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Pastor's Blog September 24, 2020
"The Privilege of Prayer IV"
{Scroll over scripture reference to read the scripture or reference.
For the past few weeks, we've been looking at some prayer principles Ellen gives us in "Steps to Christ," in order to help us better understand how to have a life of "prevailing prayer" (66; 1977 edition). So far, we've examined and practiced seven principles of living, thriving prayer with God. Today we're going to take time to look at three more together.
The eighth principle of prevailing prayer is to "keep your wants, your joys, your sorrows, your cares, and your fears before God" (69). This is simply talking to God and telling him what's on your heart. Perhaps this is the easiest and most "user friendly" prayer principle, because it is the one that almost every human practices. Nevertheless, the reason Ellen mentions it is because we humans are so quick to distrust God or think that he likely doesn't have time to listen to our cares and concerns - which is a falsehood God has taken time to disprove by the fact that he loves you and longs to have an intimate relationship with you, where you know you are listened to and kept safe by him (69-70).
Ninth, we must pray in the name of Jesus (70). Merely beginning and ending our prayers with Jesus' name is not necessarily praying in his name; rather, and even more than this, praying in Jesus' name means praying "in the mind and spirit of Jesus, while we believe His promises, rely upon His grace, and work His works" (70). In short, praying in the name of Jesus means to be transformed by Jesus into his likeness, especially when it comes to loving and serving others (70-71).
Finally, it is essential for our spiritual health that we unite our prayers with other believers (71). Associating together with other Christians in prayer results in two realities: 1) it allows us to become sympathetic toward each other so that we will pray for each other; and 2) it provides opportunities for believers to speak "to each other of the love of God and of the precious truths of redemption," thereby spiritually refreshing each other (71). Principles that continually and habitually encourage us to be vulnerable with God and become more Christlike under Jesus' influence are beautiful blessings that come from a life of prayer.
Friends, I invite you to practice these three prayer principles over the next week and relish your relationship with the Lord.
(*) Steps to Christ, Chapter 11— The Privilege of Prayer, 1977 edition
God Bless.
Pastor Nathaniel Gamble
