Notes From Elder Dew’s Tuesday Telephonic Conference Call
Prayer for God’s Purposes
“After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which are in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and power, and the glory forever. Amen. Matthew 6:9-13
Prayer is not meant to be halfhearted, but powered by the Holy Spirit. When I am preoccupied and attempt to pray, I short circuit the Spirit’s work. However, when I pray in the Spirit (Praying in the Spirit is praying according to the Spirit’s leading. It is praying for things the Spirit leads us to pray for . . . Romans 8:26 tells us, “In the same way, the Spirit helps our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.”) with my mind engaged and my heart fully focused, there is full contact with Christ. The flesh seeks a quick fix, but the Spirit desires deep affection that develops over time. Spiritual prayers flow from praise and worship to Almighty God. He receives the prayer aroma of His daughters and sons as the sweet aroma of a holy sacrifice to Him alone. The Holy Spirit is our prayer whisperer.
Prayers for justice in this life may not be answered until the next life. Like the distinct aroma of incense, the prayers of God’s people flow up into the nostrils of God. The altar normally designed for mercy is repurposed for justice. As the prayers of the saints in heaven ascend to the Lord, the Lord’s judgment descends on the earth and its inhabitants. Without consequences for evil, grace and mercy lose their luster. Yes, prayer and faith facilitate God’s purposes into action.
“Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirti, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints” (Ephesians 6:18).
Pray on all occasions. Recognize Jesus as the provider of a delicious meal. Before you partake of the tasty morsels, taste His grace. Pray and prepare your heart prior to a hard conversation, so any anger or harshness is replaced by patience and compassion. Pray as you think about a big decision; ask questions like, “Is my motive to glorify God?” “What counsel would I give to someone else in a similar situation?” Spiritual prayers have the Spirit’s leading.
Variety is the spice of an effective prayer life. Employ a lot of prayers that protect you from familiarity that can breed boredom. Pray for God’s grace, so you are slow to anger. Pray for the sick, so they might be healed. Pray for opportunities to share the gospel, so the seeds of salvation will grow in the hearts of lost souls. Pray for those who suffer, so their comfort comes from Christ. Pray for forgiveness, so your heart is healed and filled with the Holy Spirit!
“Pray without ceasing.” 1st Thessalonians 5:
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I pray that my prayers are full of praise and thanksgiving to You.
Application
What prayers do I need to pray that align with the heart of my heavenly Father?
Related Readings
Isaiah 11:2; Micah 3:8; Mark 14:38; Acts 4:31; Colossians 1:9; Jude 1:20
