Unfeigned Faith

Tonight at our Prayer Meeting, Pastor gave a message from 2 Timothy Chapter one:

"Timothy, I thank God for you—the God I serve with a clear conscience,

just as my ancestors did.

Night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers.

I long to see you again, for I remember your tears as we parted.

And I will be filled with joy when we are together again.
I remember your genuine faith, for you share the faith that first filled your

grandmother Lois and your mother, Eunice.

And I know that same faith continues strong in you.

This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you

when I laid my hands on you.

For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity,

but of power, love, and self-discipline.
So never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord.

And don’t be ashamed of me, either, even though I’m in prison for him.

With the strength God gives you, be ready to suffer with me

for the sake of the Good News. "

We were encouraged to exercise the gift of

FAITH - GENUINE FAITH - UNFEIGHNED FAITH

The gift of faith God has given us does not cause us to have fear,

but to have the Spirit of

POWER- LOVE - SELF-DISCIPLE.

I was encouraged to not give up or to be down-hearted over any situation in life, but to exercise the gift of FAITH God has given. Know that He will strengthen and carry me through any circumstances I face. I am not facing them alone and neither are you. God is with us and will never leave us nor forsake us.

So many are struggling with cancer, diseases, heart problems, strokes, loss of jobs, death of a loved one, expenses exceeding income, divorce, overwhelmed with conditions in our country and the world, war, storms... It is so easy to become discouraged and overwhelmed. BUT GOD HAS NOT GIVEN US A SPIRIT OF FEAR! BUT OF POWER, LOVE, AND SELF DISCIPLINE. Join me in exercising the gift of FAITH God has given each one who is His child.

Please continue to read the following devotional I received today in my email box:

Author: Mrs. Charles E. Cowman

Source: Streams in the DesertScripture

Reference: Genesis 18:14

Nothing is Too Hard

"Is there anything too hard for Jehovah?" (Gen. 18:14).
Here is God's loving challenge to you and to me today. He wants us to think of the deepest, highest, worthiest desire and longing of our hearts, something which perhaps was our desire for ourselves or for someone dear to us, yet which has been so long unfulfilled that we have looked upon it as only a lost desire, that which might have been but now cannot be, and so have given up hope of seeing it fulfilled in this life.

That thing, if it is in line with what we know to be His expressed will (as a son to Abraham and Sarah was), God intends to do for us, even if we know that it is of such utter impossibility that we only laugh at the absurdity of anyone's supposing it could ever now come to pass. That thing God intends to do for us, if we will let Him.

"Is anything too hard for the Lord?" Not when we believe in Him enough to go forward and do His will, and let Him do the impossible for us. Even Abraham and Sarah could have blocked God's plan if they had continued to disbelieve.

The only thing too hard for Jehovah is deliberate, continued disbelief in His love and power, and our final rejection of His plans for us. Nothing is too hard for Jehovah to do for them that trust Him --Messages for the Morning Watch

Watch & Pray

Counter-Cultural Woman

Proverbs 31

In the New Testament, we often find watching and praying linked together. Jesus said, “Watch and pray, so that you don’t fall into temptation” (Matthew 26:41, Mark 14:38). It’s a protection for you to watch and pray over the ways of your household, but it’s also a wonderful means that you provide a protection for your husband.

Your husbands, if they are in almost any work environment that you can think of, are being faced with temptations and with pressures. The enemy, Satan himself, is working to pull them down, especially if your husband is a believer and wanting to walk with God. There are lots and lots and lots of opportunities for him to fail spiritually, morally, and in other ways.
What a blessing it is for a man to know that back home there’s a wife who’s watching and praying on his behalf, and praying that as he goes out into that world, God will protect him and God will keep his heart pure.

Ladies, if you’re not going to pray that for your husband, who do you think is going to pray that for him? Who’s going to watch and pray for his soul? You can protect him in that way, and you protect your children as you watch and pray. Ask the Lord to show you things that you need to be alert to, in their lives.

YOU HAVE THE POWER

I've been doing the 'True Woman Make-Over" and found the following quote that was an encouragement to me in how to handle situations when we are with others who speak slander/gossip or harsh words about someone else. Or if we find ourselves in a situation where we have used our own tongue as a weapon instead of an instrument of peace. Our tongues are often used as instrument that hurt instead of edification. We need to learn to always speak words of kindness and words of encouragement. Not just to those in our church and friends, but also in our homes, or especially in our homes.

Read Proverbs 31:26 and make it a tool to help you become a better daughter of the King.

"When she speaks,
her words are wise,
and she gives instructions
with kindness."

Here is the quote:

I quoted several sessions ago a passage about Sarah Edwards, who was the mother of eleven and the wife of Jonathan Edwards-who was a leader in the First Great Awakening. This writer says that, "Sarah made it her rule to speak well of all so far as she could, with truth and justice to herself and others. She was not prone to dwell with delight on the imperfections and failings of any, and when she heard other people speaking ill of others, she would say what she thought she could with truth and justice in their excuse or divert the slander by mentioning those things that were commendable in them."In other words, if she heard somebody saying something unkind about someone else, she would try and change the conversation or divert the conversation or to say something encouraging about that person."Thus, she was careful of everyone's character, even of those who injured and spoke evil of her. She could bear injuries and reproach with great calmness, without any disposition to render evil for evil, but on the contrary, she was ready to pity and forgive those who appeared to be her enemies."

What a commitment-to speak well of all! That's what the Scripture says we should do. In fact, Proverbs tells us that if you are the kind of woman who is contentious and critical with your tongue, that you will drive your family to the place where they would rather live on the roof or in an attic or out in a desert by themselves than to live in the same house with you.

If you would like to listen to or read the entire message log onto www.reviveourhearts.com and find March 9th, 2007 message from Nancy Leigh DeMosses series on the Counter-Cultural Woman.

True Woman Manifesto

True Woman Manifesto
A personal and corporate declaration of belief, consecration, and prayerful intent—to the end that Christ may be exalted and the glory and redeeming love of God may be displayed throughout the whole earth

We believe that God is the sovereign Lord of the universe and the Creator of life, and that all cre­ated things exist for His pleasure and to bring Him glory.

We believe that the creation of humanity as male and female was a purposeful and magnificent part of God’s wise plan, and that men and women were designed to reflect the image of God in complementary and distinct ways.

We believe that sin has separated every human being from God and made us incapable of reflecting His image as we were created to do. Our only hope for restoration and salva­tion is found in repenting of our sin and trusting in Christ who lived a sinless life, died in our place, and was raised from the dead.

We realize that we live in a culture that does not recognize God’s right to rule, does not accept Scripture as the pattern for life, and is experiencing the consequences of abandoning God’s design for men and women.

We believe that Christ is redeeming this sinful world and making all things new, and that His followers are called to share in His redemptive purposes as they seek, by God’s empowerment, to transform every aspect of human life that has been marred and ruined by sin.

As Christian women, we desire to honor God by living counter-cultural lives that reflect the beauty of Christ and His gospel to our world.

To that end, we affirm that. . .
Scripture is God’s authoritative means of instructing us in His ways and it reveals His holy pattern for our womanhood, our character, our priorities, and our various roles, responsi­bilities, and relationships.

We glorify God and experience His blessing when we accept and joyfully embrace His created design, function, and order for our lives.

As redeemed sinners, we cannot live out the beauty of biblical womanhood apart from the sanctifying work of the gospel and the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit.

Men and women are both created in the image of God and are equal in value and dignity, but they have distinct roles and functions in the home and in the church.

We are called as women to affirm and encourage men as they seek to express godly masculinity, and to honor and support God-ordained male leadership in the home and in the church.

Marriage, as created by God, is a sacred, binding, lifelong covenant between one man and one woman.

When we respond humbly to male leadership in our homes and churches, we demonstrate a noble submission to authority that reflects Christ’s submission to God His Father.

Selfish insistence on personal rights is contrary to the spirit of Christ who humbled Himself, took on the form of a servant, and laid down His life for us.

Human life is precious to God and is to be valued and pro­tected, from the point of conception until rightful death.

Children are a blessing from God, and women are uniquely designed to be bearers and nurturers of life, whether it be their own biological or adopted children, brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews, or other children in their sphere of influence.

God’s plan for gender is wider than marriage; all women, whether married or single, are to model femininity in their various relationships, by exhibiting a distinctive modesty, responsiveness, and gentleness of spirit.

Suffering is an inevitable reality in a fallen world; at times we will be called to suffer for doing what is good—looking to heavenly reward rather than earthly comfort—for the sake of the gospel and the advancement of Christ’s Kingdom.

Mature Christian women have a responsibility to leave a legacy of faith, by discipling younger women in the Word and ways of God and modeling for the next generation lives of fruitful femininity.

Believing the above, we declare our desire and intent to be “true women” of God. We consecrate ourselves to fulfill His calling and purposes for our lives. By His grace and in humble dependence on His power, we will:

1. Seek to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength.19
2. Gladly yield control of our lives to Christ as Lord—we will say “Yes, Lord” to the Word and the will of God.
3. Be women of the Word, seeking to grow in our knowledge of Scripture and to live in accord with sound doctrine in every area of our lives.
4. Nurture our fellowship and communion with God through prayer—in praise, thanksgiving, confession, intercession, and supplication.
5. Embrace and express our unique design and calling as women with humility, gratitude, faith, and joy.
6. Seek to glorify God by cultivating such virtues as purity, modesty, submission, meekness, and love.
7. Show proper respect to both men and women, created in the image of God, esteeming others as better than ourselves, seeking to build them up, and putting off bitterness, anger, and evil speaking.
8. Be faithfully engaged in our local church, submitting ourselves to our spiritual leaders, growing in the context of the community of faith, and using the gifts He has given us to serve others, to build up the Body of Christ, and to fulfill His redemptive purposes in the world.
9. Seek to establish homes that manifest the love, grace, beauty, and order of God, that provide a climate conducive to nurturing life, and that extend Christian hospitality to those outside the walls of our homes.
10. Honor the sacredness, purity, and permanence of the marriage covenant—whether ours or others’.
11. Receive children as a blessing from the Lord, seeking to train them to love and follow Christ and to consecrate their lives for the sake of His gospel and Kingdom.
12. Live out the mandate of Titus 2—as older women, modeling godliness and training younger women to be pleasing to God in every respect; as younger women, receiving instruction with meekness and humility and aspiring to become mature women of God who in turn will train the next generation.
13. Seek opportunities to share the gospel of Christ with unbelievers.
14. Reflect God’s heart for those who are poor, infirm, oppressed, widows, orphans, and prisoners, by reaching out to minister to their practical and spiritual needs in the name of Christ.
15. Pray for a movement of revival and reformation among God’s people that will result in the advancement of the Kingdom and gospel of Christ among all nations.



_____________________________________________
Signature Date

go to TrueWoman.com to sign this manifesto

Supporting Scripture:
11 Cor. 8:6; Col. 1:16; Rev. 4:11
2 Gen. 1:26–27; 2:18; 1 Cor. 11:8
3 Gen. 3:1–7, 15–16; Mark 1:15; 1 Cor. 15:1–4
4 Prov. 14:12; Jer. 17:9; Rom. 3:18, 8:6–7; 2 Tim. 3:16
5 Eph. 4:22–24; Col. 3:12–14; Titus 2:14
6 Josh. 1:8; 2 Tim. 3:16; 2 Pet. 1:20–21; 3:15–16
7 1 Tim. 2:9; Titus 2:3–5; 1 Pet. 3:3–6
8 John 15:1–5; 1 Cor. 15:10; Eph. 2:8–10; Phil. 2:12–13
9 Gen. 1:26–28; 2:18; Gal. 3:26–28; Eph. 5:22–33
10 Mark 9:35; 10:42–45; Gen. 2:18; 1 Pet. 5:1–4; 1 Cor. 14:34; 1 Tim. 2:12–3:7
11 Gen. 2:24; Mark 10:7–9
12 Eph. 5:22–33; 1 Cor. 11:3
13 Luke 13:30; John 15:13; Eph. 4:32; Phil. 2:5–8
14 Psalm 139:13–16
15 Gen 1:28; 9:1; Psalm 127; Titus 2:4–5
16 1 Cor. 11:2–16; 1 Tim. 2:9–13
17 Matt. 5:10–12; 2 Cor. 4:17; James 1:12; 1 Pet. 2:21–23; 3:14–17; 4:14
18 Titus 2:3–5
19 Deut. 6:4–5; Mark 12:29–30
20 Psalm 25:4–5; Rom. 6:11–13; 16–18; Eph. 5:15–17
21 Acts 17:11; 1 Pet. 1:15; 2 Pet. 3:17–18; Titus 2:1, 3–5, 7
22 Psalm 5:2; Phil. 4:6; 1 Tim. 2:1–2
23 Prov. 31:10–31; Col. 3:18; Eph. 5:22–24, 33b
24 Rom. 12:9–21; 1 Pet. 3:1–6; 1 Tim. 2:9–14
25 Eph. 4:29–32; Phil. 2:1–4; James 3:7–10; 4:11
26 Rom. 12:6–8; 14:19; Eph. 4:15, 29; Heb. 13:17
27 Prov. 31:10–31; 1 Tim. 5:10; 1 John 3:17–18
28 Matt. 5:27–28; Mark 10:5–9; 1 Cor. 6:15–20; Heb. 13:4
29 Psalm 127:3; Prov. 4:1–23; 22:6
30 Titus 2:3–5
31 Matt. 28:19–20; Col. 4:3–6
32 Matt. 25:36; Luke 10:25–37; James 1:27; 1 Tim. 6:17–19
33 2 Chron. 7:14; Psalm 51:1–10; 85:6; 2 Pet. 3:9

© 2008 Revive Our Hearts • P.O. Box 2000 • Niles, MI 49120 • ReviveOurHearts.com • TrueWoman.com

Woman's Curse

Genesis is the book of beginnings. As we study we learn of the creation of man and woman. (Genesis 5:1-2), we learn of the first sin and the “curse” that was brought upon man and woman. As we study the depth of the meaning of God’s Word, we can understand why we struggle in particular areas. With this wisdom we can seek God’s strength to overcome these issues in our lives. Let’s look at some of the details of “Woman’s Curse”.


Genesis 3:16 KJV “Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee”. Every woman who has given birth knows very well the pain in pregnancy and delivery of a child. Whenever someone has a new baby we often share “our story” of the painful process. It doesn’t end with the birth, as mothers often struggle with the pain of sorrow as our children mature and no longer need us.

Let’s read further…“thy desire shall be to thy husband”. Taken at face value some loosely interpreted it as “I will desire my husband”. In studying this phrase we will find the true interpretation. The New Living Translation sheds much light: “And you will desire to control your husband, but he will rule over you.” WHOA! Does this stop you in your tracks and make you think about your “curse”? As you look at yourself, do you see yourself trying to control the men in your life or compete against them? Whether you are married, widowed, or single, every woman battles with controlling the men in our lives, and this bring conflict. We feel like we need to be in control. Should we be controlling men? The Biblical answer clearly is NO! Matthew Henry Commentary explains it this way: “If man had not sinned, he would always have ruled with wisdom and love; if the woman had not sinned, she would always have obeyed with humility and meekness.”


In a devotional by Nancy Leigh DeMoss, she comments on the conflict between men and women; "God’s design for men and women is far more satisfying than the relationship portrayed in our world. Instead of a woman becoming more like a man or a man becoming more like a woman, God created us to be different. And those differences aren’t meant to compete with one another but to complete each other. When God created male and female, the Bible tells us, 'it was very good.'”

Have you recognized your unique qualities as a woman? Ask God to use you to complement the men around you so that He can be glorified." God’s design is not that you be a doormat, but has created you as a unique woman. As we allow our lives to complement the lives of men they will honor and love us.

Ladies, this is our curse! When we try to control men we are sinning and allowing the curse to control our life. When we see this conflict creeping up, we must seek wisdom and strength from God. Don't let your feathers get ruffled, just “let him (man) rule over you.” This is God’s plan and it works. Obey in humility and meekness. Glorify God with your life.

Your PART in Prayer

We've probably all tried toimagined shaking hands with the President of the United States or perhaps having an audience with the Queen of England. Perhaps to meet your "hero" or a favorite movie star. Imagine if you knew God, the Heavenly Father, was going to come make a visit to your home. An audience with God; Creator of the universe; All-powerful All-knowing God! What would you do to prepare? Best dress; best food prepared; cleanest house. I would be so nervous, scared to death, and excited too.

As a Christian, God has given you an open invitation to have an audience with Him. Because we accepted the sacrificial death of His Son on our behalf we are able at any moment to cry "Abba Father" We can come to Him with anything at anytime and He will welcome you. Without fear, we can come to Him with confidence and He will hear and answer our prayers.

Hebrew 4:14-15 "So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. " God is our HIGH PRIEST. We can do directly to Him with our needs, fears, concerns, and request. We should cling to Him and never stop trusting or believing Him.

In the Scriptures be find that we should come before the Lord humbly and boldly. Hebrews 14:6 "So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most." 2 Chronicles 7:14 "So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. " God no longer sees our sins. The blood of Jesus Christ washed us clean before God. If we will come to Him humbly, He will lift us up. It is a privilege to come directly to God and we need to take prayer very seriously.

So what's our PART for effective prayer?
PRAISE - Psalm 9:1-2; Psalm 95:2-6; Psalms 99:5
ADMISSION - Psalm 32:5; Psalm 343:15-18; I John 1:9
REQUEST - I Peter 5:7
THANKSGIVING - I John 5:14-15; Philippians 4:6

The invitation is there and God is ready and waiting. To have a personal relationship with Him we must do our PART to make the relationship a reality. It would be easier to just go on day-by-day and just call on God when we have an emergency. But that is not a personal relationship. Imagine going days or weeks or months with speaking to your spouse or children. Is that a personal relationship? God has opened the door and prepared the way. Just come to Him! It is again a privilege to approach God's throne and lay our burdens at His fee. Regular prevailing prayer is the Christian's life breath.

Prayer is a powerful weapon against the realities of Satan and evil. Prayer gives us the power to resist this evil and to stand strong against it. Ephesians 6:10-12 "A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places." So put on the "Sword of the Spirit" which is the Word of God, and "Prayer" which is the power to change people and circumstances.

Do your PART in growing your PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP with God. Make prayer a daily habit. Purchase a journal or notebook and divide it into four parts: Praise, Admission, Requests, and Thanksgiving. List special verses to memorize and make it your prayer journal to use in practicing your PART with your our High Priest.

I Can't Find the Time

Psalm 55:17 “Evening and morning and at noon I will pray, and cry aloud, and He shall hear my voice.”

Listen to your everyday conversations. Do you catch yourself saying “If only I had time”…or…“I just don’t have the time.” I think most of us believe that we have a corner on busyness. Think of all the “time-saving” appliances and machinery available for our use, yet we are “still so busy”. The truth is, everyone makes the time for the things that are essential or important to their life.

Each week the same one hundred sixty-eight hours are available to everyone. In this lesson we will work together to evaluate the use of our time and determine together to make time for the purpose of spiritual growth. If you are anything like me, the struggle is real. You want your relationship with Christ to be a priority but something else so easily gets in the way. Meals, laundry, bills, church stuff, phone calls, sleep, etc. The Holy Spirit who indwells each believer is available to aid with these spiritual disciplines.

Let’s seek His Help:

• Romans 15:13 “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
  
• Ephesians 3:15 “That He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man.”
  
• Ephesians 6:10 “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.”
  
• Colossians 1:10, 11 “That you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.”

Make time with God daily and choose to pray. You will experience great spiritual growth, wisdom, strength, hope, fruitfulness and many other practical benefits. Commit to this new discipline today.

Where does your time go each day? Keep a record for a day or two. Note the time you spend on different activities and note what you have time for and what you do not have time for. You will begin to see what or who has priority and control in your life. This will also help you to find the time that is available that you can use for prayer and study of the Word.

When is the best time to pray? If I pray throughout the day, is a specific prayer time essential? I believe a specific prayer time and praying throughout the day are both important elements in my relationship with God. Psalm 55:17 the memory verse for this lessons states “Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice.” God’s hears our prayer whenever or wherever we pray.

Morning is the time I prefer to have my specific prayer time. As I begin the day with prayer, it causes me to seek God’s guidance throughout the day. Praying for God to direct my steps. I ask God to prioritize my “to-do-list” for the day. I’m a list person and like to have my day planned and I like to get the things done that need to get done. But I have learned that if God wants me to do something else that day, I still always have time to get the things done that must get done, when I make time for Him FIRST.

Others may find afternoon or evening is best for a specific prayer time. There are many examples in the Bible, and no time is right or wrong. But it is important that we discipline our lives to have a regular time of prayer.

"Pray without ceasing." I Thessalonians 5:17
Are you serious? How can anyone pray all the time? Prayer is a definite act of the will, but it can also be an attitude of the soul. If your relationship is intimate with your heavenly Father, you will commune with the Lord all day.

In January, my brother John, wrote the following about this very subject. I was saving it to share in this lesson. Little did I know at that time that he would be in the presence of our Lord when I included his thoughts:

Since I know that our Heavenly Father is always available and even desirous of us directing our attention and needs to Him, I have learned that prayer doesn't have to be entirely a scheduled act of hiding away, getting down on my knees and talking to Him for an hour etc. as many often assume. He is Omnipresent and so anytime I have a thought, burden, concern for others or a sin to confess, I can talk to Him. I can converse with Him aloud as I drive down the road, or as I sweep the floor, go for a walk, mow the grass or while I'm fishing. I can speak out loud His praises when I am inspired by a beautiful sunset, a surprise snowfall that occurred over night as I open the curtains in the morning, an elk standing off in the forest as I drive by on the highway, a rainbow after a sudden shower followed by the sweet refreshing smell of the air, an osprey diving into the water to catch a fish or the joy of seeing a newborn baby (even if it isn't my own grandchild). I can speak a prayer when an ambulance goes by or I pass a car accident or see the life flight helicopter pass overhead, pleading for the comfort and salvation of those who have suddenly found themselves in crisis. I can pray as I watch the news and see Israel under attack again, or the moral abominations of abortion or homosexuals flaunting their sin in the streets, and I can pray for those I see experiencing their lives dashed before a flood, earthquake or fire. Because of my Dad's example of always being available, concerned and interested, I know my Heavenly Father is even more open, available and desirous of having a conversation with me. This is what "Pray without ceasing" means. It is always being in touch with our Heavenly Father. Prayer is a Relationship.


I pray that God’s people will come to know the privilege they have to pray. Take every opportunity possible to commune with your Lord and Savior. Grow your relationship with God; spend time in prayer with Him.

I believe it was Charles Spurgeon who once said: "I had so much to do today, I had to take time to pray. "

In conclusion remember, God will help you with every daily task if you will take the time to include Him in your day.

"Sweetly Lord have I heard you calling, come follow me, And we see where Thy footprints falling, Lead us to Thee. "Footsteps of Jesus” Mary Slade

Our Examples in Prayer - Lesson 3

If you were to give a reason for not praying, what would it be? Do you think your reason could be relevant to Christians two thousand years ago? I believe most people would say they are "too busy" to have time to pray. Think for a moment of Jesus schedule when He was here. Busy? I'd say He was just as busy or more busy than any one of us are today. We tend to believe in our time we live a more busy life than any other time. Think of the demands on Jesus time. Because of these demands, He made it a priority to fellowship with the Father. He would leave the multitudes to go pray all night long. Not just for 10 minutes...all night long. He needed it...you need time alone too with the Father.


There is not a magic formula to successful prayer, but in this lesson we will look at some examples to follow as we learn more about praying. Let's begin by looking at some of Jesus teaching on prayer from the gospels.


Matthew 5:44 "But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, " What can you learn from these words? Pray for your enemies, love them! When is the last time you did this?


Matthew 6:5-13 "Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom comes. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom the power and the glory forever. Amen" The Lord's Prayer written as an example of how to pray not a prayer to memorize and repeat thoughtlessly. You learn from this prayer to include thankgiving, praise, confession, personal requests, intercession for others, and worship. Do you includes these in your prayers?


Mark 14:38 "Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Prayer gives strength to keep you from sinning.


Luke 11:9,10 “So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you." The teaching here is to pray earnestly and God will answer.


Luke 18:1 "Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart," Don't give up or lose heart when you don't see answers immediately. KEEP PRAYING!


John 14:13-15 "And whatever you ask in my name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything in My name, I will do it." If you love God and keep His commandments, your prayers will bring glory to God and your desires and prayers will be God-centered. You will see your prayers answered.


When do you pray? How important is it to have a specific time to pray everyday? Let's see when Jesus prayed. In Luke 3 at the beginning of His ministry Jesus prayed, and it brought great joy to the Father. John 11 at the resurrection of Lazarus. Jesus thanked God before commanding Lazarus to come forth. Jesus prayed for the spiritual and physical needs of others. He prayed for the children; for Peter before he denied Christ; He prayed on the cross and before he left the earth to return to heaven. Jesus prayed before eating. He prayed early in the morning, all night long, lunchtime and through out the day. He prayed in sorrow, before his crucification. Jesus prayed for believers, that they would be kept from the evil one, that they might be sanctified. He prayed for unity among the believers and that we would be mature in our faith. He prayed that God's love would be in each believer.


As Jesus hung on the cross dying, His thoughts were on others and he prayed for them. Hebrews 7:25 is a precious passage "Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them." He prays for me!


Take some time and think of other examples of people in Scripture who prayed. Joseph, Moses, Hannah, Elijah, don't forget Jonah. Zacheaus, Doras, Paul and Silas. The believers prayed for one another.


Make a prayer journal. Use the examples of the Bible as a pattern of how to pray and then practice prayer. Determine to pray about every situation. Look for God's daily blessing in your life and send up prayers of thanksgiving to God. There is no magic formula, just make the time to pray, it is your communion with your Father in Heaven.


Draw Me Closer, Lord.


Next lesson we will discuss how to find the time to pray.

The Importance of Prayer

I was reminded of the importance and long reaching effects of prayer this past weekend at our son's ordination. My brother wrote a paper sharing a testimony of our great-grandmothers prayers from the 1930's. You often pray not really understanding how important that prayer is and the long term affect of that prayer. To read that testimony go to my personal blog at armitage-texas.blogspot.com.

Is prayer important in your life? How important is it? Take a moment and truthfully answer these questions. The answers will reveal your true heart condition toward the importance of prayer. Prayerlessness will leave you with an empty unfruitful life often full of doubt and fears. Review the memory verse for this lesson: "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusted in Him." Isaiah 26:3 tell you that you can live a life of perfect peace. Christ has another promise in John 14:13 "And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do." Prayer is important!

Pray is a gift, it is a source of strength and fellowship with our Lord. Know also that it is important and has a far reaching influence in your life and the lives of those for whom you pray.

There are many reasons to pray beside the fact that God commands us to pray. Let's look at a few of these from scripture:

• God hears us when we pray. Psalms 34:6 "This poor man cried out, and the LORD heard him, And saved him out of all his troubles. '


• Pray continually I Thessalonians5:16-18 "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."


• Prayer protects and give victory. I Peter 4:7 "But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers."


• Heals a broken heart. James 5:16 "Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much."


• Strengthens believers. Jude 20 "But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit"


• Builds a desire to serve God. Matthew 9:38 "Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.”


• Prayer accomplishes much. James 5:16, 17 "The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain; and it did not rain on the land for three years and six months."


• Prayer brings glory to God. Revelation 4:11 "You are worthy, O Lord, To receive glory and honor and power; For You created all things, And by Your will they exist and were created.”


• The impossible is possible through prayer. Acts 12:5-7 "Peter was therefore kept in prison, but constant prayer was offered to God for him by the church. And when Herod was about to bring him out, that night Peter was sleeping, bound with two chains between two soldiers; and the guards before the door were keeping the prison. Now behold, an angel of the Lord stood by him, and a light shone in the prison; and he struck Peter on the side and raised him up, saying, “Arise quickly!” And his chains fell off his hands.


• Prayer gives us good things. Matthew 7:7-11 "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!


• Prayer imparts wisdom. James 1:5 "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him."


• Prayer bring peace. Philippians 4:5-7 "Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."


• Prayer keep us from temptation. Matthew 26:41 "Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”


• Prayer bring revival to the heart. Psalm 85:6 "Will You not revive us again, That Your people may rejoice in You?

As you reflect upon these verses, also know that we should not only pray for ourselves. God wants us to pray for others. There are examples of these prayer thought scripture, prayers for the protection of other believers; we are commanded to pray for our government leaders as well as our church leaders and missionaries; As you read your Bible take note of those who pray and what they pray about. Pray about things that matter to God.

Prayer should not be an option for believers. I'm reminded again of the passage of scripture in Romans 12 that these things should be reasonable and a normal part of your everyday life.

I want conclude this lesson with a quote from Norman Nelson book "Morning Glory" July-August 1999.

"When we pray, we are saying by our action of praying that we are dependent on God, that we need His help...Prayer is power---power to change us and then, power to effect change through us...The good news is that when we seek Him in Jesus Christ, we'll find Him and we'll experience the fullness of life that only He can give."

Make the decision to make prayer an important part of your life.

Prayer - Sharing Personal Thoughts

Psalm 73:28

"But it is good for me to draw near to God;

I have put my trust in the Lord God,

that I may declare all thy works."

Many people teach children to pray before bedtime and meal time. Poem type prayers are taught that the children memorize and repeat day by day. "Thank you for the food we eat.."; "Now I lay me down to sleep..." This method is a good idea to teach children the habit of prayer, but it does not teach them that prayer is personal conversation and communion with our Lord and Heavenly Father. That God cares about even the little things in their lives, like the lost kitten, a fall from your bike, or a friend who is sick. My husband and I raised our kids on prayer. We prayed for our children before they were even born. We dedicated each of our three children to the Lord. They heard us praying for them over their crib at night. Our children will tell you the times they would wake during the night to find Dad in their room praying. Children learn by example and prayer is no exception. Still to this day we continue to pray daily for our children and our grandchildren as the family grows. We have learned that you can never pray to much.

My parents taught me to pray and were an example of prayer all through my life. I know that my Dad still prays for me, he didn't stop when I married and moved out. I'm sure this has much to do with my desire to pray. I would like to share a testimony my brother John shared with me recently. It blessed my heart and I know it will yours as well.


"Quoting my brother John: "One thing that has made a large impact on my prayer life over the years is understanding that "PRAYER IS A RELATIONSHIP, NOT AN EXERCISE," WDad taught me a lot about what our Father in heaven is like. I remember while we were growing up I would often pop into his study for a visit. I remember finding him deep in his studies or a number of times on his knees praying. Yet even when I apologized for the interruption and started to back out of the door he would stop what he was doing and invite me in to talk. He NEVER chased me out or made me feel like I was intruding. As I've gotten older I have realized that even though my visits to his study weren't necessarily any big crisis in my life they were often just a desire to see my dad! He ALWAYS made the time. This has gone a long way in helping me develop my concept of our Father in Heaven. He always takes time to listen to us no matter how "busy" He is; His attention is fully on us when we seek Him. He's not acting preoccupied or annoyed by our interruption but is sincerely focused on the fact that we need His attention even when our intentions are trivial in the grand scheme of things." LJN


When we are young we do not always understand how life experiences influence our adult life. I too am so thankful for godly parents. I'll share one instance in my life that I always remember about prayer. It taught me that even little things are important to God. I was about ten and I had gotten a new watch for my birthday. Shortly afterward I could not find it. My mother helped me look and look, but neither of us could find it. She left me in my room and told me I should pray. Following my pray I started looking again and almost immediately found my watch in the back of my closet floor.


Our parents shared prayer requests with us and we prayed together as a family. Most every day our family would have devotions and prayer together. We shared special times of prayer together such as Christmas time before opening presents. We each took turns praying, giving thanks to our Heavenly Father for the blessings of the past year. Our parents believed God heard and answered prayers and taught us that God was personally interested in our lives and well-being.


I would like to invite YOU to share some personal thoughts about your prayer life. An event that might have impacted your prayer life with God. An answered prayer that caused an impact or a change in your life.


Send your thoughts and testimonies to my personal email address. I will attempt to share these throughout our series on prayer. Or if you just want to share some prayer requests, I would be more than happy to add you to my private prayer list. plarmitage@comcast.net

Know you will find strength, revival and renewal in PRAYER.

Prayer is a Gift

PRAYER... Isaiah 40:31 "But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." Do you know and understand the awesome privilege you have in coming to the throne of God in prayer? Hebrews 4:16 "Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." As God's child, you are invited to come boldly and freely to Him. There are many passage of Scripture that teach you how to pray as well as many examples of prayer. God has been challenging me for some time to do a study on prayer and to make time for more prayer in my personal relationship with Him. My husband is a wonderful example of a prayer warrior. I am amazed how often I find him sitting in various places and I ask what he is doing and the answer is always the same, "I needed to pray". So as I study, I would like to share with you the things I am learning in hopes that you too will be challenged to pray more and spend more time with your Savior.


Prayer is a privilege... You have a special personal invitation to come into the presence of the God of all creation. Not only an invitation, but you have an audience with God. 1 Timothy 2:5 "For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus." What a privilege! What an honor. God desires you to come to Him. God's plan from the beginning was to commune or fellowship personally, individually with all His children. Do you desire Him as He desires you? My prayer, my spiritual challenge for this year is Psalm 73:25" Whom have I in heaven but thee? And there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee..." I long to make God my utmost desire.

The struggle with our fellowship with God began when Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden. Since that event, every person born has come into this world with a sinful nature. Romans 5:12 "Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned." Because of our sinfulness we struggle with rebellion and sadly enough the result of this rebellion brings emptiness.


Walk in the Light... I John 5:7 "But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin." The separating wall that sin brings between you and your Savior can be torn down with a prayer. So what's holding you back? That rebellion caused by sin. Take the step of a prayer of confession. You will then know the fellowship of God, find your heart clean, experience new clarity and understanding of the Word, and the peace that passes all understanding. God is so good and loves us so much it is hard sometimes to even imagine. Make time to pray. Make time to "BE STILL" and quiet yourself before the Lord.


How will God resond when you come? Psalm 34:15-17 "The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry. The face of the LORD is against them that do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth. The righteous cry, and the LORD heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles."

Let me encourage you to:

1. Get a prayer journal

2. Set aside a specific time for daily prayer

3. If you already have this time set - increase your time with God

4. If you need an accountability partner, prayer partner, find one

Prayer is the key to spiritual satisfaction and success

Prayer will become the source of power for your daily walk

Emptiness will be filled and overflowing with the love of God

Yield to God and seek to know Him intimately

Prayer is a gift from God that benefits your life

Recommended Bible Study Book:

"Draw Me closer, Lord" by Marsha Hubler Publised by Regular Baptist Press.

I am using this book as part of my study on prayer . See the link on this blog for Regular Baptist Press to order your copy.