Friday Morning Prayer:)… July 19, 2018
July 19, 2018 - 7 minutes readI must tell Jesus all of my trials,
I cannot bear these burdens alone;
In my distress He kindly will help me,
He ever loves and cares for His own.
I must tell Jesus! I must tell Jesus!
I cannot bear my burdens alone;
I must tell Jesus! I must tell Jesus!
Jesus can help me, Jesus alone.
I must tell Jesus all of my troubles,
He is a kind, compassionate Friend;
If I but ask Him He will deliver,
Make of my troubles quickly an end.
Tempted and tried I need a great Savior,
One who can help my burdens to bear;
I must tell Jesus, I must tell Jesus:
He all my cares and sorrows will share.[1]
Not to us, O Lord, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness.[2]
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O the pursuit to “keep the alter of private prayer burning.”[3] How can I be most effective for Christ in every context? How can we love well, relate with great humility, consider others more significant than self? On a daily basis, even moment by moment, we need the supernatural power of our indwelling God. In secret prayer, we ask our gracious God to empower us to live-out his righteous decrees; fervent prayer fulfills the longing for his presence and guiding grace. “Blessed are they who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart. They do nothing wrong; they walk in his ways.”[4] Our intentional pursuit of divine intimacy, fellowship, closeness, and comfort keeps the Spirit’s fire burning. Therefore, “Let your closet seasons be, if possible, regular, frequent, and undisturbed. Effective prayer availeth much.”[5]
With the Psalmist, I pray that God would open my eyes that I may see wonderful things and my soul would be consumed with longing for his laws at all times. In Christ, a truly regenerate heart delights in the statutes of God, they are counselors.[6] The law drives us to the gospel and reveals to us the character of the Law-giver.[7] Moreover, “So then, the law is holy, and the commandment is holy, righteous, and good.”[8] How can I keep my way pure? “By living according to your word, I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands.” Beloved, you want to be effective in pursuing God and subsequently effective in praying for others, loving others, experiencing overflowing joy, and encouraging those God brings into your path, etc., I want that too! Therefore, we encourage one another to persevere in our shared faith.
In pursuit of God, the Psalmist hides the word in his heart that he might not sin against God. Our sovereign God has preserved his word for us to know him, especially through our Savior and Lord Jesus. Even today, we ask God to teach us and, “Let me understand the teaching of your precepts; then I will meditate on your wonders.” Our human weakness is evident, “My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word.”[9] The word of God “…is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”[10] God comforts us through his word. When I struggle through the varied circumstances of this life, I run to the Psalms. “May your unfailing love come to me, O Lord, your salvation according to your promise; then I will answer the one who taunts me, for I trust in your word.”[11] Yes, a different context, but the same prayerful cry of the human heart to our powerful unchanging God.
“Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not put out the Spirit’s fire; do not treat prophecies with contempt. Test everything. Hold on to the good. Avoid every kind of evil. May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul, and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it.”[12]
What must I do when worldliness calls me?
What must I do when tempted to sin?
I must tell Jesus, and He will help me
Over the world the vict’ry to win.
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Sisters are meeting to pray! First Baptist. 1912 Arnold Way. Alpine. 0900.
You are invited to join Christian gals for a sweet hour of prayer. Gals join together for a time of refuge and encouragement. It is an intentional time to ask, seek, and knock at the throne of grace. Do not hesitate, go check it out. Humble before the throne, relying on the Spirit to lead as he determines.
Brothers are meeting too! First Baptist. Third Friday. Alpine. 0730.
There is supernatural joy when meeting with diverse brothers in Christ for a time of encouragement and prayer. The joy of the Spirit! Living in communion and loving one another is the heavenly call to every genuine believer. A heart transformed and led by the Spirit of God. You are invited to join us. No expectations or requirements other than love for God and the brethren.
[1]https://library.timelesstruths.org/music/I_Must_Tell_Jesus/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fKITsfQhUBc
[2] Psalm 115:1
[3]https://ftc.co/resource-library/blog-entries/keep-the-altar-of-private-prayer-burning
[4] Psalm 119:2-3
[5] https://ftc.co/resource-library/blog-entries/keep-the-altar-of-private-prayer-burning
[6] Psalm 119:18-24
[7] https://www.ligonier.org/learn/articles/the-law-of-god/
[8] Romans 7:12
[9] Ibid. v. 27-28
[10] Hebrews 4:12
[11] Psalm 119:41-42
[12] 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24
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