What can I do for God? Part 1
by S.
Bruckeridge
Pray
What is it?
There are different things that we can do in prayer
and they should normally be in the following order.
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Praise: Thank God
for His greatness (many of the prayers in the Bible start this way, e.g., 1
Kings. 8. 23; Isa. 37.16)
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Repentance:
confess known sin and shortcomings (Psalm. 66.18)
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Appreciation: give
thanks for the many blessings we enjoy (1 Thessalonians. 5.18) and for answered
prayer
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Yielding: the
genuine surrender of our own will, including how and when God will answer
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Everybody else:
pray for others - the lost, those in authority, those
that are sick or persecuted, fellow-saints (1 Timothy. 2. 1-4; Philemon. 1. 4;
Hebrews 13. 3)
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Requests for
ourselves: these should be in accordance with His will (John 16. 23, 24;
Colossians. 3.17)
Why do it?
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It is a direct
divine command, Luke 11. 9
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The Lord Jesus is
our great example (e.g., John chapter 17)
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Great spiritual
characters have been characterized by prayer
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We should want to
spend time speaking with our greatest friend
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Prayer is an
expression of faith, and thereby honours God
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Because even when
words are difficult, the Lord understands, Romans 8. 26
How to do it?
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Privately: Find
somewhere quiet, away from distractions. Matthew chapter 6 verse 6 includes
being away from our computer, mobile phone, etc!
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Regularly: At
¡¥routine¡¦ times, set aside in a disciplined way for that purpose (e.g., Daniel)
such as morning/evening, mealtimes
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Always: use ¡¥free
moments¡¦ to pray about whatever you are doing (1 Thessalonians. 5. 17)
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Yourself: use your
own words not those in books, or what you think others would expect you to say
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Earnestly: Jas.
5.17
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Repeatedly:
persistent without empty repetition, Luke 11. 9
Practical advice
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A notebook can
list things to pray about and record how God answered
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Stay awake!
Kneeling is good for reverence or standing if necessary, Matt. 26. 41
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Praying out loud
may help you when praying but if doing this be aware that Matthew chapter 6
verse 6 teaches that you are praying to your Father in secret and that this
matter is to be behind closed doors and between you and God
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The Lord reads our
heart ¡V sincerity and purity matter more than oratory, Luke 18. 9-14