Source: http://fellowshiproom.com/tag/prayer/
Timestamp: 2019-04-26 13:45:34+00:00

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God works in his people. He makes his power accomplish his will in them. Their work depends upon him. God does this to glorify his Son and to glorify his people in him. This was Paul’s prayer for the Thessalonians.
What are my desires for goodness? What work of faith have I begun? What prayer have I offered for others like Paul’s?
The apostle Paul asked for prayers for his work of proclaiming Christ. He had urged the Colossians to be alert in prayer, v. 2. Among many subjects of prayer, the greatest is the spread of the gospel.
Where is your prayer list of people who spread the gospel? How many people who need to obey do you pray for? What doors might God open through your prayers?
Jesus prayed to his Father before his betrayal. He looked forward to returning to the Father. He also desired to fulfill his mission of revealing the Father’s will to mankind. He knew it was the source of true joy.
Do I desire, like Jesus, to go to the Father? Do I desire to hear Jesus’ words? Do I desire the full joy that lasts? Do I know how to receive it?
Often, when the Lord made a promise to Israel, he put it in the past tense (see Deuteronomy 3.2, for example), to indicate how sure was his word. Jesus does the same about prayer requests.
The Lord is able to bless, and he desires to bless. He bristled when the possessed boy’s father said, “If you can” Mark 9.22-23. The issue is not his ability or desire, but our willingness to believe.
After a moving request for help, v. 1, and a challenge to threatening men, v. 2, David expresses, as a part of his reply to the wicked, his confidence that God will answer.
“Sinful behavior is ultimately fruitless and self-destructive” (NETB). The godly who rely on God will be “safe and secure” v. 8.
In the sermon on the mount, Jesus makes an argument from the lesser to the greater. Humans take care of their children. God will certainly take care of his by answering their prayers.
What “good things” have you asked God for? Do you know what is really good and what you should ask for?
What role does prayer play in understanding the Bible?
In April I’ll be teaching an intensive study on “Exegese and Hermeneutics” as a part of a congregation training program in another state. The program focuses on helping the men learn better to preach and teach.
I’d like to do a short segment on prayer. Please respond in the comments, or send me an email, with your thoughts on what role prayer plays in understanding the Bible.
Of course, I don’t expect anyone to tell us that we should pray and then God will give us a revelation. I would like, however, some specific ideas on the topic.
So this is not a gotcha question. I’m looking for some practical perspectives that I can offer these men.
Roy Davison: What does God require of us?
*What does God require of us? Upgraded lessons by this title have been added to the Old Paths Archive.
This lesson is from Micah 6:8 – “He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8).
On our final grade 12 examination in English composition in Saskatchewan the question was asked: “What is your goal in life?” I used this passage as a theme and explained that to obey this passage was my goal in life.
O LORD God, my dear heavenly Father ~ thank you for this new day that is sure to bring opportunities to do good and bring honor to Christ the Lord. Increase my faith in your mighty power over all seen and unseen forces throughout the entire universe and beyond. With faith in Jesus who went about doing good, I ask that you help all families who are struggling with various forms of influenza, that their loved ones will be made well – especially the little children. According to your good will, please make it happen today. In the precious name of Jesus, Amen.
“Come with great power, O God, and rescue me!
“Great power” translates God’s name, which represents all God is and does. David needs deliverance from enemies (see subscript and v. 3). He asks God to hear him, v. 2, for he is sure of an answer, vv. 4-5.
Are you confident of God’s answer to your prayers? Does this motivate me to ask God? How often do I pray to God for deliverance, and how often do I trust in my own powers?
After an opening appeal to be heard, 1-2, David bases his prayer on God’s holy nature, 3-6. He himself will worship and acknowledge God, 7, but the wicked lie and rebel, 9-10. His request and expectation center in joy, 11. He ends with another affirmation of God’s action consistent with his person, 12.
How does this psalm contrast with the attitude of the Pharisee praying in the temple? Lk 18.9-14.

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