Two more lessons in 2012. Hard to believe the year is passed
already. We begin a study of Romans on January 7.
Today we focus on prayer.
…praying at all times in the Spirit,
with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance,
making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be
given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for
which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to
speak. Ephesians 6:18-20 (ESV)
Praying in the Spirit – that sounds so technical, but it’s
not! We don’t have to have a special language or pray in a special place. Praying
in the Spirit means that we pray in the Spirit’s power – the only way to pray
in the will of God. When we pray in the Spirit, we are prevented from praying
selfish prayers which aren’t in God’s will.
Likewise the Spirit helps us in our
weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit
himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who
searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.
Romans 8:26-27 (ESV)
Paul specifically asked for prayer that the Spirit would
control his mouth, allowing him to speak for boldly for Christ. Since our words
are a product of our mind, it’s a great idea to pray for the words we speak.
Another point Paul makes is that praying in the Spirit will
allow us to intercede for others when we don’t even know how to pray!
We are to pray at all times. This doesn’t mean that
every word is a prayer; it means to pray with perseverance – keep on praying
until you get an answer.
Rejoice in hope, be patient in
tribulation, be constant in prayer.
Romans 12:12 (ESV)
The Ephesians passage reminds us that we should pray for all
the saints. Praying for other believers will help strengthen them to Satan’s
attacks. I have personally discovered that when I pray for someone that I’m not
particularly fond of, the Spirit gives me grace to love that person even more. So
praying for others strengthens them and strengthens you!
Today we’ve focused on prayer and learned that we should continually
pray. When we don’t know what to pray for or how to pray, we can rely on the
Holy Spirit to help us. We should pray for our words, because our words come
from our mind, and we need to be sure that those words have not been hijacked
by Satan. We also know that praying for others helps them to withstand Satan’s
attacks.
As this year closes, will you commit to praying daily for
one person that you’re not fond of – and one person that you like – each and
every day? I am already doing this, and I can’t begin to express the difference
it’s made in my life. I have a particular alarm which goes off long enough
after I’ve awakened to get my caffeine fix. When that alarm sounds, I pray for
three very specific people/entities. The prayer isn’t long, but it’s a daily
habit. I won’t know how that helped those people/entities until I get to
heaven, but somehow that prayer has illuminated other areas in my life that need God's help, and as a result, I'm growing every day. Try it.
It will change your life!
I will talk to you once more before the New Year. May this
weekend be safe and blessed and may your New Year’s resolutions become habits!
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