Gtcotr/ws072226
The elementary principles of prayer are seen being exercised by men and women of faith throughout the Bible.
Prayer is both communication and transformation. It has been rightly said that “Prayer changes things.” That truth is evident. However, the things prayer is primarily designed to change may not be so evident.
We have often heard that the Bible tells only one story and no one passage tells the whole story. Each scripture fits perfectly in its place to reveal the truth. If we pass over or leave out one verse, we may never arrive at the correct interpretation of the Word. The Word of God is only the Word of God when it is the Word of God. What I am saying is simply this: God knew what He meant when He said what He said, and until we know what He meant, we do not know His Word or His will. Communication is designed to assist in that process.
God’s Word is perfect and powerful and works every time according to what He intends. There is no argument or emotion a person can use to force God to act outside of His will. Contrary to some doctrines, humans do not always know what is best for them or others. God, however, knows the end from the beginning.
Matthew 6 NKJV
5 ¶ “And when you pray, you shall not be like the
hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners
of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they
have their reward.
6 “But you, when you pray, go into your room,
and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the
secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.
7 “And when you pray, do not use vain
repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard
for their many words.
8 “Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him.
If my loving Heavenly Father knows my wants, anticipates my
wishes, understands my needs, and intends to bless me before I ask, what is the
purpose of prayer? The Primary Purpose of Prayer is
not designed or intended to change God but rather intended to change us.
As we said earlier, “Prayer is both communication and transformation.”
Prayer often acts on us instead of acting on God. More
understanding on this truth can be found in the account of Jesus in His Garden
of Gethsemane prayer experience. Let’s read from the fourteenth chapter of
Mark.
Mark 14 NKJV
32 ¶ Then they came to a place which was named
Gethsemane; and He said to His disciples, “Sit here while I pray.”
33 And He took Peter, James, and John with Him,
and He began to be troubled and deeply distressed.
·
Jesus
is anxious, and stressed.
·
He
is exceedingly sad and consumed with worrisome thoughts.
34 Then He said to them, “My soul is exceedingly
sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch.”
·
Have
you ever been so sad you had rather be dead?
35 He went a little farther, and fell on the
ground, and prayed that if it were possible, the hour might pass from Him.
·
Fell
on the ground – like pulling the covers over your head …
36 And He said, “Abba, Father, all things are
possible for You. Take this cup away from Me; nevertheless, not what I will,
but what You will.”
37 Then He came and found them sleeping, and
said to Peter, “Simon, are you sleeping? Could you not watch one hour?
38 “Watch and pray, lest you enter into
temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
39 Again He went away and prayed, and spoke the
same words.
40 And when He returned, He found them asleep
again, for their eyes were heavy; and they did not know what to answer Him.
41 Then He came the third time and said to them,
“Are you still sleeping and resting? It is enough! The hour has come; behold,
the Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners.
42 “Rise, let us be going. See, My betrayer is at hand.”
This prayer did not change how
God felt, prayer changed how Jesus felt. An honest conversation with God
will do that. The disciples weren’t feeling the stress … they weren’t sad, they
were sleepy and unafraid. Sometime your closest friends aren’t going through
what you’re going through, and it seems like they could care less – even if
what you are burdened with is actually intended to benefit them.
Prayer is where we pour all anxiety out into the bosom of
God.
Philippians 4 NLT
6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray
about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.
7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which
exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds
as you live in Christ Jesus.
1. Don’t
worry about anything.
2. Pray
about everything.
3. Tell
God what you need.
4. Thank
Him for all He has done.
5. Then
you will experience God’s peace.
