Dear SCC & Friends,
…pray without ceasing… ~1 Thess. 5:17
Update #62
Prayer gives us spiritual oxygen to accomplish God’s purposes in our lives. Pray without ceasing is impossible unless we see prayer as more than words. There is no record of His disciples asking Him to teach them how to heal or deliver. They did ask Jesus to teach them to pray. Jesus modeled prayer… And in the early morning, while it was still dark, He arose and went out and departed to a lonely place, and was praying there. Mk 1:35 The Apostle Paul knew the issues of life and the ever-present demands of our earthly responsibilities. Throughout the New Testament his emphasis was that prayer must be first, last and always! There are many ways to approach prayer…We can categorize, systemize, organize and prioritize, but above all pray. To pray without ceasing means prayer is embedded into the way we live, move and have our being. The early church knew this. These all with one mind were continually devoting themselves to prayer…~Acts 1:14 And they were continually devoting themselves to the apostles teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. ~Acts 2:42
Prayer is for everyone; it is highly personal and not just for “specialists”. It would be too easy to relegate prayer to the intercessors and neglect our unique responsibility in prayer. Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much. ~James 5:16 Corrie ten Boom, Holocaust survivor once queried, “Is prayer your steering wheel or spare tire?” I don’t think we’ll ever know until we get to heaven what role prayer played in directing our lives and saving our souls. If you’re stuck…burdened and steeped in concern, “check your oil.” Wishing is never a substitute for prayer. Rather than thinking or worrying about a situation or person, let’s pray in faith for God’s resolve. God does nothing redemptively in the world except through prayer. ~John Wesley This is our time to pray, intercede and seek the Lord. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. ~Philippians 4:6-7Thank you Lord! Keep up the good work!
Blessings and prayers,
Kevin