Friday Morning Prayer:). June 11, 2015
June 11, 2015 - 8 minutes readI come to the garden alone,
While the dew is still on the roses,
And the voice I hear falling on my ear
The Son of God discloses.
And He walks with me, and He talks with me,
And He tells me I am His own;
And the joy we share as we tarry there,
None other has ever known.[1]
“Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.”[2]
Beloved In Christ,
How much do I effectively pray? I mean really go off to that solitary place and pray? Not enough! So many distractions, busyness, got to do this or that…when what is most needed for you and me is solitary time with our Lord.
I do not want to do “good works” in my own strength! I can’t genuinely love others, speak of biblical principles and kingdom norms without the supernatural presence of God. Heck, how about my ministry to my family: loving my wife, my boys, step-daughter, brother, mother, etc., effectively?
There be “drama” and wild emotions in that mix! You know what I’m talking about: irritable reactions, frustrations, fatigue, sibling rivalry, he did this or she did that silliness! Therefore, we cry out to our gracious God! Most holy, holy, holy God—be our fortress.
God moving as a result of our prayers is not a compromised view of His sovereignty—prayer is a demonstration of living faith! A proclamation that God is faithful to fulfill His plan, decrees, will—this even through our prayers. Therefore, allow me to encourage you, even as I encourage myself, to pray always! May we find ourselves intentionally praying more and more in quiet secret prayer, prayer with family, brothers, sisters, etc.,
In God’s sovereign plan, I am convinced that supernatural realities in my everyday contexts are not realized because I fail to ask God in prayer. Lord, help us to pray with the understanding that the advancing of the kingdom is only possible by You moving on our behalf—always to Your glory. Amen. Moreover, to love our families well, serve in our churches, to be able to discern the suffering one in the group at work, and accurately hear God’s prompt to go or to stay—I must be a man of prayer! You too!
Faithful brothers and sisters, may you and I be encouraged to pursue and long for this self-discipline… finding ourselves going many times… for long periods, even brief durations… many times… each day recognized as given by our gracious God… precious opportunities to pursue Him at that solitary place through fervant prayer.
Solitary prayer is a necessary replenishing, rejuvenation, empowering to continue in our various ministries. Jesus was healing and driving out demons among many people the night before—He was doing ministry and demonstrated for us the necessity to take time to pursue God the Father for both rejuvenation and strength to deal with the many seeking Him for shallow reasons.
Practically, we too, either we refresh, rejuvenate, cry out for power with a humble and holy boldness through intimate prayer regularly….OR, we wear out, burn out, doubt, become ineffective, trying in our own strength to advance the kingdom. Impossible! Moreover, without much solitary prayer I wonder…. God no longer is a strong reality in the “professing” believer’s life. NO! Cry out to God! Renew your strength and experience the abundant grace of God anew! Send an email… I promise to encourage you! And, get you connected to ensure lasting and needed encouragement in our shared faith.
“Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.”[3]
Finally, our prayers prepare the way before us. Again, according to God’s sovereignty, our persistent, bold, reverent prayers tear down strongholds in people’s lives! As a result we can effectively make disciples and help many grow in grace. Truly, the battle is won in and through much prayer.
We humbly pray, most holy God… prepare the hearts, minds, souls of many in our sphere of influence. God, only You can supernaturally take the callous away—please God—draw him, her to Yourself, even through us, broken vessels willing to be used by You. May I not run out to impact this sin sick world before seeking, pursuing You, our most holy God, with persistent, pleading, wrestling in solitary prayer! Amen.
He speaks, and the sound of His voice
Is so sweet the birds hush their singing,
And the melody that He gave to me
Within my heart is ringing.
I’d stay in the garden with Him,
Though the night around me be falling,
But He bids me go; through the voice of woe
His voice to me is calling.
And He walks with me, and He talks with me,
And He tells me I am His own;
And the joy we share as we tarry there,
None other has ever known.
Friday Morning Prayer!
Sisters are meeting at First Baptist. 1912 Arnold Way. Alpine. 0900. Join faithful sisters to pray together. We value the prayers of many! Gals from different churches gather to encourage one another and pray together. Check it out. YOU are invited!
Brothers are meeting to pray too! Mt. View Bible, 2710 Alpine Blvd. Alpine. 0730. Men from different churches gather to intentionally pray. We have a short time of sharing, encouragement, and support… however, our focus, goal, desire… is to be greatly encouraged through praying effectively together.
Therefore, come with expectation… intentional prayer for our communities, churches, pastors, leaders, etc., as well as an expectation, certainty that our God is present—Holy Spirit prepare the way and empower us to pray. To God’s glory. Amen. You are invited brother! If you’ve been on the fence about joining humble and faithful men for prayer… now is the time to make it happen:).
LoVe Others! MUCH!
Overflow!
Your brother,
Randall:).
[1] http://library.timelesstruths.org/music/In_the_Garden/
[2] Mark 1:35 NIV
[3] Luke 18:1
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