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.

¡P                     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)

¡P                     Repentance: confess known sin and shortcomings (Psalm. 66.18)

¡P                     Appreciation: give thanks for the many blessings we enjoy (1 Thessalonians. 5.18) and for answered prayer

¡P                     Yielding: the genuine surrender of our own will, including how and when God will answer

¡P                     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)

¡P                     Requests for ourselves: these should be in accordance with His will (John 16. 23, 24; Colossians. 3.17)

 

Why do it?

¡P                     It is a direct divine command, Luke 11. 9

¡P                     The Lord Jesus is our great example (e.g., John chapter 17)

¡P                     Great spiritual characters have been characterized by prayer

¡P                     We should want to spend time speaking with our greatest friend

¡P                     Prayer is an expression of faith, and thereby honours God

¡P                     Because even when words are difficult, the Lord understands, Romans 8. 26

 

 

How to do it?

¡P                     Privately: Find somewhere quiet, away from distractions. Matthew chapter 6 verse 6 includes being away from our computer, mobile phone, etc!

¡P                     Regularly: At ¡¥routine¡¦ times, set aside in a disciplined way for that purpose (e.g., Daniel) such as morning/evening, mealtimes

¡P                     Always: use ¡¥free moments¡¦ to pray about whatever you are doing (1 Thessalonians. 5. 17)

¡P                     Yourself: use your own words not those in books, or what you think others would expect you to say

¡P                     Earnestly: Jas. 5.17

¡P                     Repeatedly: persistent without empty repetition, Luke 11. 9  

 

Practical advice

¡P                     A notebook can list things to pray about and record how God answered

¡P                     Stay awake! Kneeling is good for reverence or standing if necessary, Matt. 26. 41

¡P                     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

¡P                     The Lord reads our heart ¡V sincerity and purity matter more than oratory, Luke 18. 9-14