08/12/2024
One morning I was reading about the multifaceted nature of prayer and paid special attention as the devotional spoke about the role that prayer played in consecration. I read on about the misconception that a person could be consecrated with little or no prayer, and wondered aloud to the Lord how that could possibly happen... how someone could truly dedicate their lives to Him without constantly speaking with Him in prayer.
“Therefore, brothers and sisters, in view of the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your true worship. Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.”
Romans 12:1-2 CSB
Every Christian would tell you, if asked, that they believe in God and Jesus Christ, almost as quickly as they would admit that each of them sins and leans on the sacrifice of Jesus and the grace of God for forgiveness. But, when we talk about consecration it is much more than simply acknowledging the existence of God and the historical fact that Jesus of Nazareth lived. It is more than understanding that Jesus died for our sins and that He is the only way we can come to the Father. Consecration is the dedication of your life to God.
As early as the late 1800s, Pastor E.M. Bounds was concerned about those who claimed to be consecrated yet had no prayer life to mention. He wrote these words...
"Consecration is one of the things to which prayer is closely related. Prayer leads up to and governs consecration. Much occurs under the name of consecration that has no consecration in it. The popular modern idea of consecration is sadly at fault because it has little or no prayer in it. Consecration that has not resulted from a life of prayer is not consecration. Prayer is the one prominent thing in a consecrated life."
I thought about Pastor Bounds' words and weighed their meaning; finally, I came to the conclusion that His observation and fear was well founded. Selecting a life as a pastor, missionary, priest, or minister by logically determining that you have the upbringing or skills necessary makes it nothing more than a job. Theologians are a dime a dozen... Consecrated men and women of God are priceless.
I have spoken of men and women of the cloth, but the New Testament calls us all to be consecrated. It is more than a pastoral calling. Paul says as much in Romans when he calls us to become living sacrifices...
“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.”
Romans 12:1 ESV
Then in Second Peter we are spoken to again:
“His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence,”
2 Peter 1:3 ESV
Studying or performing religion is much different than living and embodying a true and unbound faith in God, and that dedication of self, which is the release of ourselves to our God. This wholehearted dedication is called consecration, and is the result of a true relationship with Jesus and God. That depth of dedication requires prayer without ceasing.
I recall times as a boy when we would be reciting the Lord's Prayer in church. In those early years I was simply saying the words as I looked around to see where my friends were sitting. I was in no way praying, but simple reciting the scripture. I am thankful for those lessons that taught me the words because later, when I concentrated on their meaning, I was prepared to truly pray and worship using them. Consecration is like that; it is not saying the words or doing the things.... It is living them, embodying them, and longing to taste the flesh and blood of Christ during communion rather than bread, a wafer, wine, or grape juice. It is remembering Him, dedicating everything we are to the Lord, and Him lifting us ever higher as we do so..
Going through the motions of a consecrated man or woman may not be true consecration but perhaps it will teach you the words so that later you too can take that next step into a dedicated life... Just as I stepped from recitation into prayer.
This morning I thank God for those who have consecrated themselves, and I pray for those who believe themselves to be so without taking the one step that will seal them in His service... A life of prayer that leads to a deep relationship, and places the will of God before all else.
This morning I pray that each of us will dedicate ourselves to God. I pray that our prayers will be unceasing and that we will look to Him in all things. I pray that the Lord's Prayer will become more than words to us, and that it will lead our hearts and souls to long for Him, and to reach out for an everlasting relationship with Him.
Prayer:
Father, thank you for your Holy Word, and the gospel of Jesus that teaches us about who you are, but thank you more Lord for calling us into a true prayer life and relationship with you. Thank you for the longing that our soul has for you, and for our desire to serve you and do your will in all things. Thank you for calling us to consecrate ourselves to you, and to abide in you as we do so. Help us Father to give ourselves wholeheartedly to you, in body, soul, and mind, as we pray ourselves into a deeper relationship with you our God, our Father, and He who calls us friend. Help us to not only speak your Word, perform good works, and adhere to liturgy and religious practices, but to truly love you and dedicate ourselves to you with all our heart, soul, body, and strength. Help us to long for the taste of Christ’s flesh and blood as we take communion, to remember Him from the depths of our soul as we do, and to not just attend church, but to be church, in every sense of the word. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God who is our all in all. Holy are you who meets us in prayer, and holds us close as we experience your goodness, mercy, grace, and will. Let this be the day that we fall completely and unabashedly into your arms, and become fully what it means to be consecrated and holy… separated to you. Let today be the beginning, and as is every morning, the new beginning, of who we are in you. Let this be the joy and peace we expect in eternity in your presence. Amen
“Then Joshua said to the people, “Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you.””
Joshua 3:5 ESV
“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
Lamentations 3:22-23 ESV
Amen, Amen, Amen!
Rich Forbes