Thursday, March 3, 2016

March 4, 2016

"Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. I Thessalonians 5:16-18




I was thinking about things that work every time they are tried. It's not an exhaustive list but an impressive one none-the-less.

Some things that came to mind:
  • Bic pens
  • Sexual abstinence (There's only been one immaculate conception)
  • Stop, drop, roll
  • Gravity
  • "I before E except after C" - (OK, there's one exception.....)
  • Staying between your man and the basket
  • 2 + 2 is always 4 - laws of math
  • Holding your breath under water
  • Hugging your pastor
  • Prunes
  • PRAYER
Prayer?

Yes! Every time you pray one of three things happen, God says "yes", "no" or "not now".

So why would we not pray without ceasing if prayer works every time it is tried?

In terms of our "GLORY DAYS" study there are three phases of prayer.

There are the prayers from Egypt. Egypt represents the life before trusting Christ as Savior or the unregenerate life. Those prayers are typically rescue prayers prayed in response to a dire life circumstance resulting from foolish decisions or sinful behavior.

The first prayer from Egypt that gets an answer is, "God, have mercy on me and forgive me of my sins!"

Also, there are the prayers from the wilderness. The wilderness represents the life of a believer who has been delivered from Egypt but has not yet reached the Promised Land. Wilderness people may be out of Egypt but Egypt is not entirely out of them. Much of their thinking is still influenced by selfishness and self-interest. So, wilderness people are prone to wander because their prayers are self-serving and often receive "no's" from God. When self-centered people receive "no's" to their prayers are prone to quit praying.

Thirdly, there are prayers from Canaan. Canaan is the Promised Land marked by obedience and intimacy with God. Living in an intimate relationship with God IS Canaan for a Believer. So, as you live in that level of fellowship with God you will be in continual conversations with Him in your mind and spirit. Prayer for the Canaan-dweller becomes less of a discipline and more of a daily reality.

Prayer works every time it is tried! 

So, if you find yourself neglecting prayer it could have to do with the progress of your spiritual journey.

Will you set aside some time today and prayerfully consider where you stand with God?