OK - we've got the who...those who have accepted Jesus as their high priest through faith in Him. He brings us into God's presence.
Now the what -what is prayer?
In our reference text, Robert J. Morgan says,
Deuteronomy 4:7 tells us, "For what great nation is there that has a god near to it as the Lord our God is [to us] whenever we call to Him?"
I had never thought about the chef purpose of prayer being the recognition of God's closeness to me, but that does make sense to me now. God does not want us to think that He is distant and detached; much the opposite - He wants us to realize that He is available to us, that He is involved with us, and that relationship with Him does not have to be delayed until we are at home with Him, but that we can know Him now and have relationship with Him now.
We can come to our Father with boldness---that is not brashness---the Greek word used is parrhsiva. Listen to its definition, "freedom in speaking, unreservedness in speech; openly, frankly, i.e without concealment; free and fearless confidence, cheerful courage, boldness, assurance."
That's how we can talk with God...and when that kind of genuine conversation is taking place I can picture Jesus standing nearby smiling because He knows only because of His sacrifice that these words can transpire between child and Father.
It has been said that Christianity is not a religion, it is a relationship. Prayer is the way we enter into relationship with God...Jesus makes prayer possible for us at extreme cost. And yet, we so often ignore this amazing gift that comes with our salvation.
We have a Father who loves us, and desires to hear our voices --- let's lift them up to Him with all of our cares, concerns and praise!
...And tonight one thing I again bring to our Father is the request for rain for our severely dry and parched land.
Now the what -what is prayer?
In our reference text, Robert J. Morgan says,
How close is God to you? He is as close as your whispered voice acknowledging His presence. James 4:8 tells us, "Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you." God will not force Himself upon us, but at the moment of our acknowledgement of Him, He is there, ready to establish relationship with us.Prayer is approaching God. It is drawing near....The chief purpose of prayer is recognizing the nearness of our King.
Deuteronomy 4:7 tells us, "For what great nation is there that has a god near to it as the Lord our God is [to us] whenever we call to Him?"
I had never thought about the chef purpose of prayer being the recognition of God's closeness to me, but that does make sense to me now. God does not want us to think that He is distant and detached; much the opposite - He wants us to realize that He is available to us, that He is involved with us, and that relationship with Him does not have to be delayed until we are at home with Him, but that we can know Him now and have relationship with Him now.
We can come to our Father with boldness---that is not brashness---the Greek word used is parrhsiva. Listen to its definition, "freedom in speaking, unreservedness in speech; openly, frankly, i.e without concealment; free and fearless confidence, cheerful courage, boldness, assurance."
That's how we can talk with God...and when that kind of genuine conversation is taking place I can picture Jesus standing nearby smiling because He knows only because of His sacrifice that these words can transpire between child and Father.
It has been said that Christianity is not a religion, it is a relationship. Prayer is the way we enter into relationship with God...Jesus makes prayer possible for us at extreme cost. And yet, we so often ignore this amazing gift that comes with our salvation.
We have a Father who loves us, and desires to hear our voices --- let's lift them up to Him with all of our cares, concerns and praise!
1 comment:
It does make sense to me also that prayer, communication with God establishes a relationship with Him. We must acknowledge him if we speak to Him. We trust His Love and Glory does exists in our hearts as we speak to Him. He is with us as we lead our lives each day. All we must do, is stop and freely talk to Him. He watches over us as we encounter this world on earth. He is always there, waiting for us to come to him in prayer. Quiet meditation is how I like to listen for what God has to say to me.
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