There’s a holy, high vocation needing workers everywhere,
tis the highest form of service, tis the ministry of prayer,
there’s no weapon half as mighty as the intercessors bear
nor a broader field of service than the ministry of prayer.
Author unknown
Psalm 25:14
The secret of the LORD is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant.
Simeon had a secret. It was something that God had revealed to him. We don’t know exactly how God told him. Maybe it was a dream. Perhaps he heard and audible voice. The Bible does not say, but the Bible does tell us what God revealed to him.
Luk 2:25,26
And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.
And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.
Simeon had a wonderful promise that before he died, he was going to see the Messiah. How thrilled he must have been on that day, when that which he was promised came to pass! Sometimes, oftentimes, we are called to wait on God to see our prayer requests and petitions brought to fruition. God has a time and purpose for everything, and He definitely had a time in mind when He planned to manifest Himself in the flesh.
Galatians 4:4
But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,
I love the lyrics to the following Christmas song. It almost sounds like it could be a prayer of Simeon put to song and then his marveling at having that prayer answered.
The Hand of Sweet Release
Come thou long expected Jesus,
Come illuminate the mysteries of life.
Come redeem us from the refuse,
Bring an end to endless suffering and strife.
Be the star that shines so brightly
That it draws our weary eyes to the sky,
to Heaven’s sky.
Dearest child of new beginnings,
Be the start of something beautiful, I cry.
There’s an end to all the waiting,
There’s an answer to the “who?” and “where?” and “why?” . . . tonight.
All the years anticipating,
Are surrendered to a tiny baby’s cry.
There’s a dawn to follow darkness,
There’s a face to fill the title, “Prince of Peace.”
What he promised, he delivered
I am saved by the hand of sweet release.
In this war I’ve been a captive,
Just a sinner seeking life and liberty.
But these hands that hold me tightly
Are the hands that set my shackled spirit free.
Blessed Jesus, meek and lowly,
You have come into my life and made it new,
Now I’m new.
Out of bondage into everlasting light,
I owe everything to you.
Words by Suzanne Jennings
Although it’s been many years since the time that God first came to earth in the form of a baby, we do have the promise that He is coming back again.
Hebrews 9:28
So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.
Titus 2:13
Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;
1Jn 3:2,3
Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.
I believe many missed the first coming of Jesus, because, unlike Simeon, they weren’t looking for it. I’m sure many in his day studied the law and knew a lot about the Messianic prophecies, but I wonder how many were really looking for the Messiah and living their lives in a way(through prayer, devotion, dedication, obeying God’s Word)that said that they were longing and waiting for His coming?We many not know the day and the hour when Jesus is coming back, but just as He assured Simeon that He was coming the first times, so we have that confirmation through His Word that He is coming back. May we have that spirit of Simeon where we live our lives in such a way that God knows that we are His and that we are waiting for His coming!
Fasting!
The Bible has a lot to say about it. It certainly isn’t emphasized or taught on as it should be. Do I look forward to doing it? To be honest, no I don’t. It is denying this flesh, which is always uncomfortable, but there certainly are benefits and blessings attached to it. Our church recently went on a 3 day fast(all those that were physically able), and I can see how God is blessing the sacrifice. There is a greater liberty in our services, and it seems people are responding more to the preaching and coming to the altar and being touched by God. It is wonderful to see! I’m no expert on the subject of fasting, but I just want to share a few quotes I came across that have some good information about it.
Fasting confirms our utter dependence upon God by finding in Him a source of sustenance beyond food.
Dallas Willard
Is fasting ever a bribe to get God to pay more attention to the petitions ? No, a thousand times no. It is simply a way to make clear that we sufficiently reverence the amazing opportunity to ask help from the everlasting God, the Creator of the universe, to choose to put everything else aside and concentrate on worshiping, asking forgiveness, and making our requests known-considering His help more important than anything we could do ourselves in our own strength and with our own ideas.
Edith Schaeffer
Prayer is reaching out after the unseen; fasting is letting go of all that is seen and temporal. Fasting helps express, deepen, confirm the resolution that we are ready to sacrifice anything, even ourselves to attain what we seek for the kingdom of God.
Andrew Murray
Fasting is important, more important perhaps, than many of us have supposed,… when exercised with a pure heart and a right motive, fasting may provide us with a key to unlock doors where other keys have failed; a window opening up new horizons in the unseen world; a spiritual weapon of God’s provision, mighty, to the pulling down of strongholds. (God’s Chosen Fast)
Arthur Wallis
In Shansi I found Chinese Christians who were accustomed to spend time in fasting and prayer. They recognized that this fasting, which so many dislike, which requires faith in God, since it makes one feel weak and poorly, is really a Divinely appointed means of grace. Perhaps the greatest hindrance to our work is our own imagined strength; and in fasting we learn what poor, weak creatures we are – dependent on a meal of meat for the little strength which we are so apt to lean upon.
James Hudson Taylor
Our greatest victories are won on our knees and with empty stomachs.
Julio C. Ruibal
When the devil, the foe and the tyrant, sees a man bearing this weapon [fasting], he is straight-away frightened and he recollects and considers that defeat which he suffered in the wilderness at the hands of the Saviour; at once his strength is shattered and the very sight of this weapon, given us by our Commander-in-chief, burns him.
Isaac of Syria
Do you have a hunger for God? If we don’t feel strong desires for the manifestation of the glory of God, it is not because we have drunk deeply and are satisfied. It is because we have nibbled so long at the table of the world. Our soul is stuffed with small things, and there is no room for the great. If we are full of what the world offers, then perhaps a fast might express, or even increase, our soul’s appetite for God. Between the dangers of self-denial and self-indulgence is the path of pleasant pain called fasting.
John Piper
“Every great movement of God can be traced to a kneeling figure.”
D. L. Moody
I came upon this quote this morning and thought it was profound and so true. All of the great revivals we have seen in America and abroad came about because somebody was praying. Last night at church a young lady who has been receiving a home Bible study was baptized in Jesus’ name. When she came up out of the water, she was speaking in other tongues! I know why. It was an answer to some earnest prayer that has gone up on her behalf. I’m thankful that God honors our prayers and what we do for Him when it is backed up by our prayers.
Do you want to see God do great things? Keep on praying.
Go, figure!
This is a repost of something I had written a few years ago. I pray it will be a blessing to you.
Have you ever prayed for something for a long time and have just grown weary of praying? Have you ever prayed and asked the question, “God, when are you going to bring it to pass?” I wonder if Cornelius ever felt this way. The Bible describes the character of Cornelius in Acts chapter 10 and verse 2.
A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway.
I looked up the word “prayed” in this verse in Strong’s Concordance and the meaning was to beg, beseech or petition. It appears there was something that Cornelius was desperately seeking God for, and he did it on a continual basis. The Bible doesn’t tell us exactly what Cornelius was praying for, but it does tell us there came a day when an angel of God appeared to him and told him that God remembered all the times that he had prayed.
Acts 10:3 He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius. Acts 10:4 And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God.
Although we may not know exactly what Cornelius prayed for, we do have the record of how God chose to answer his prayers.
Act 10:5 And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter: Act 10:6 He lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea side: he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do.
Cornelius was told to send for Peter and that Peter would tell him what he needed to do. Cornelius was about to have his Memorial Day! In the meantime, God was preparing Peter to be the answer to Cornelius’ prayer as he showed him a vision and then sent 3 men to Peter who would escort Peter to the house of Cornelius. (See Acts 10:7-24)
After a brief discourse between Peter and Cornelius, Peter begins to preach Jesus unto him. While Peter was preaching to Cornelius and his household, the Bible records something wonderful that happened. Acts 10:44 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. Acts 10:45 And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. God’s spirit was poured out on Cornelius and those in his household that had heard the word of God preached. They of the circumcision(in other words, the Jews)which were there with Peter were astonished because this was the first time that a non-Jew(Gentile)received the gift of the Holy Ghost. How did these other Jewish men that were with Peter know that Cornelius and the others who were with them had received the Holy Ghost? Verse 46 gives us the answer.
Act 10:46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,
Notice though, that this is not the end, for this verse concludes with “Then answered Peter,”. God still had more for Cornelius. Acts 10:47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? Acts 10:48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.
What a glorious Memorial Day for Cornelius and his family! If it was anything like the day that I was baptized in the name of Jesus and filled with the Holy Ghost, I know it was an awesome, unforgettable day. I believe Cornelius’ prayers were answered in a far greater way than he ever expected. God certainly honored the faithfulness of this man.
Is there something that you have been praying about for a long time? Perhaps there is a loved one that you long to see come to God. Maybe you are in need of a physical or emotional healing. You may already have a relationship with God, but you are just desirous and so hungry for more of Him. May you be encouraged to keep asking, seeking and knocking. God still answers prayer and He would love for there to be a Memorial Day for you too!
Memorial Day
It’s coming – Memorial Day
Cornelius, do not cease to pray
Prayers sent up to God have been heard
Every cry of your heart, each word.
Though answers may seem far away
It’s coming – Memorial Day
In faith keep on lifting your voice
And soon you’ll have cause to rejoice.
In our flesh we may groan, grow tired
Let this grand thought keep you inspired
It’s coming – Memorial Day
In spite of the seeming delay.
Now brought to life, to fruition
You have received your petition
No longer do you have to say
It’s coming – Memorial Day!
There is nothing quite like the Bible, God’s Holy Word.
How wonderful it is to be able to
preach it
teach it
hear it preached and taught
read it
meditate on it,
but do we pray it?
A long time ago, I learned that we can incorporate the Word of God into our prayers. Doing this is something that can add a new dimension to your prayer life. Here are some examples of things I have prayed.
For myself personally
Psalm 51:10
Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.
Psalm 19:14
Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.
Psalm 86:11
Teach me thy way, O LORD; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name.
Things I Pray For Our Church
1Timothy 6:12
Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. (Lord, help us to continue to fight the good fight of faith!)
Jamess 4:7
Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. (Lord, help us to submit ourselves to you so we can resist the devil!)
James 1:22
But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. (Lord, help us to be doers of your Word and not hearers only!)
2Peter 3:18
But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen. (Lord, help us to grow in your grace and knowledge.)
Things I Have Prayed As A Parent
Proverbs 22:6
Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.(Lord, help us to train up our children in the way they should go, that when they are old they will not depart from it!)
Eph 6:1,2
Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.
Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;) (Lord, help us to train our children to be obedient and honor their father and mother as your Word says!)
James 1:5
If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. (God, give us wisdom to know how to raise our children to serve You!)
Deu 6:6,7
And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart:
And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. (Lord, help us to be diligent in teaching your Word to our children!)
These are just a few examples of things in the Word of God that we can incorporate into our prayers. If you feel your prayer life may be a little dry, or you’re feeling like you may be in a rut of praying the same thing over and over again, I challenge you to put the Word of God into your prayers. There is power in God’s Word!
“Don’t pray when you feel like it. Have an appointment with the Lord and keep it. A man is powerful on his knees.” Corrie ten Boom
Do you have the habit? I am talking of course, about the habit of prayer. Over the years, I have heard it stressed through many different preachers the importance of having a regular prayer time. When we were at West Coast Conference in November, Elder Morton was talking about the importance of having a regular time and place where you pray daily. He mentioned that when you start doing this, after a while that time of prayer will call to you. I have found that to be so. I like to pray in the morning because at that time, I am generally the most alert. I find that most of the time, I just wake up on my own without the aid of an alarm clock when it’s about time to pray. Actually, I know it is the Lord helping me to wake up, so I can keep that special appointment.
Sometimes we will have days where our prayer time may be interrupted by something unexpected, and we may not be able to keep our special appointment, but that should be the exception and not the norm.
Do you have a habit of brushing your teeth or showering daily? Have you ever had to go for a day or two or longer without being able to do one of these? I have, and it felt downright nasty especially not to be able to shower. It felt so good when I could finally get back into that habit again.
Do you feel grimy in your spirit if you start missing your prayer time? Does it seem you lose your temper more quickly or are more easily agitated or worse yet don’t feel like reading your Bible or going to church? Those are sure signs that we need to pray.
May God help us to continually cultivate this most important habit of prayer!
The Third Petition of the Lord’s Prayer is repeated daily by millions who have not the slightest intention of letting anyone’s will be done but their own.–Aldous Huxley
This is a powerful quote. I was raised Catholic and remember being taught to say the Lord’s prayer, but I had no understanding of the words that I was repeating and continued going about doing my own will.
What are some things that we can pray that are definitely the will of God? We need to look to the Bible, the infallible Word of God to answer this question.
Here are a few I found in searching the Scripture. This is by no means an exhaustive list.
2Peter 3:9
“The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance”
We can pray for people that we know to be lead to truly repent before God. Repentance is the very first step we make in coming to God, so to pray for others to be lead to repentance is definitely in the will of God. Baptism is void without repentance, and one can definitely not be filled with the Holy Ghost until they repent, so repentance is vital!
Romans 12:1,2
“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
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.”
1Thessalonians 4:3,4
For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:
That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour;”
Once we are saved and on the road to living for God, we need to pray that He will help us to be holy and pleasing to Him and that we would keep ourselves from the immorality that is so rampant in this world.
1Thessalonians 5:18
“In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”
We need to regularly pray prayers of thanksgiving to God, whether we are going through good times or not so good times. Wherever we are at in life, there are always things for which we can be thankful, if we will but look for them. Ask God to help you to have a thankful heart.
The Only Prayer Request Jesus Ever Made
Mat 9:35-38
And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people.
But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.
Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest trulyisplenteous, but the labourersarefew;
Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.
In verse 38, the man, Christ Jesus, tells us to pray that the Lord would send labourers into His harvest. We can pray and ask God to raise up more pastors, missionaries, evangelists, teachers and good strong saints in the church that have a burden to share the gospel with those who have not heard. This is something I need to give more attention to in prayer.
Besides praying for our own needs which is something Jesus instructs us to do in what has come to be known as The Lord’s prayer, these are just a few other things that we should make matters of prayer.
To those who pray, I”m sure this is a question that may not be stated verbally but has at least crossed the mind. Answered prayer does not always mean that God says yes and grants our request. “No”, “Not now, and ”It’s not the right time” are answers too. What parent in their right mind would give their child everything that they request? We know that many times children would ask for things that really won’t benefit them or are just downright stupid. In most cases, it is because they have not thought out the consequences involved in receiving their request or they just lack the foresight to see the bigger picture. A child may ask for an astronomical amount of candy, thinking only of how good it will taste and not of the terrible stomach ache or worse that would probably follow shortly after consuming loads of sweets.
Our heavenly Father sees the big picture and knows that sometimes His children will ask for things that really won’t benefit them or may lead them away from Him.
James 4:3
Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.
The ESV states it this way:
You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passion.
On the other hand, we have these verses.
1Jn 5:14-15
And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:
And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.
Another key to having our prayers answered is that we must ask according to His will. How can we know what the will of God is? We can know His will through His Word, but more on that later………………….
Make time to pray. “The great freight and passenger trains are never too busy to stop for fuel. No matter how congested the yards may be, no matter how crowded the schedules are, no matter how many things demand the attention of the trainmen, those trains always stop for fuel.” M.E. Andross
