to Often Include in Our Prayers
Jesus always spoke in terms that are always good for us and we should remember that in our prayers.This is but three thoughts on good feelings to have in our prayers that build relationships between us, others, and God.
1- Dear Lord, I love you....
As a parent we certainly like to hear this from our children. Don't you think God would like to hear it as much as we do as parents?
If you have not told your parents lately, "I love you," then call them and do so. Before it is too late. Similarily, if you have not told God the same, then do so....... before it is too late. After all, He does a lot for us. Jesus was The Master Communicator, and when asked what was the "Greatest Commandment", He was clear, concise, and directly to the point:
The Greatest Commandment
Matthew 22:34-40pp -- Mk 12:28-31
34 Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. 35 One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: 36 "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" 37 Jesus replied: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' 38 This is the first and greatest commandment.Jesus, He commands us to Love God, and we really should and tell Him So. ===
2- ... Lord, forgive me for I am a sinner... and
... forgive those who sin against me...
and
... help me forgive
those who sin against me...
It requires humility to genuinely admit we are wrong. Beyond that, as we learn to admit we are wrong, we realize there is great freedom in doing so. When we sin against God or others, we feel (or should feel) guilt- even if we do not want to admit it. In humility and asking for forgiveness we are relieved of that guilt, which is good for us.
God always forgives us, but if others do not, well, our guilt is still gone because we have asked. Not giving forgivness is bad for us as it maintains ill feelings towards others thereby interrupting our relationship with God. We should not be amazed that what Jesus taught us is good for us. After all, He loves us.
James 4:10 NIV
Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up.
1 Peter 5:6 NIV
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time.
Luke 17:3 NAS
"Be on your guard ! If your brother sins, rebuke him;
and if he repents, forgive him."
and if he repents, forgive him."
Jesus' Teaching on Prayer
Luke 11:2-4pp -- Mt 6:9-13 11:9-13pp -- Mt 7:7-11
1 One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, "Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples." 2 He said to them, "When you pray, say: " 'Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. 3 Give us each day our daily bread. 4 Forgive us our sins,
for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. ....' "
===
3- "...not my will, but your will be done. " Amen
Have you ever wondered how we know what Jesus really prayed in the Garden before He was arrested? Were the disciples not really asleep? Did Jesus tell them later after He rose from the dead? Or, was it someone else that was also in the Garden (verses 50-52 below). The scripture below from Mark's Gospel may give us a hint.
But, the important thing is that we have this prayer from Jesus that teaches us so much. He did not want to die! Who does at age 33, especially the way Jesus knew it was to happen.
In this petition that Jesus prayed, we learn:
A- Of the importance of humble prayer in our relationship with God,
B- in His perseverance of obedience to God and fulfilling scripture, Jesus continues to set the example for us, and
C- In our obedience to God and His will for our lives,
then in our own death,
we too shall be drawn to His Glorious Kingdom.
It is of paramount importance to our eternity that we follow the example of Jesus and His words for our life.
In doing so,
we do not just survive in this life,
we thrive in God's blessings for us.
Gethsemane
Mark 14:32-42pp -- Mt 26:36-46; Lk 22:40-46
-
32 They went to a place called Gethsemane, and Jesus said to his disciples, "Sit here while I pray."33 He took Peter, James and John along with him, and he began to be deeply distressed and troubled.34 "My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death," he said to them. "Stay here and keep watch."35 Going a little farther, he fell to the ground and prayed that if possible the hour might pass from him.36 "Abba", Father," he said, "everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me.
Yet not what I will, but what you will."
37 Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. "Simon," he said to Peter, "are you asleep? Could you not keep watch for one hour?38 Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak."39 Once more he went away and prayed the same thing.40 When he came back, he again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. They did not know what to say to him.41 Returning the third time, he said to them, "Are you still sleeping and resting? Enough! The hourhas come. Look, the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.42 Rise! Let us go! Here comes my betrayer!"Jesus Arrested
Mark 14:43-50pp -- Mt 26:47-56; Lk 22:47-50; Jn 18:3-11
43 Just as he was speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, appeared. With him was a crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests, the teachers of the law, and the elders.44 Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: "The one I kiss is the man; arrest him and lead him away under guard."45 Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, "Rabbi!" and kissed him.46 The men seized Jesus and arrested him.47 Then one of those standing near drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear.48 "Am I leading a rebellion," said Jesus, "that you have come out with swords and clubs to capture me?49 Every day I was with you, teaching in the temple courts, and you did not arrest me. But the Scriptures must be fulfilled."50 Then everyone deserted him and fled.
51 A young man, wearing nothing but a linen garment, was following Jesus. When they seized him,
52 he fled naked, leaving his garment behind.
Thanks be to God
© lonnie
Other Readings:
We Really Should Love God, and Tell Him
A Few Things to Pray For
Humility is Not Being a Doormat
"The Will of God" - Leslie D Weatherhead
We Really Should Love God, and Tell Him
A Few Things to Pray For
Humility is Not Being a Doormat
"The Will of God" - Leslie D Weatherhead
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© Lonnie Coggins
ldcoggins@gmail.com
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lonnie
intro
God knows our needs long before we pray but His hearing our attitude toward him is also very important. Here are three thoughts that contribute to our relationship with God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit.
http://lonnieadailythought.blogspot.com/2013/08/three-thoughts-to-include-in-our-prayers.html
intro
God knows our needs long before we pray but His hearing our attitude toward him is also very important. Here are three thoughts that contribute to our relationship with God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit.
http://lonnieadailythought.blogspot.com/2013/08/three-thoughts-to-include-in-our-prayers.html
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