CHRIST’S PASSIONATE PRACTICE OF PRAYER

The passion for prayer Jesus demonstrated presents an imperative for us.  We are to be His followers and if we are not a people of prayer, then we will not only fail in following Him in this, but other areas as well.  The disciples entreated Him, “Lord, teach us to pray!”  That is to be our plea—not just teach us how to pray, though certainly needful—but teach us to pray, to do it!  Andrew Murray says it well:

We see how foolish and fruitless the attempt must be to do work for God and heaven, without – starting with prayer in the first place – getting the life and the power of heaven to possess us. Unless this truth lives in us, we cannot avail ourselves aright of the mighty power of the name of Jesus Christ. His example must teach us the meaning of His name.

Of His baptism we read, Jesus also being baptized and praying, the heaven was opened. It was in prayer that heaven was opened to Him, that heaven came down to Him with the Spirit and the voice of the Father. In the power of these, He was led into the wilderness, in fasting and prayer, to have them tested and fully appropriated. Early in His ministry, Mark records, And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out and departed into a solitary place and prayed there (1:35). And somewhat later Luke tells us that great multitudes came together to hear and to be healed by him of their infirmities. But he withdrew himself into the wilderness and prayed (5:15-16). He knew how the holiest service, preaching, and healing can exhaust the spirit; how too much intercourse with men could cloud the fellowship with God; how time – full time – is needed if the spirit is to rest and root in Him; how no pressure of duty among men can free us from the absolute need for much prayer. If anyone could have been satisfied with always living and working in the spirit of prayer, it would have been our Master. But He could not; He needed to have His supplies replenished by continual and long-continued seasons of prayer. To use Christ’s name in prayer surely includes this, to follow His example and to pray as He did. 

Of the night before choosing His apostles, we read, he went out into the mountain to pray and continued all night in prayer to God (Luke 6:12). The first step towards the constitution of the church, and the separation of men to be His witnesses and successors, called Him to special long-continued prayer. All had to be done according to the pattern on the mount. The Son can do nothing of Himself but he sees the Father do. It was in the night of prayer that it was shown to Him. 

In the night between the feeding of the five thousand – when Jesus knew that they wanted to take Him by force and make Him king – and the walking on the sea, he went up into a mountain apart to pray (Matt. 14:23; Mark 6:46; John 6:15). It was God’s will He had come to do, and it was God’s power He was to show forth. He had it not as a possession of His own; it had to be prayed for and received from above. The first announcement of His approaching death, after He had elicited from Peter the confession that He was the Christ, is introduced by the words, And it came to pass as he was alone praying (Luke 9:18). The introduction to the story of the transfiguration is that he went up into the mountain to pray (Luke 9:28). The request of the disciples, Lord, teach us to pray (Luke 11:1), follows And it came to pass that as he was praying in a certain place. In His own personal life, in His intercourse with the Father, in all He is and does for men, the Christ whose name we are to use is a Man of prayer. It is prayer that gives Him His power of blessing, and transfigures His very body with the glory of heaven. It is His own prayer-life that makes Him the teacher of others in how to pray. How much more must it be prayer, prayer alone, much prayer, that can fit us to share His glory of a transfigured life, or make us the channel of heavenly blessing and teaching to others. To pray in the name of Jesus Christ is to pray as He prays. 

As the end approaches, it is still more prayer. When the Greeks asked to see Him, and He spoke of His approaching death, He prayed. At Lazarus’s grave, He prayed. In the last night, He prayed His prayer as our High Priest, that we might know what His sacrifice would win, and what His everlasting intercession on the throne would be. In Gethsemane, He prayed His prayer as victim, the Lamb giving itself to the slaughter. On the cross it is still all prayer – the prayer of compassion for His murderers; the prayer of atoning suffering in the thick darkness; the prayer in death of confiding resignation of His spirit to the Father. (The Ministry of Intercession, Kindle Version, pp. 88-91) 

WHO’S YOUR ONE? Day 22

 

Be Constant in Prayer

“Now he told them a parable on the need for them to pray always and not give up. ‘There was a judge in a certain town who didn’t fear God or respect people. And a widow in that town kept coming to him, saying, “Give me justice against my adversary.” ‘For a while he was unwilling, but later he said to himself, ‘Even though I don’t fear God or respect people, yet because this widow keeps pestering me, I will give her justice, so that she doesn’t wear me out by her persistent coming.’” Then the Lord said, ‘Listen to what the unjust judge says. Will not God grant justice to his elect who cry out to him day and night? Will he delay helping them? I tell you that he will swiftly grant them justice. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?’”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭18:1-8‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Some have labored on our knees and through the verbal proclamation of the gospel for the salvation of those close to us. The years pile high with no inkling of spiritual interest on their part, and we begin to wonder if our whispered prayers are to the white walls in our room instead of to the God of the universe. Why has God not answered my prayers to save my best friend, brother or co-worker? Why is my one still not walking with the Lord? We assume the hard work of evangelism is spent preparing a perfectly crafted gospel presentation, getting the message out there and watching the Holy Spirit work. But perhaps the greater work happens on our knees when no one is watching. God hears our petitions to save those we love. He longs for them to be saved, too. He is not slow, and He desires all to repent and to come to a saving knowledge of Him (2 Peter 3:9). Take heart, laborer. Always pray, never give up and do not grow weary of the good work you are doing in evangelism. Your Father hears you.

 Spend five minutes praying for your one and their salvation. Pray also the Lord would open doors to speak the truth of the gospel in love to them. (From “Who’s Your One?” Devotional, NAMB)

THERMOMETER OR THERMOSTAT?

It’s hotter than the fourth of July!  Have you ever heard someone say that?  Well, Independence Day is here—and I hope you enjoy the fireworks.  We celebrate another birthday of this nation.  How many more?

Speaking of heat—the political rhetoric is at fever pitch.  I cannot recall the polarization of the politicians and the populace being this intense in my lifetime.  To me, it is reminiscent of the divide that sparked the fire that nearly burned America down—the Civil War.  There is nothing civil about the war waged each day in the media.  Social media is hardly sociable.

We should be passionate about the moral decline of this country.  I certainly intend to speak forcefully against the perversion on parade, the abomination of abortion, and such.  Yet, we must always remember to speak the truth in love.  A bulldog can whip a skunk—but is it worth it?

What would happen if we spoke to God as passionately in prayer about these matters as we speak about the problem in a Facebook post?  I am not saying we should not at times do the latter, but I am concerned the church is not doing much of the former.

America needs Jesus.  We need a heart change rather than a leadership change.  Laws are important to restrain evil, but ultimately cannot remove it—only repentance and regeneration through the Gospel accomplishes that.  Prayer to God and the proclamation of the Gospel are the church’s mandate.

President Trump cannot fix it.

President Biden, Warren, Sanders, or “fill in the blank,” cannot fix us.

The Republicans and Democrats aren’t the solution (though they may be part of the problem).

Socialism cannot save us—though it would doom us; neither can crony capitalism cure us.

The talking heads on your TV news channel of choice or those who editorialize through Facebook, Twitter, etc. do not have the answer.

The church has to decide whether we will be a thermometer that merely reflects our culture, or a thermostat that influences the culture.

Here is what God commands us to do:

Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time,  (1 Timothy 2:1-6).

PRAYING FOR YOUR CHURCH

In anticipation of the gathering of the saints for worship on this Lord’s Day, we need to pray. As the old hymn aptly states,

“Brethren, we have met to worship and adore the Lord our God;
Will you pray with all your power, while we try to preach the Word?
All is vain unless the Spirit of the Holy One comes down;
Brethren, pray, and holy manna will be showered all around.”

That we should pray is indisputable. Yet, what exactly should we pray for—some general prayer for blessing?  General prayers are often generally unanswered. Paul gives us some specifics:

“For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might” (‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭1:15-19‬ ‭ESV‬‬).

Meditate on these truths, then bow and pray with fervency and faith that God will do this among His people. We do not even have to tack on, “If it is Your will,” for we know it is!  The will of God is expressed in the Word of God.

What a difference this will make in your life, and in the worship experience of the congregation!  Such a prayer for your preacher is vital. Spurgeon was a pretty decent pastor, yet he said, “No man can do a truer kindness in this world toward me than to pray for me.”  If he needed prayer, I assure you that your pastor does!

PRAYING FOR OUR LEADERS

Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.  ‎For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior….  (1 Timothy 2:1-3)

The Christian is a citizen of two kingdoms.  We are citizens of the United States of America and citizens of the kingdom of heaven. We pledge allegiance to the flag but our ultimate allegiance is to Christ.  Jesus said it this way, “render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar’s and unto God the things that are God’s.”  The Christian is to impact both kingdoms.  One way we do this is through prayer. 

Paul tells us PRAYER FOR OUR LEADERS IS REQUIRED.  Would it be a sin to commit murder?  Do you believe it is wrong to commit adultery? What about stealing, lying, blasphemy, or drunkenness? Why do you believe these things are wrong? The Bible says so. Then, let me ask, is it a sin to fail to pray for our leaders? Yes, because in the Word of God we are commanded to do so. It is easier for us to complain to other people about the failures of government than to confess our own failure to God in neglecting to pray for government.  The Apostle says that prayer is to be the first choice not the final chance. 

Furthermore, PRAYER FOR OUR LEADERS BRINGS RESULTS.  The results of praying like this are evident.  Our leaders have tremendous power for good or evil.  It has been said that prayer changes things. That’s absolutely true.  It can change the hearts of those who are in power.  Proverbs 21:1 says, “The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, Like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes.”   Just as a rushing river exerts pressure against its banks and in the process of time, cuts into the bank and even wears away the rock, so God is able to put pressure on a ruler to move him or her to do the will of God.  Did you know that we have the responsibility to pray for our leaders regardless of their political party?  God has the last word.  Man may rule, but He overrules.  

Let every leader know that it is not the hand that appointed you, nor the hand that pulled the lever in the voting booth, but the hand of God that has brought you to your position.  Your accountability is not ultimately to your constituents, but to Christ before whose judgment seat you and all other humans will stand. You will give an answer for this stewardship for Scripture calls you a minister of God to praise the good and punish the evil (Rom.13). That’s why you need and deserve our prayers. 

Many do not vote and many Christians aren’t involved in the political system because they think it is often rotten and corrupt.  But God has ordained that we be salt to arrest the spread of corruption.  If our world is dark, is it that we have hid our light under a bushel basket?  Prayer changes things and many times it changes us.  We become motivated to be involved. How do we know whom to vote for?  God will guide us as seek Him.

PRAYER FOR OUR LEADERS DEMANDS REGULARITY, also.  We need a regular period, place, and pattern.  Pray specifically and Scripturally.  Pray with focus, fervency and faith.  God will work!

HOLDING HANDS

These are my only fellow workers for the kingdom of God who are of the circumcision; they have proved to be a comfort to me.  (Colossians 4:11b)

In 1987 a busload of Baptist youth plunged into the rain-swollen Guadalupe River in central Texas.  Although some perished, many survived.  The teens formed a human chain, and as a result were able to struggle to safety, holding each others hands.  The reality is that all of us need help at times.  The genius of the church is that it offers those who will link up with us and we can help each other in this struggle against the current of a culture under the curse that is sweeping many away.  Even a spiritual champion like Paul needed a team of people to assist him.  He mentions them in Colossians 4:7-18.

There are FAITHFUL HELPERS in the church.  The word, “faithful” jumps out at us.  It is used to describe Tychichus (v.7) and Onesimus (v.9).  Although the term is not repeated, the theme is present in some other fellow-laborers named here: Aristarchus (v.10a), Mark (v.10b), Jesus Justus (v.11), Luke (v.14a), Nymphas (v.15), and Archippus (v.17).  We will provide a quick thumbnail sketch of each.

Tychichus accompanied Paul on his third missionary journey.  He stuck with Paul, even in his imprisonment.  He showed the greatest ability—dependability!

Onesimus was the runaway slave of Philemon.  He ran from his master, but couldn’t run away from God.  He was likely converted when sharing the same jail cell with the Apostle.  Church history tells us he became the pastor of the Colossian church.

Aristarchus was another member of Paul’s “cell group.”  He shared in Paul’s suffering.  That is the nature of loyalty.  We should all have friends like that—and be one!

Mark had deserted Paul and Barnabas in their first missionary journey.  When his kinsman, Barnabas, wanted to give him another chance on the second trip, the two missionaries split up over Mark.  It is good to see the relationship was  later restored.

Jesus Justus was a Jew like Paul, and effective in showing concern and extending comfort.  He had a proven record of sympathy and support of God’s servant.

Luke was Paul’s personal physician.  He was a careful historian who documented the life of Christ and the work of the Spirit in the early church.  Luke was loyal to the finish.

Nymphas hosted the church in his home.  He had the gift of hospitality.

Archippus may have been a discouraged pastor.  As he had held up the hands of others, now he could reap what he had sown.  We get by with a little help from our friends!

There are FERVENT INTERCESSORS like Epaphras (v.12-13).  One of the best ways people help hold our hands is by praying for us.  He had walked in their shoes.  Identifying with others helps us pray compassionately.  It is noted that he also prayed consistently—agonizing in prayer—for the word used here is the same one that describes Christ’s passionate prayer in Gethsemane.  His consuming plea was for the saints to mature in their faith.  That doesn’t happen without someone praying for us.

There are FALTERING WORKERS like Demas (v.14b).  I hate to end on a sour note—but the reality is that just as some of those teens in the Texas flood did not make it, there will be those despite our best efforts to hold their hand, pull away—and drown in sin.  Demas would be one (see 2 Tim.4:10).  His life is a warning to us: “Hold on to Christ!”

HOW TO PRAY FOR OTHER CHRISTIANS

For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you….   (Col.1:9a)

Often we pray wholesale when we should pray retail.  General prayers are generally pointless!  We pray, “Lord bless so and so…” and how would we know if He did?  Prayer needs to be specific.  Blind Bartimaeus cried, “Son of David have mercy on me.”  Jesus asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?”  When he asked for sight, Jesus opened his blind eyes (Mark 10:46-52).  It is also true that prayer must align with God’s will if we are to expect an answer.  The will of God is in the Word of God, so prayers grounded in Scripture unleash the faith that moves the hand of God.  Paul’s prayer in Colossians 1:9-11 is one that we can confidently pray for other Christians.

PRAY FOR THEIR WISDOM, “that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding” (v.9b).  How valuable this is!  When Solomon was given a blank check from God, and could ask for anything he wanted, the young king requested wisdom—and God was so pleased with that He threw in everything else along with it!  No wonder Solomon would later write in Proverbs that it is worth more than gold!  Every day brings a multitude of choices.  It is not always a matter of choosing between right and wrong—which is more readily apparent—but can be a choice between the good and the best—and that is more difficult.  God will enable us to see what lies ahead—“wisdom”—and to see what lies behind things—“spiritual understanding.” 

PRAY FOR THEIR WALK, “that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him” (v.10a).  Discerning the will of God should direct our walk with God.  Convictions should set our course.  Some folks just get a big head from what they know, when what is needed is a burning heart for what we should do!  Our walk is to be worthy of the precious name that we bear—the name of Christ.  Peter tells us we “should follow His steps” (1 Pet.2:21).  Our prayer is for a life that is fully pleasing to God.  We pray for our brothers and sisters to have a passion for His pleasure as did Paul when he wrote, “I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”  (Phil.3:14) 

PRAY FOR THEIR WORK, “being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy” (v.10b-11).   Our head—discerning God’s will—our heart—directing our walk—and our hands—doing God’s work—leads us to fruitfulness, forcefulness, and faithfulness.  Our prayer for the saints is that as they abide in Christ they will bear much fruit for the glory of God (see John 15).  This connection to Christ causes His very life to flow in force—a divine energizing—for supernatural service.  Satanic opposition is guaranteed, but God gives endurance that is greater still, so we do not give out, give in, or give up!  We can even smile in the struggle and sweat—full of joy!  This doesn’t arise from self-reliance, but spiritual dependence.

Pray this for your fellow Christians.  I know I want you to pray this for me!  By the way, it would be good to seek this for yourself also.  Just a thought.