Friday Morning Prayer:). August 19, 2015

August 20, 2015 - 8 minutes read

We praise Thee, O God!
For the Son of Thy love,
For Jesus Who died,
And is now gone above.

Hallelujah! Thine the glory.
Hallelujah! Amen.
Hallelujah! Thine the glory.
Revive us again.[1]

“It is good to praise the Lord and make music to your name, O Most High, to proclaim your love in the morning and your faithfulness at night, to the music of the ten-stringed lyre and the melody of the harp.

For you make me glad by your deeds, O Lord; I sing for joy at the works of your hands.”[2]

Faithful In Christ,

A faithful brother asked out loud, “when do you make quality time to be intimate with the Lord?” His words may not have been exactly that, but it is what I heard. Is it in the morning? At night? I say I want to grow In Christ and reflect maturity, greater love, a servant heart… yet do I make the time for intimacy with our gracious God? Psalm 92 reflects a song for the Sabbath day. Today we can considers every day alike[3]… we rejoice, sing… and proclaim the love of God every morning! In secret prayer, enjoying our God…listening…adoring, proclaiming His greatness…crying out with various prayers and petitions.

“Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our Salvation.”[4] Yes!

Moreover, throughout our day of parenting, work, study, school, etc., we experience God’s faithfulness and readily proclaim, “How great are your works, O Lord, how profound your thoughts!” Thank you Lord for protecting those I love, those You love even more. At night, in the morning, and through the day we recognize God’s grace, even preventative grace. Many tragedies avoided, hurt, pain, sovereign-ly diverted, close calls, minor fender benders, etc., O it could have been far worse! I’ve said that many time over! You too? Amazing Grace!

Your prayers matter! “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.”[5] I love that! We are comforted so we can comfort! Absolutely beautiful! Paul encouraged the church at Corinth with these words. He also wrote, “On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many.”[6]

Only God knows for sure what calamity was averted, what car crash missed, what potential heated argument settled with humble grace because of our earnest prayers for one another. What we do know for sure is the words of Paul to the church at Philippi: “Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and the help given by the Spirit of Jesus Christ, what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance.”[7]

We pray for the many who live this life without the guidance, comfort, and intimacy of our Shepherd. In every context, we live with folks who need to experience salvation. Therefore, we not only live with, but listen, share experiences, and show genuine interest… motivated by supernatural love!

I pray for me… and you… to love the gospel and genuinely love the many people our gracious God has called us to reach. At least those in my sphere of influence! I can invite folks to church! I can encourage in the name of Jesus! It is difficult, especially when my flesh only wants to serve my own interests! I want to stay comfortable! No! No! Forgive me Lord. I have to die to my own desires and what I think is best. Welcome to the difficult life In Christ, yet the most satisfying, and a life for which we were chosen and designed to fulfill… only possible In Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit!

What is really cool is that we have one another! We encourage, love, and motivate toward love and good deeds! We comfort others with the comfort God has given us.

Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.[8]

We praise Thee, O God!
For Thy Spirit of light,
Who hath shown us our Savior,
And scattered our night.

All glory and praise
To the Lamb that was slain,
Who hath borne all our sins,
And hath cleansed every stain.

All glory and praise
To the God of all grace,
Who hast brought us, and sought us,
And guided our ways.

Revive us again;
Fill each heart with Thy love;
May each soul be rekindled
With fire from above.

Sisters are meeting to pray at First Baptist! 1912 Arnold Way, Alpine. 0900. You are invited! Join faithful gals as they gather to encourage and love one another. No one church or group represented, just devoted women In Christ longing to pray and praise our Holy God! “Sing to the Lord, praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day.”[9]

Brothers are meeting too! We are praying together at First Baptist. 0900. If you have been meaning to join, now is the time! :). Be encouraged! Praise our God! Pray for our communities, our churches…etc., however the Spirit leads… we want to follow. Your prayers matter! Joining together is powerful! Don’t hesitate to come for a short hour of prayer. Take it in and contribute to the process as the Spirit leads.

Your Brother In Christ,

LoVe Others! MUCH!

Randall:).