Archive for the ‘ Prayer ’ Category
But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.
James 1:5, NASB
One of the things God enjoys granting to people is wisdom. True wisdom leads to God and His righteousness as revealed in Christ.
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
Ephesians 6:12, ESV
People are not your greatest enemy. The forces behind them – demons, the Devil, evil spirits – are your enemy.
Do not lash out at those who wrong or hurt you. Love and pray for them, pray against the spiritual forces of evil, in Jesus’ name.
And now we thank you, our God, and praise your glorious name.
1 Chronicles 29:13 ESV
We must always – ALWAYS – remember to thank God and give Him praise for all He has done and is doing and will do.
In fact, get in the habit of thanking God before asking God.
We are continuing to look at hymns and songs that impacted my spiritual life – with another reminder to check out the other blog I contribute to, ProverbialThought.com, and the daily thoughts on the Bible (specifically Proverbs).
In the secret,
In the quiet place
in the stillness you are there
In the secret in the quite hour I wait, only for you
Cause i want to know you moreIn the secret
In the quite place
In the stillness you are there
In the secret in the quiet hour I wait
Because i want to know you moreChorus
I want to know you
I want to hear your voice
I want to know you more
I want to touch you
I want to see your face
I want to know you moreI am reaching for the highest goals
That i might receive the prize
Pressing onward
Pushing every hindrance aside
Out of my way
Cause i want to know you moreChorus x2
in the secret in the quite place
in the stillness you are thereChorus x2
When I was a young believer, this song helped me to realize and live out an important truth.
Christ said we regularly should get to a place that is out of sight and quiet and seek God through prayer (Matthew 6:6). We can call this the secret place. Our highest goal is to be like Christ, so we are seeking God asking the Holy Spirit to make us more Christ-like.
To quote Jesus (Luke 10:37), “Go and do likewise.”
In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.
Romans 8:26, NIV
When you are hurting the most, feeling distraught and helpless, pray. Even if you do not feel like it.
If you struggle with what to say or even to say anything, just say Jesus. The Holy Spirit will fill in the rest.
“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.”
Matthew 7:7, ESV
This is what Jesus means first and foremost, that in accordance to His will, when we ask, He wants to and will provide all of our needs.
Just like a good Father, though, God also enjoys giving us more than we expect or deserve.
So, seek Him and ask Him.
if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.
2 Chronicles 7:14, ESV
God wants to respond to His people. He is about relationships. If we seek Him, we will find Him. This is the first step in changing our world.
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, ESV
A grateful heart cannot help but rejoice in all things. Look at the disciples in Acts who thanked God for being worthy to suffer because it was for their Lord. This only becomes possible by continuously being in contact with Him.
Do you have a grateful heart?
Know wisdom more clearly, and learn more from Proverbial Thought!
The prayer today reminds me of Peter’s words in his first letter:
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
1 Peter 1:3-9, ESV
Thanks be to you, our Lord Jesus Christ,
for all the benefits which you have given us,
for all the pains and insults which you have borne for us.
Most merciful Redeemer, Friend and Brother,
may we know you more clearly,
love you more dearly,
and follow you more nearly,
day by day.
Amen.Saint Richard of Chichester, 1197-1253
Cry out for wisdom, and get some help from Proverbial Thought.
Life can be hard. The Bible tells us it is the fault of humanity (Genesis 3, Romans 3) and promises it (John 16:33).
It is in John 16:33, and really all of John 14-17, we see the promise of the Holy Spirit and His peace:
“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
Life may be difficult, but all we need to do is rely on God. He has promised to help those who call on Him!
this life can be so hard
at times i am over whelmed
i find i want to cry
or that i might break down
my God
my God
i feel ready to give up
my strength has all but left me
please take from me this cup
yet i implore You
do not let me control this
though life may be hard for me
i want the character of Jesus
O Lord
O Father
grant some peace in this ordeal
my Daddy and my Lord
Your strength I need to feel
and though i want to quit
for my life feels too surreal
i will press on in Your Spirit
in Whom i am sealed
a simple man of God 