer. When he says "devote yourself to prayer," the word devote means "to persist at." It means "to remain at something" or "to cling to something" or "to continually be available for something".

What would it be like if you really devoted yourself to prayer on a daily basis?

What does it means to be "watchful" in prayer?

As we read Scripture, we discover a very crucial reason for devoting ourselves to prayer. Christians have an unspeakable privilege of having immediate and welcome access to God and His power to change things!

In Hebrews 4:14-16, the writer says that because we have so great a high priest, which is Jesus, let us approach the throne of grace with boldness that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Regarding prayer, how and why and when should we approach Christ? What do you think it means to approach God with "boldness"?

As we approach God's throne with boldness, we now "tap into" His unlimited power and resources. The results is that God responds. Our prayers matter.

In Colossians 4:3, Paul says, " And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message." Paul beleived that the intercession and prayers of these beleivers would open doors for the message of Christ.

1 comment:

Mark Lowenstein said...

Love the Iron Prayer site!!

Pray for those who do not plan to take the 40 Days seriously or consider it simply another class or a fad that is about to fade.

Pray that each of us will consider each day precious as we seek the Lord for His guidance and providence and help us move from the comforts of life into an uncomfortable arena where He can continue to mold us into the way He wants us to be.

Pray that we turn our focus away from godless chatters to those who are hungry for the truth and so live like Christ!

In Christ Alone!