11/14/2020
Are we constantly at the ready to pray for all the Saints? Is the Holy Spirit guiding us as we do; not in a quick word, or with repetitive phrases that aren’t from our heart, but in fervent prayer? If we offer prayers that are simply rote in nature... repetitive, and insincere, then we are not praying as we should.
“praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,”
Ephesians 6:18 ESV
As my children were growing up my wife and I tried to think of activities that we could do together as a family. We would tell the kids what we had in mind, and sometimes in an “almost” convincing voice we would ask them “Doesn’t this sound like fun?” How they responded would reveal their true desire to do whatever it was. They almost always told us that yes it sounded like fun, but we could always tell if that was their true feeling by either the excitement, or a monotone response meant only to please mom and dad. Our prayers are a great deal like the responses of my children... there is a response from the heart, and then there are just words that we say because they are what we think God wants to hear. Our prayers should not be a performance, but come from our heart, and occasionally with additional help from the Holy Spirit.
“and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.”
Ephesians 6:19-20 ESV
Gods knows our hearts, and He can tell when we are sincere in our prayers. Have you ever stood during a church service, and recited the Lord’s Prayer with the congregation as your mind wandered to something that the pastor had said earlier in his sermon, or in getting home in time to watch a football game that was about to start? Don’t feel embarrassed because most of us have done this at some point. Yet such absence of faith is not how God would have us pray. We are meant to concentrate on our prayers, and push aside those things that distract us. Prayers are not just words, but words of faith that bubble up from our heart, and are inspired by the Holy Spirit. They are our soul’s great joy, and should be prayed sincerely as a matter of constant, or habitual, offering.
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 ESV
So are we ready to dig deep into our hearts so that our prayers can be delivered fervently, and the Holy Spirit can guide us in them? Are we ready to give thanks for the blessing that comes from praying, and for the Spirit who circumcises our hearts as we do so? This is how we seek God’s will in prayer, and not by repetition or mouthing words we have prayed so often before, but by conversing with Him as we should... as a child with its parent.
“give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit.”
1 Thessalonians 5:18-19 ESV
Prayer:
Father, thank you for our prayers which you have given us as a means of talking, and being with you. Thank you for your Son Jesus who has taught us to pray, and your Holy Spirit that inspires us when we are at a loss for words. Help us Holy Father as we concentrate on you, and on those things of faith that allow us to resist our wandering mind. Hear not only our words, but the moaning of our souls as we lift up the needs of others, and ask for those things that we need most desperately. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God who hears the joy, sorrow, thankfulness, and even the mourning of our hearts as we come before you. Praised be your name for the tears of sincerity, and those prayers that we pray so fervently that our foreheads are dripping the sweat and blood of Christ. You are mighty Father, and true to your promise that if we we ask anything in your will, and the name of Jesus, that you will hear us, and give us our desires. Merciful are you whose Holy Spirit speaks for our souls, and teaches us to ask through constant prayer for your joy, peace, snd grace to be delivered to those who need it so desperately. Wash us clean with the blood of Jesus, and hear the groaning of our spirit as we humble ourselves before you, and pray that you find us worthy of dining at your table eternally. Let us pray over the bread and wine as we praise you, and pray from our hearts that you lead us to worship you forevermore.
“Brothers, pray for us. Greet all the brothers with a holy kiss. I put you under oath before the Lord to have this letter read to all the brothers. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.”
1 Thessalonians 5:25-28 ESV
Rich Forbes