Reflections on “Praying His Word!” 2/15/2022

      Growing up, I heard my Dad, bowing his head and clasping his hands recite recited this prayer he learned from his Mother, Emilie Brunn Siemens. He always ended with these words, “In Name of Jesus, Amen.”

Then I knew it was time for us to eat supper (we never called it dinner). Even in the low German, it taught me how much my Dad respected and loved Jesus. He taught us to pray, a children’s prayer, and encouraged us to pray our own way as we grew up.

What is prayer and why is it important? There are three hundred sixteen references to scriptures using the words pray, prayed, and praying in the sixty-six books of the Bible. Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. James 4:7-8.

Prayer is the act of drawing near to the God who created Heaven and Earth, all growing things, Light, and you and me.  He knows us well because He chose us. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before Him. In love, He predestined us for adoption to Himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of His will. Ephesians 1:3-5.

Prayer is fellowship with our Lord. Everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made. Isaiah 43:7. This is true fellowship, the best kind of togetherness. Therefore, people gather and worship together. Why does Jesus love us and dye on the cross to give us a belonging-fellowship like no other. When should we pray? Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. I Thessalonians 5:16-18.

How can we rejoice and give thanks in the face of death of a loved one, or heart-wrenching situation? Surely, God didn’t expect us to rejoice and thank Him for heartaches!  Then I read a scripture that gave me more to think about. Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. James 1:2-4.

Our God calls us to seek righteousness, to be Holy. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Matthew 6:33. What do you place in your mind? Violence, angry words, lies, ridicule of others? This is not holiness or righteousness. But as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” I Peter 1:1-16.

Is there a proper posture to pray properly? Again, we look to Jesus and see what the Bible says. Mark 1:35 – And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, He departed and went out to a desolate place, and there He prayed. Luke 9:18 – Now it happened that as He was praying alone, the disciples were with Him. And He asked them, “Who do the crowds say that I am?” Jesus often asked His disciples to wait for Him as He prayed.

One day, the disciples asked Jesus how to pray. Luke 11 and Matthew 6 give us the “Lord’s Prayer.” “And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your Name. Your kingdom come, 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 also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” Matthew 6:7-15.

How do we know God hears us when we pray? It is when we live for Him. When God calls us, how do we answer? Wait just a minute, I am busy? Definitely, not! What did Mary say when she learned that she would have a baby named Jesus? And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” Luke 1:38.

Who are most precious to our Lord God?  His children. But to all who did receive Him, who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God. John 1:12.

We pray for our children; we pray for those who need the love of Jesus. We pray for those who are ill, physically, emotionally, and in need of forgiveness. What a blessing and joy it is to find the ways to pray His Word!

Scripture, God inspired message to us, give us a way that is pleasing to Him, to pray. Not memorized prayer, but prayers from the heart of God to His blessed ones and our loved ones always prayed ‘In the Name of Jesus’, for He died and rose again for us.

The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace. Numbers 6:24-26.  Prayer – Lord, bless your children. Give them hearts that follow You in this world.

In peace, I will both lie down and sleep; for You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety. Psalm 4:8.  Dear Lord, may my child rest and sleep safely in the arms of love of Jesus.

Do not be anxious about anything, 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 your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7. Prayer – Oh, Lord, take away the fear in my children’s hearts and give them courage and   surrender to Your Will for their lives.

Praying for the church body, brothers, and sisters of Christ, through these scriptures: I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Ephesians 4:1-3.  Finally, all of you have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.I Peter 3:8.