“Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.” Proverbs 16:3
“And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, ‘What manner of Man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey Him?’ ” Mark 4:41
Help us, O Lord, for we are weak and poor and needy. Give those who have received Your Son Jesus and come to You through His death, burial, and resurrection strength for the days, and glorify Your holy name. Amen.
“He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live.” Proverbs 15:27
“And Jesus, moved with compassion, put forth His hand, and touched him, and saith unto him, ‘I will; be thou clean.’ ” Mark 1:41
Father, You are my Provider, my Strength, and Healer. You are the Creator of all that is; both seen and unseen. You are the Light of the world. With You there is no darkness. I trust in You. Thank You for calling me to Yourself through the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ Your holy only begotten Son.
Bow down Your ear, O LORD, and hear me, for I am poor and needy. I am needy of Your mercy, Your grace, and Your touch. There are many around me who have been, and are afflicted by disease and sickness and I ask for their healing; that You will touch them and renew their strength. There are families who are struggling financially, physically and spiritually and who desperately need a touch from You. Touch, heal, and meet every need they have according to Your glorious will; and especially save those who are perishing in sin.
Our world is plagued by hatred and violence, and some things being called hatred are words of truth that convict and cut to the soul and heart of people who hear it; yet call it “Hate speech”. O God, my God and Savior renew a right spirit in those who are Yours and heal our land as we repent of our sin and turn back to You. Rid our hearts and thoughts of greed. May our leaders and all turn back from bribes and bribery. Bribery in our government leaders is corrupting our land and deceiving the people and turning hearts to the deceits of men.
Touch the hearts and minds of Your people Lord in a powerful way. Show Yourself strong, O LORD, in those who have put on the Righteousness of Jesus Christ, and revive us again, that Your people may rejoice in You; now and forever. Amen.
“The wicked is driven away in his wickedness: but the righteous hath hope in his death.” Proverbs 14:32
“And when they saw Him, they worshipped Him: but some doubted.” Matthew 28:17
Father, I praise You. I worship You because of Your love, mercy and grace You have shown through Your Son Jesus the Christ who died on the cross for the sins of the world, was buried carrying away all our sin, its darkness, pain, shame and despair, and all our condemnation; then He rose bodily from that grave justifying forever all who come to Him. Blessed be the name of the Lord.
Lord, give me wisdom concerning the peril of the wicked. I pray that I might see the wicked will be judged by their own wickedness, and by Your Just ways and word. For those who have been clothed in the Righteousness of Jesus Christ we have hope in death of Your presence and glory with You. Forgive our sins, O God, and renew a right spirit in us. There is much darkness in this world right now; I pray that we shall be a bright light reflecting the holy Light of Christ our Lord. For in Him is no darkness at all.
I pray, O Lord, for renewed strength today of faith. Continued growing faith in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus. Doubters will turn away, unless they will come to believe.
Turn our hearts, O Lord, away from being filled with the world, the flesh and the devil and fill us with Your Spirit that we may walk with You and glorify Your holy name.
I also ask, Lord, that You would plow the soils of the hearts of men, women, boys and girls who do not know You; that I will be faithful to sow the seed of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and that You will give the harvest. Bless the name of the Lord. Amen.
Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom.” Proverbs 13:10
“But after I am risen again, I will go before you into Galilee.” Matthew 26:32
Father in heaven, I can come to You only because You have made the way; and that is through the death, burial and resurrection of Your holy only begotten Son Jesus the Christ. There is no other way to You and glory,except through Him. Thank You Jesus for Your intercession for me and for all who have come to You. You are worthy of our adoration, praise and worship.
Thank You, Lord, for You multitude of blessings; for family – my Mom and Dad, though he is with You, brother and sisters and their spouses and children, my wife and children and spouses and grandchildren and spouse. God bless them all with Your abiding presence, power and authority of Your word and to live according to Your word. I ask for the salvation of all the children that are yet to be born into our family, and that they will grow up to honor and glorify Your Mighty name.
Lord God Almighty, I ask that You will supply all our need. I ask that You heal the virus that plagues our land and the rest of the world. You are God. You are holy and Wonderful in all Your ways. You are the Great Physician. The greatest healing we need, however, is the healing from sinful rebellion against You and Your Holy Word. May we fall on our faces before You, repent of our sin, and trust the outcome to Your loving mercy and grace,
May I be shed of any pride that hinders Your work in me, and we as a nation and people humble ourselves before You. Open our eyes to see the crucified, buried and risen Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
He that speaketh truth sheweth forth righteousness: but a false witness deceit.” Proverbs 12:17
“But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up.” Matthew 24:43
Lord God of heaven and earth, You are beautiful and glorious in all Your ways. There is none like You. You are GOD, Creator, Savior, Redeemer, Healer; My Banner, Shield, Defender, Guide, Strength, and Song. You are holy, holy, holy; righteous and just. There is none like You.
In You, O Lord, do I trust. I have not known of You to fail, because You do not. Every word You have spoken has come to pass just as You have said. If it has not yet come to pass, it will.
I pray, Lord, that we as Christians, the one’s who identify with and testify to the fact that they are followers of Jesus Christ; that we may always speak the truth, and in love; that the righteousness of Jesus Christ might be heard in the ears of those who are perishing; and never any word of deceit.
I also pray, O LORD, that we be alert, aware, and awake concerning the peril the world is in and the darkness that seems to be prevailing at this hour in this nation, and in the world. I pray that we return to the truth of Your Holy Bible, hear its teachings, Your teachings, Your commandments that are not grievous and grow in love with You; so that our homes may be strong in the faith of Christ Jesus our Lord and Savior.
I ask that those who are perishing may hear Your word, and will surrender their lives to believing, serving, and glorifying the Lord Jesus Christ through His cross-death, burial and resurrection. May we be reminded each day that Jesus is coming again. Come Lord Jesus. Come. Amen.
He that is void of wisdom despiseth his neighbour: but a man of understanding holdeth his peace. Proverbs 11:12
“The LORD said unto my Lord, ‘Sit Thou on My right hand, till I make Thine enemies Thy footstool?'” Matthew 22:44 (Psalm 110:1) Matthew 22:42-45
Father, I praise You because of Your beauty, grace, mercy and power. I worship You because You are worthy of worship and no other is. I adore You because You are worthy of adoration because You are powerful to save all who will come to You; and because You are the Creator.
I pray that I will respect my neighbor and do for him/her as I would like them to do to me; that I will love them as I love myself. May I, when I see a neighbor in need, always jump in and be a servant or helper in meeting their needs; no matter how they may have treated me.
Lord God Almighty, I do recognize Jesus as the Incarnate God; Your holy only begotten Son; and that by Him and through Him all things were made and without Him was not anything made that was made. He is my Lord and my Savior. He is my salvation and my peace. In Him I have life and without Him there is no life.
I pray that others, my family, my friends; all my neighbors; will call on that name that is above every name, believing on Him and will be delivered from eternal death. Amen.
“Even as the Son of Man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give His life a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:28
“He is in the way of life that keepeth instruction: but he that refuseth reproof erreth.” Proverbs 10:17
Father, Lord and God, You are holy, holy, holy. There is none like You. By You all things were created. By You all things consist, You are the Sovereign of the Universe and there is no other.
Lord, there are many hearts that are grieved by the events of the past week, and even the months and years past. We have seen evil for many years now; though it seems many are seeing evil as good, and good as evil. It is time for You Lord to work, for many have made void Your law, Your word and Your will.
Let this judgment begin at Your house Lord, let it begin in the hearts of all who call themselves Christian. Show us our sins and convict us of our unrighteous and sinful ways and lead us to repentance. Forgive our sins.
Lord, even if our nation is past saving, touch Your Church, and make her holy. Show Yourself strong in the hearts of those who have been redeemed by the blood of the Lamb and lift up the name that is above every name. The name of Jesus our Lord, our Savior and our God. Amen.
Forsake the foolish, and live; and go in the way of understanding.” Proverbs 9:6
“Then came Peter to Him, and said, ‘Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Till seven times?’ Jesus saith unto him, ‘I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.’ ” Matthew 18:21-22
I thank You, Lord, that I did not gain a relationship with You through any good deed, any act of kindness, or even my own obedience to a need I witnessed. I gained the New birth relationship through the blood of Jesus’s death on the cross. For that I am grateful.
Lord I ask that I might forsake the foolish things and go in the way of understanding; through the wisdom that comes only from You. I also ask that I will always be forgiving to those who may seem unforgivable. You have forgiven me. How can I negate my forgiving any wrong someone has done to me?
Thank You, Lord, for the blood of Jesus Christ that cleanses us from all our sin; the burial which carried them all away; and because He is risen from the grave death, hell and the grave is proven defeated, and we have eternal life through Him who forever lives. Amen.
“Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors.” WISDOM Proverbs 8:34
“‘A wicked and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given unto it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas.’ And He left them, and departed.” Matthew 16:4
Lord GOD and Father, all worship and praise belongs to You. There is none other who is worthy. You are holy, holy, holy, Just, Righteous and wise. You are the Creator of all that is; the seen and the unseen, and Your Son Jesus the Living Word is the One in whom it all consist.
You, Lord, have blessed us beyond what we deserve and I thank You for the multitude of blessings; many for which we are even unaware. Thank You
We ask for wisdom today. We ask for the wisdom that is from You and pray for ignorance of the doing of evil ways of men in the earth. Always, may we hear the words of godly wisdom, heavenly wisdom, and never the wisdom that is of this world; and may we live wisely according to the commandments of Your word.
We pray that You will keep us in Your hands; and You do. We ask that You will always help us to keep our eyes on You, not hoping for signs of guidance and direction, but looking at You always and the work of Your blessed, holy Son Jesus who bled and died on the cross for our sins and the sins of the world, He was buried carrying away all our sin, shame, guilt and condemnation, and He bodily arose and is forever seated at Your right hand. In You, O Lord, do we trust and not in any sign. We do ask Lord Jesus, that You will come quickly.
We ask, Lord, also that You make Your word come alive in us to better serve, honor, and glorify Your name; and that others might come to a saving faith of Jesus Christ. Lift up that name that is above every name – the name of Jesus. Amen.
Hearken unto me now therefore, O ye children, and attend to the words of my mouth. Proverbs 7:24
But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, ‘Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.’ ” Matthew 14:27
Father and Lord of all, to You I give praise, honor and glory, because You are worthy. You spoke all that is into existence, and without You was not anything made that is made. You are light and in You is no darkness at all.
Forgive my sloth, lust, greed, and hate in my heart. Thank You for the forgiveness that is available through the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus; and because of Jesus’s righteousness, I am now righteous. Thank You for clothing me in the Righteousness of Jesus Christ; and for clothing all who come to You through faith in Him, in His Righteousness.
I ask for forgiveness for the sins of our Church, our County, State and Nation. We have turned our backs on You, on the power and the authority of Your word and against the power of the Holy Spirit. Why is it that we do not like hearing the verses where we are told “Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.” That is the power and the authority of the Spirit filled child of God. Forgive me Father and forgive this sin of all Your people.
I need You. Our Church – all within need You. Our County needs You. Our State needs You. Our Nation needs You. There is so much evil, and it is evil that wants to keep on killing the innocent – those who cannot defend themselves, the unborn, and those in nursing homes and convalescing.
Lord GOD Almighty take Your people in Your hand and set our hearts aright. May we become people of prayer, of Your word, of Your Spirit; and let us walk by faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ. May we walk by faith, not fear.
I ask, Father, that You will burden my heart, and all Christian hearts with the burden of seeing the lost, the perishing, the hopeless and the helpless come to saving faith of Jesus Christ and may we be laborers in the field which is the world. Amen.
For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life: to keep thee from the evil woman, from the flattery of the tongue of a strange woman. Proverbs 6:23-24
…That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying,… Matthew 12:17
Father in heaven all praise belongs to You. You are worthy of worship, praise, honor and glory; and Jesus Christ is the Son of God and God the Son who is the Incarnation of the God head and the fullness thereof. Blessed be the name of the Lord.
Forgive the sins of those who call themselves Christians yet deny the power and the authority of Your word; the Old and the New Testaments. Who refuse to hide Your word in their hearts that we might not sin against God. Who will not take heed to the instruction of Your word that we might be cleansed from our sins. Who give more authority to men than to Your word.
I ask, O Lord, for a new zeal for the truth of Your word and its power to save and deliver us from sin, death and Hell; and to empower us to live for You. I pray that I grow in my love for You and Your word and for all Christians worldwide the same love and zeal – and even greater than my own. The only hope for Adam’s race is Jesus Christ and Your word You have given us.
Your commandment is the lamp, and Your law is out light; and Jesus Christ is the Light of the world; the only deliverance available for us and eternal life with You. Jesus is the fulfillment of all the Old Testament prophecies of Messiah; the Christ.
Lord God Almighty I need You. The world needs You. The United States of America needs You. Give Your people a renewed zeal, vigor, and love for You, Your word, Your way and Your will. Amen.
For the ways of man are before the eyes of the LORD, and He pondereth all his goings. Proverbs 5:21
Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known. What I tell you in darkness, speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, preach ye upon the housetops. Matthew 10:26-27
Our Father who is in Heaven, Your name is holy, and Reverend, and no one deserves to attach those names to themselves, but You. No one knows Your ways, or fully knows You. You alone have given us the knowledge that we have of You.
Your word tells us that Your eyes are watching us, Your hands are molding us, who are in Christ Jesus, into the image of Your dear Son. Your eyes roam to and fro throughout the whole earth; and You show Yourself strong to those whose hearts are perfect in You. There is none like You, O Lord.
I pray Father that I be always aware of the position of Your eyes; that they are on me, watching me; not only as a deterrent to sin, but also as a means of keeping me in Your way.
O Lord God, there is evil in this world. There is evil in the United States of America, and it is in the people of this land, and thus in our government. Leaders, so called, who are fighting for power, power to rule over the people, so that they may gain for themselves; and to bring the whole world together against You, Your Son, Your word, Your will and Your way. I pray, O Mighty God, that these be revealed, and their evil be exposed for what it is, and that You will turn the hearts of Your people back to You, calling on Your name, turning from sin to the righteousness that is received only through the faith in Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior, back to trusting Your word above the words of men.
There is evil in declaring that there are many genders, that sodomy is a legitimate relationship; and You have declared clearly that these are abominations. You have made clear that there are only Male and Female and no other in the race of Adam. Expose this evil for what it is. Complete rebellion against You and Your word.
Thank You for the forgiveness of sin through the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus. He is at Your right hand and praying for us daily. You, O Lord, are worthy of laud and honor and power and glory. Save Lord, to the uttermost those who are perishing. Amen.
Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding…
Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: keep her; for she is thy life.” Proverbs 4:7, 13“When the even was come, they brought unto Him many that were possessed with devils: and He cast out the spirits with His word, and healed all that were sick: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, ‘Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses.’ ” Matthew 8:16-17
Father and Lord of all, I praise You and lift up Your thrice holy name. The name of Your Son Jesus is above every name as the apostle Paul proclaimed to the people of Philippi.
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus the sweetest name I know. He is the personification of wisdom and in and through Him all wisdom comes. I pray for wisdom.
I pray for wisdom in living, in finances, in marriage, in family matters, in matters with my neighbor, in making decisions that will affect my life as well as others. Father the men of God who stand and preach Your word need Your wisdom; and the women who teach other women and children need Your wisdom in Your word and in life and living.
Forgive us, O God, the ignorance in us of Your word and Your work in our midst. We give more credence of power to science than Your word; and it is to a science that is not science but mere supposition, and deception.
I ask, Lord, that You get Your people to open their eyes and realize that You are God indeed, that Your word from Genesis 1 through Revelation 22 is the truth just as You gave it, and that every word You have spoken will come to pass just as You have said.
Forgive us our sins and heal our land; and lead us into Your Glorious Land.
Thank You for Your wonderful grace shown on display as Your Son Jesus bled and died on the cross, He was buried taking away all our sin, guilt and shame, then He left it in the grave and He rose the Victor and forever lives and intercedes for all who are His.
Blessed be the name of the Lord Jesus. Amen.
“Strive not with a man without cause, if he have done thee no harm.” Proverbs 3:20
“For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Matthew 6:21
Our Father all glorious and worthy of worship and praise. I praise You. All those whom You have called to Yourself through the death, burial and resurrection of Your Son Jesus worship and praise Your holy, holy, holy name. We praise You because of who You are.
I ask that You would fill us with Your Spirit that we not be at odds, striving against our fellow man without a cause against those who have done us no harm; and that we stand with You by faith and according to Your Spirit’s leadership against all that is evil and is a violation of all that is true, and just, and good, and righteous.
I pray that You continue to work in me showing me the true Treasure of my life; and to continue to work in all those who are Your showing all their true Treasure as well. We know that that true Treasure is knowing, loving and serving You through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Forgive our sins. Cleanse us and make us clean. Thank You for Your forgiveness, and may we always forgive those who have wronged us; no matter what that wrong was.
All praise and worship to You, O Lord. All glory to You Lord God Almighty through Your Son Jesus. Amen.
“For the upright shall dwell in the land, and the perfect shall remain in it.” Proverbs 2:21
“And going on from thence, He saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and He called them. And they immediately left the ship and their father, and followed him.” Matthew 4:21-22
Our Father and God, Creator of heaven, earth and all that is; even the seen and the unseen. You have made all things and without You there was nothing made that was made. In You is Life, and the Life is the Light of men.
You have made the land and the air we breath and we are not thankful for Your multitude of blessings. You have given us life and we see human life as cheap and steal, kill and destroy; whether physically or by word and words of hate. Heal our sin sick land.
May we who know Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior yield to His Spirit and His words for us in this world. May we put away pride and arrogance which are two abominations You hate. Let us turn away from hateful name calling, and speak the truth in love.
May we as Christians, like the sons of Zebedee leave all and follow Jesus, doing His will, which is doing the will of You, the Father.
May we with passion look expectantly toward that new land You have promised those who know You; but may we with even more passion look forward to living a life that will bring honor and glory to Your name; and seeing You face to face. Amen.
“A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels: to understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings.” Proverbs 1:5-6
“…And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, ‘He shall be called a Nazarene.” Matthew 2:23
Father, God, Master, Creator, Savior, Lord who is All-Wise, and All-Knowing I praise You. You are worthy of praise alone and I am unworthy of giving You praise except for the gift of You only begotten and holy Son Jesus Christ.
We as the people who live on this planet You made for us are in grave need of Your wisdom, knowledge and understanding. We are in the midst of what appears to be a pestilence, a plague; and it appears to me that above all things it is a warning call from You for Your people to repent and return to Your word, to the cross of Your dear, and blessed Son Jesus who gave His life as a redemption of sinful Adam-kind.
Your word will come to pass as You have said. There will not be one single word unfulfilled. You will be glorified, and people of all ages will come and will bow before Your Son, worshiping Him and giving Him laud and honor and praise.
For this new year of 2021 I ask for wisdom for myself, for the people whom I attend worship with, for the pastors and churches of the State of Missouri, all the other forty nine States and also give us a new love for You, Your Spirit, Your word, Your will and Your way. I also ask for a multitude of souls come to faith in You through the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ; because the time is short until He comes again. Amen.
“And He spake a parable unto them that men ought always to pray, and not to faint; saying,
‘There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man: and there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, ‘Avenge me of mine adversary.’ And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, ‘Though I fear not God, nor regard man; yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.’
And the Lord said,
‘Hear what the unjust judge saith. And shall not God avenge His own elect, which cry day and night unto Him, though He bear long with them?
I tell you that He will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of Man cometh, shall He find faith on the earth?’ ” Luke 18:1-8 (KJB)
“And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves, and said unto them,
‘It is written, ‘My house shall be called the house of prayer;’ but ye have made it a den of thieves.’
And the blind and the lame came to Him in the temple; and He healed them. And when the chief priests and scribes saw the wonderful things that He did, and the children crying in the temple, and saying, ‘Hosanna to the Son of David;’ they were sore displeased, and said unto Him, ‘Hearest Thou what these say?’ And Jesus saith unto them,
‘Yea; have ye never read, ‘Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings Thou hast perfected praise?’ ‘
And He left them, and went out of the city into Bethany; and He lodged there. ” Matthew 21:12-17 (KJB)
“In the house of the righteous is much treasure: but in the revenues of the wicked is trouble.
The lips of the wise disperse knowledge: but the heart of the foolish doeth not so.
The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD: but the prayer of the upright is His delight.” Proverbs 15:6-8 (KJB)
“Give ear to my words, O LORD, consider my meditation. Hearken unto the voice of my cry, my King, and my God: for unto You will I pray.” Psalm 5:1-2 (KJB)
Too many times young people in the faith jump to conclusions about the following words of Jesus, and assume that we can ask for anything we want, and God is obligated to give it. First, let me say this; God is obligated to no one. Now to the verses for today.
“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on Me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto My Father. And whatsoever ye shall ask in My name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
If ye shall ask any thing in My name, I will do.” John 14:12-14 (KJB)
Now I leave with you the last points of an exposition delivered by Alexander MacLaren…
From Alexander MacLaren’s EXPOSITION OF HOLY SCRIPTURE:
“These are two, faith and prayer.
‘He that believeth on Me, the works that I do shall he do also.’ Faith, the simple act of loving trust in Jesus Christ, opens the door of our hearts and natures for the entrance of all His solemn Omnipotence, and makes us possessors of it. It is the condition, and the only condition, and plainly the indispensable condition, of possessing this divine Christ’s power, that we should trust ourselves to Him that gives it. And if we do, then we shall not trust in vain, but to us there will come power that will surpass our desire, and fill us with its own rejoicing and pure energy. Faith will make us like Christ. Faith is intensely practical. ‘He that believeth shall do.’ It is no mere cold assent to a creed which is utterly impotent to operate upon men’s acts, no mere hysterical emotion which is utterly impotent to energise into nobilities of service and miracles of consecration, but it is the affiance of the whole nature which spreads itself before Him and prays, ‘Fill my emptiness and vitalise me with Thine own Spirit.’ That is the faith which is ever answered by the inrush of the divine power, and the measure of our capacity of receiving is the measure of His gift to us.
So if Christian individuals and Christian communities are impotent, or all but impotent, there is no difficulty in understanding why. They have cut the connection, they have shut the tap. They lack faith; and so their power is weakness. ‘Why could we not cast him out?’ said they, perplexed when they had no need to be. ‘Why could you not cast him out? Because you do not believe that I, working in you, can cast him out. That is why; and the only why.’ Let us learn that the secret of Christians’ weakness is the weakness of their Christian faith.
And the other condition is prayer. ‘Whatsoever ye shall ask in My name I will do it,’ and He repeats it, for confirmation and for greater emphasis. ‘If ye shall ask anything in My name,’ or, as perhaps that clause ought to be read with some versions, ‘If ye shall ask Me anything in My name I will do it.’
Three points may be named here. Our power depends upon our prayer. God’s and Christ’s fullness and willingness to communicate do not depend upon our prayer. But our capacity to receive of that fullness, and so the possibility of its communication to us, do depend upon our prayer. ‘We have not because we ask not.’
The power of our prayer depends upon our conscious oneness with the revealed Christ. ‘If ye shall ask in My name,’ says He. And people think they have fulfilled the condition when, in a mechanical and external manner, they say, as a formula at the end of petitions that have been all stuffed full of self-will and selfishness, ‘for Christ’s sake. Amen!’ and then they wonder they do not get them answered! Is that asking in Christ’s name?
Christ’s name is the revelation of Christ’s character, and to do a thing in the name of another person is to do it as His representative, and as realising that in some deep and real sense-for the present purpose at all events-we are one with Him. And it is when we know ourselves to be united to Christ and one with Him, and representative in a true fashion of Himself, as well as when, in humble reliance on His work for us and His loving heart, we draw near, that our prayer has power, as the old divines used to say, ‘to move the Hand that moves the world,’ and to bring down a rush of blessing upon our heads. Prayer in the name of Christ is hard to offer. It needs much discipline and watchfulness; it excludes all self-will and selfishness. And if, as my text tells us, the end of the Son’s working is the glory of the Father, that same end, and not our own ease or comfort, must be the end and object of all prayer which is offered in His name. When we so pray we get an answer. And the reason why such multitudes of prayers never travel higher than the roof, and bring no blessings to him who prays, is because they are not prayers in Christ’s name.
Prayer in His name will pass into prayer to Him. As He not obscurely teaches us here (if we adopt the reading to which I have already referred), He has an ear to hear such requests, and He wields divine power to answer. Surely it was not blasphemy nor any diversion of the worship due to God alone, when the dying martyr outside the city wall cried and said, ‘Lord Jesus! receive my spirit.’ Nor is it any departure from the solemnest obligations laid upon us by the unity of the divine nature, nor are we bringing idolatrous petitions to another than the Father, when we draw near to Christ and ask Him to give us that which He gives as the Father’s gift, and to work on us that which the Father that dwelleth in Him works through Him for us.
Trust yourselves to Christ, and let your desires be stilled, to listen to His voice in you, and let that voice speak. And then, dear brethren, we shall be lifted above ourselves, and strength will flow into us, and we shall be able to say, ‘I can do all things, through the Christ that dwells in me and makes me strong.’ And just as the glad, sunny waters of the incoming tide fill the empty places of some oozy harbour, where all the ships are lying as if dead, and the mud is festering in the sunshine, so into the slimy emptiness of our corrupt hearts there will pour the flashing sunlit wave, the ever fresh rush of His power; and ‘everything will live whithersoever it cometh,’ and we shall be able to say in all humility, and yet in glad recognition of Christ’s faithfulness to this, His transcendent promise, ‘I live, yet not I, but Christ liveth in me,’ ‘because the life which I live in the flesh I live by faith of the Son of God.’ “
“Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved.” Romans 10:1 (KJB)
The apostle Paul was a Jew. He was a Hebrew, in fact calling himself, “…An Hebrew of the Hebrews…” (Philippians 3:5), and he spent his early ministry endeavoring to win the Jewish people to the Messiah Jesus. He nearly lost his life a few times doing so.
In Romans 9 – 11 we see just how much Paul loves his people it is almost a final plea for them to repent, to turn to the One who is their Redeemer, before it is turned over completely to the Gentiles for the age.
I have a question for myself this morning. Is my heart’s desire, and prayer for my people so powerful, so strong that I would risk my life, my all, my living for a lost soul? I desire, I strongly desire to see a soul come to faith in Jesus Christ.
Jeremiah the prophet said,
“Oh that my head were waters, and mine eyes a fountain of tears, that I might weep day and night for the slain of the daughter of my people!” Jeremiah 9:1
God has given me what I need to lead a lost, condemned, dying man, or woman to Jesus. By the power of His Spirit in me I can and will do it.
“And it came to pass after ten days, that the word of the LORD came unto Jeremiah.
Then called he Johanan the son of Kareah, and all the captains of the forces which were with him, and all the people from the least even to the greatest, and said unto them, ‘Thus saith the LORD, the God of Israel, unto whom ye sent me to present your supplication before Him; ‘If ye will still abide in this land, then will I build you, and not pull down, and I will plant you, and not pluck up: for I repent me of the evil that I have done unto you. Be not afraid of the king of Babylon, of whom ye are afraid; be not afraid of him, saith the LORD: for I am with you to save you, and to deliver you from his hand. And I will shew mercies unto you, that he may have mercy upon you, and cause you to return to your own land.’ ” Jeremiah 42:7-12 (KJB)
First of all when you ask do not already have your mind made up what you are going to do.
That is apparently what the remnant of those left in Judah to care for the land, and the cities. With hypocritical hearts and minds they feigned wanting the will of God, so they go to the prophet Jeremiah asking him to seek the LORD’S counsel on His will.
The above verses are God’s answer to Jeremiah for the people. It is a message of hope and promise if they will stay in the land. It is a promise that they need not fear Babylon their captors. What they need to do is do what the LORD says, and they will be protected and greatly blessed.
When we ask God’s counsel for something do we already have our minds made up of what we are going to do? It does not matter what God says in His word we often do what we want to do. That is a sad commentary on the life of a Christian, and it robs us of the promise, protection, and provision of the LORD our God.
When we ask, let us ask that the will of God be done. Let us ask for the courage, faith, and power of the Spirit of God in us to walk in His way; not our own. When God says “Stay”, let us stay. When God says “Go” let us go.
Our rest, our hope lies only in the Son of God who is Jesus Christ, God who became flesh, and dwelt among us. He died on the cross for ours sins, was buried, and He rose again.
“Whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord, shall be saved” (Romans 10:13).
“And Hezekiah received the letter from the hand of the messengers, and read it: and Hezekiah went up unto the house of the LORD, and spread it before the LORD. And Hezekiah prayed unto the LORD, saying,
‘O LORD of Hosts, God of Israel, that dwellest between the cherubims, Thou art the God, Thou alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth: Thou hast made heaven and earth.
Incline Thine ear, O LORD, and hear; open Thine eyes, O LORD, and see: and hear all the words of Sennacherib, which hath sent to reproach the living God. Of a truth, LORD, the kings of Assyria have laid waste all the nations, and their countries, and have cast their gods into the fire: for they were no gods, but the work of men’s hands, wood and stone: therefore they have destroyed them.
Now therefore, O LORD our God, save us from his hand, that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that Thou art the LORD, Thou only.’ ” Isaiah 37:14-20 (KJB)
The enemy was at the gates of Jerusalem. Threatening letters had been sent, mocking letters and words had been written and said for the people on the wall to hear. The purpose was to cause them to fear.
Fear has a way of crippling, and handicapping the victim. Fear makes victims of its prey. Fear is a coward which is a sneak; because it creeps in unseen, and often unheard until it strikes.
We all deal with it. Notice what Hezekiah did when he received the fearful, mocking letter from the king of Assyria; he went to thee LORD, laid out the letter before Him and prayed.
God heard the king’s prayer and sent word to him, by way of the prophet; and God took care of the mocking king; and over night killed 185,000 of the soldiers of Assyria.
What is attacking you today? Have you put your faith and trust in the Lord by believing what He says about His Son Jesus the Christ? Jesus died on the cross for your sins, He was buried, and He rose again. When you know Jesus you have access to the very throne of God (Hebrews 4:16).
When fear from the enemy comes in, you now have the authority of Heaven to take your case to the Throne.
“Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving; withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds: that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.” Colossians 4:2-4 (KJB)
The Apostle has just dealt with Christians who have in their employment people of lesser wealth. Masters were to treat their servants or employees rightly (Colossians 3:22-4:1). The verses above could also be Paul’s words for them; but even the words of Paul in the previous chapter are words for Christians in every age.
What was the Apostle encouraging the saints at Colossae to do? To continue in prayer. The request was for Paul to have an open opportunity to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ, and that all about Jesus would be revealed as the word went forth.
How we need that continuing prayer today.
As I read these words this morning I got to wondering about the phrase the apostle Paul used “Pray without ceasing”. Is there any difference between “Continue in prayer” and “Pray without ceasing”?
I found this note from the Matthew Henry Commentary on 1 Thessalonians 5:17, “Pray without ceasing…
Note, The way to rejoice evermore is to pray without ceasing. We should rejoice more if we prayed more. We should keep up stated times for prayer, and continue instant in prayer. We should pray always, and not faint: pray without weariness, and continue in prayer, till we come to that world where prayer shall be swallowed up in praise. The meaning is not that men should do nothing but pray, but that nothing else we do should hinder prayer in its proper season. Prayer will help forward and not hinder all other lawful business, and every good work.
Pray for those who are standing in the place of sharing, of preaching the gospel of Christ. Pray for the anointing of the Holy Spirit, for an open door of opportunity, and His work in revealing the word of God to the hearers.
In Jesus Christ alone is there honest sincere prayer heard by the throne of God; and that through the blood of Christ shed at Calvary’s cross, His burial, and resurrection.
The Fire and Hammer 