Friday Morning Prayer:)… October 6, 2016

I 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,
And in my griefs with me He will blend.[1]

“You are my portion, O Lord; I have promised to obey your words. I have sought your face with all my heart; be gracious to me according to your promise. I have considered my ways and have turned my steps to your statues.”[2]

Beloved In Christ,

Prayer. Seeking the Lord “with all my heart.” Yes, we pray, with tears, many times in desperation because we believe in a gracious God. Like the psalmist we echo, “Turn to me and have mercy on me, as you always do to those who love your name.”[3] Moreover, ask Jesus daily, “Direct my footsteps according to you word; let no sin rule over me.”[4] God “…heals the broken hearted and binds up their wounds. Great is our Lord and mighty in power; his understanding has no limit. The Lord sustains the humble.”[5]

I can’t say I am a man of prayer. I do pray “Lord help me to be a man of prayer.” You too! Diverse sisters and brothers alike, let’s pray without ceasing and never give up! At times the emotion is not there or the excitement. However, “I lift my eyes to the hills—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.”[6]

Moreover, I cherish the desire to sing hymns and spiritual songs unto our Lord. Indeed! I must tell Jesus! I must tell Jesus! We sing, “No one understands like Jesus, when the days are dark and grim; no one is so near, so dear as Jesus, Cast your every care on Him.”[7] Sweet Hour of Prayer, Fill my cup Lord, Blessed assurance, etc.,… there are many sweet hymns to comfort the aching soul and rejuvenate the joy of the Lord!

When is prayer not enough?[8] That title caught my eye. A few highlights ministered to my own heart. Unconfessed sin certainly hinders my effective prayer and fellowship with God. Unresolved anger or bitterness hinders a healthy prayer life. Just this week, I had to go to my son and apologize for my angry reaction before I could comfortably seek fellowship with God in prayer. “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the alter and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the alter. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.”[9] Moreover, praying for selfish gain, neglecting our family, praying for our own will, neglecting to speak out against injustice, and not doing what we can to help others. These six areas are discussed to ensure prayer is enough when we are humble and seek to walk, talk, live, and love in obedience. Check out the article reference below.

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,

O how the world to evil allures me!
O how my heart is tempted to sin!
I must tell Jesus; He will enable
Over the world the vic’try to win.

____________________

Sisters are meeting to pray! First Baptist. 1912 Arnold Way. Alpine. 0900.
You are invited! Gals joining to pray. Go be encouraged and encourage a sister in Jesus! :)…. Thank you faithful servants of the Most High!

Brothers are meeting too! Grace Fellowship. 2225 West Victoria Ave. Alpine. 0730.
Faithful brothers meeting to encourage and pray together. You are invited! Truly, a short hour prayer that is certainly sweet. As the Holy Spirit leads we meet to follow with humble hearts. A valued hour to begin Friday and enter into the weekend. Check it out!

Your brother In Jesus,

Randall:)….

[1] https://www.hymnal.net/en/hymn/h/787?
[2] Psalm 119:57-59
[3] Ibid v. 132
[4] Ibid. v. 133
[5] Psalm 147:3, 5-6a
[6] Psalm 121:1-2
[7] http://www.hymnary.org/text/no_one_understands_like_jesus
[8] http://www.churchleaders.com/pastors/pastor-articles/288295-prayer-not-enough-matt-brown.html
[9] Matthew 5:23-24