WHEN (Not if) YOU PRAY!

“Therefore I WANT THE MEN EVERYWHERE TO PRAY, LIFTING UP HOLY HANDS without anger or disputing.” (1 Tim. 2:8) [We as Christians, are encouraged to pray for all men generally, and mainly for all who are in authority. Timothy is reminded (and of course, us as well) that THIS MUST BE DONE. Paul does not send him any recommended form of prayer; but, in general, that we should make supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks: supplications for the prevention of evil, prayers for the attaining of good, intercessions for others, andthanksgivings for the wonderful mercies we have already received!] “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, PLANS TO GIVE YOU HOPE AND A FUTURE. THEN YOU WILL CALL ON ME AND COME AND PRAY TO ME, and I WILL LISTEN TO YOU. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” (Jer. 29:11-13) [Our Abba Father is waiting; right now TO HEAR FROM US. He is the Lord God Almighty and nothing we ask Him in prayer, is too hard for Him to do!] “PRAY that the LORD yourGod will tell us WHERE WE SHOULD GO and WHAT WE SHOULD DO.” (Jer. 42:3) [Prayer is the means God has chosen to communicate with us!] “And WHEN you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others…But WHEN you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret,WILL REWARD YOU.” (Matt. 6:5-6) [Notice Jesus does not say IF YOU PRAY, but WHEN YOU PRAY!] “THIS, THEN, IS HOW YOU SHOULD PRAY: “‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today 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 the evil one.” (Matt. 6:9-15) [Remember this…] “…The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man *availeth much.” (James 5:16) [*ἰσχύω, ischuō: to be strong, to have power. to have (or exercise) force!]

Be blessed as you praise The Lord, knowing that:

WHEN WE PRAY, THE LORD OUR GOD WILL TELL US WHERE WE SHOULD GO AND WHAT WE SHOULD DO!

-Bill Stockham

http://cogop.org/blog/when-not-if-you-pray/