01/05/2024
The scripture, the message, and the very instruction of E.M. Bounds in his devotional message was wonderful this morning! Romans 12 is full of guiding instruction and 12:2 in particular helps him make his point regarding prayer...
“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”
Romans 12:2 KJV
This scripture says we should be further transformed in our thinking each day through studying the Word and redirecting our thoughts towards godly pursuits. As we draw closer to Jesus and The Father, we will be able to discern God's will and display to the world the image of Jesus. Our prayers will likewise be transformed, and the less mature or selfish prayers we once prayed will be transformed into prayers of intercession, or to those of deeper spiritual construction.
When I read Bounds' words:
"The whole being of a person must engage in prayer. A person's life, heart, temper and mind should be in it."
I find in them a parallel to our spiritual growth and the exercise of our faith. We pray one way as a child in faith, and quite another as we age and grow in the understanding of the Word, and God's will. It is a natural progression in which we allow our Lord to change us in every way... He transforms who we are into who he would have us become.
When we study our morning devotional together, we are increasing our understanding of the Word, relating it to our joint lives, and praying in ways we might never have done before... We are being transformed. Then, as we carry forth what we have read and contemplated during those moments of devotion, we further ponder them and let them transform our behavior, thinking, and how we interact with the world and all those in it. Our thinking changes, our behavior changes, our faith increases, and our prayers will have taken on new dimension.
I am certain that when you were a child people would say "you sure look like your father, or mother"... Then as you grew in years they saw your parent's mannerisms in you and said "he is his father's son" or “She is just like her mother”. In biological life we are born from the womb as the physical child of our parents, but it takes a lifetime to become like them.
Our birth in faith and subsequent life while seeking the presence of God has the same effect. Our faith grows as our understanding of Jesus, The Holy Spirit, and God grows... Then, as we change in spiritual maturity, our prayers change too; we no longer speak with our Heavenly Father like an immature child, but as a man or woman who knows God’s will and who allows it to show forth in them as they are transformed more completely into His image. We become more like our Father and Brother Jesus Christ every day and in every way.
Chuck Savage is my devotional study partner, and fellow reader of God’s Word. He responded to what I wrote this morning in this way:
“Rich,
Thanks so much for your words this morning. It's been a long day but I'm finally sitting in my chair with a moment to pray and meditate for a little while. It feels great to continue along with both you and Bounds into the New Year. I agree with you 100% about our morning devotions. By sharing our thoughts, it has increased my understanding of the Word while being more focused on one of the main things that draws us closer to our Heavenly Father, PRAYER. This journey that we are on has truly taken my prayers to another dimension as you so eloquently stated. As I reflected on your words about looking like my father, it brought to my mind one of my favorite songs which is, "Cat's in the Cradle". Thanks for bringing that thought to the forefront of my mind. Most people always say that they should exercise more because it will physically increase their endurance. As we continue to exercise our prayer muscles each day, I feel my spiritual endurance growing stronger each day! Have a wonderful evening and thanks so much for staying on this road with me. We are truly being pushed more into his presence and dimension each day! Talk with you soon!!”
– Chuck Savage
Reading, studying, and praying together with someone strengthens you both, and allows you to experience different, and often deeper, insights into scripture. Sharing what the Holy Spirit has revealed to you, and hearing what he has given to your fellow traveler, broadens you in ways that are often unexpected, but always grow you in faith. I am daily reminded of this scripture which is spoken by Jesus…
“”Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.””
Matthew 18:19-20 ESV
When we gather together we are much more likely to increase in the name of Jesus, or God’s will. When we seek God, and study together, we help one another in discernment and understanding, and that transforms our prayers into a more perfect reflection of God, and the name of Jesus.
“Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.”
John 14:13 ESV
Do you study, or share in the Spirit with someone today? Are you traveling in the footsteps of Christ with a companion who has the same destination in mind?
Prayer:
Father, thank you for your Holy Word, and those with whom we delve into it. Thank you Lord for your Holy Spirit who gives us remembrance, and a deeper understanding of your Word. Thank you for allowing us to come together, and for helping us to see you more clearly as two, or three, than we do as one. The new and more mature understanding that we have in you transforms us more perfectly together, than as one, and makes our prayers a more perfect reflection of the name of Jesus, and your will.
Thus, when we pray in secret, we find that our prayers are also transformed, and the sweat of our brow during fervent times of prayer becomes like blood as it falls. Holy, Holy, Holy are you our God who walks with us together, and as one. Holy and Merciful are you who sent your Son Jesus to redeem the one, and the world. Help us as we come together in Christ, and help us as we wander in the wilderness alone with you. You have said that it is not good for us to be alone, and we are not. You are with us always, and we also come together with the fellow seekers as we wait upon you. Praised be your name and great is your mercy and grace that is poured out upon us. Increase us in the understanding of your Word today because in this way we come to know you, and grow to be transformed in you.
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
John 1:1 ESV
Rich Forbes