04/19/2024
This morning my devotional reading was on the subject of prayer, thanksgiving, and how their presence leads us to consecration. E.M. Bounds, the author, was very emphatic in his proclamation as he wrote these words: "True prayer and gratitude lead to full consecration, and consecration leads to more and better praying. A consecrated life is a life of both prayer and thanksgiving." So, when we read such things do we truly understand what it means to be consecrated?
“Joshua told the people, “Consecrate yourselves, because the Lord will do wonders among you tomorrow.””
Joshua 3:5 CSB
Consecration... It is more than being holy, it is to be dedicated to the service of God. This requires that we place God's will before our own and that we humble ourselves before Him. Is living in the will of God, serving Him, and being humble before Him always, the desire of your prayers?
There are so many who view prayer as simply a means by which their wants and desires are met, but there are much deeper purposes to prayer. When we come before the Lord we are declaring His majesty and power... we are confirming His ability to answer prayer, and we are humbling ourselves before Him. With each trip to our prayer closet, and every time we drop to our knees before Him, we should be seeking to consecrate ourselves in the midst of our prayers.
I have listened in as others have prayed. I have heard prayers of anguish. I have heard prayers of pain. I have heard prayers of desperation, and even suffering, but I have also heard the most beautiful prayers of contrition and repentance. Our prayers are much more than a wish list, they are a conversation that includes our deepest desires for forgiveness and dedication as well. Do you remember the prayer you spoke when you first accepted Jesus Christ as your savior? Perhaps that was so long ago that you can't remember the words any longer, but I am certain you remember the emotion and the humility with which you approached Him in prayer and you’re your life to Him.
Jesus felt emotion when He prayed too. His emotion became so strong at times that it manifested itself physically. You recall the sweat and blood in the Garden of Gethsemane…
“And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him. And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.”
Luke 22:43-44 KJV
Jesus was consecrated. He was dedicated to serving God and being obedient to His will... He was praying in conversation with His Father and the humility which exuded from him was palpable. When was the last time you laughed or cried during prayer? When was the last time you felt the Holy Spirit touch your back as you lay prostrate before the Lord?
Today when we pray let's do more than voice a list of wants; let's consecrate ourselves by offering ourselves anew to the service of God through Jesus. Then, when we pray our needs and desires, let's seek God's will in them and do so in humility and supplication. God may hear our words, but he feels our hearts and souls... Today, add those innermost fruits to your prayers, and reveal yourself fully to the Father.
Our bible verse today is...
“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.”
Philippians 4:6 KJV
So, I would like to use the very next verse in Philippians to form my prayer for you this morning.... May the peace of God which passes all understanding keep your heart and mind today through Jesus Christ.
“And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:7 KJV
Rich Forbes
Prayer:
Father, thank you for all you do for us, for every answered prayer, but thank you most for leading us in your Word, by the life of Jesus, and through the influence of your Holy Spirit to consecrate ourselves to you. Thank you for teaching us what it means to serve you, and to be within your will in all we do. Hear our prayers Father as we humble ourselves before you, and let there be nothing in them that isn’t obedient to your Word, you will, and your character. In this way let us come to you not only holy, but righteous, and consecrated as well. Help us to understand where we lack understanding, strengthen us before we faint, and give us the divine filling of your Spirit to encourage us in everything we do in service to you. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God who takes pleasure in our desire to be consecrated, holy, and set aside, for your use. Praised be your name Lord as we worship you, lift you up in holy adoration, and give you thanks and glory for everything you ask of us. Send angels Abba to strengthen us so that we can pray and serve you with the intensity and complete obedience of Christ. Cover us in His blood so that we are made pure, and sinless before you. In this way see only His image when you look at us on our day of judgement. On that faithful day see us as consecrated, and call us your children in whom you are well pleased. On that day welcome us into your eternal presence, and to your kingdom, and table, forevermore.
Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! All Praise and Honor be to God!
Amen!
Rich Forbes