Persistent in Prayer and Fervent in Faith
Good Morning Friends,
Today’s devotional teaches us through scripture and actions, the power of having a focus on what we desire and not be ashamed to ask for it, again and again and again. In marketing it is called the seven touches and it works. Knowing what to ask for is for is so important. And allowing the Holy Spirit to ask for us is important. These two considerations are more important than our education in human behavior. It is about redeeming the spiritual battleground and turning the physical place we live into more of a playground than a war zone…a place of joy. This is how our prayers can turn into actions that changes us even as it helps turn swords into plow shears. Yes today’s scripture from Luke comes just after Jesus has taught the Lord’s Prayer and is part of His training to us in our childishness to mature. Here we face the reality that this is serious business and not just repeating a phrase. It is becoming Persistent in Prayer and Fervent in Faith.
Scripture: And he said to them, ‘Suppose one of you has a friend, and you go to him at midnight and say to him, “Friend, lend me three loaves of bread;
for a friend of mine has arrived, and I have nothing to set before him.”
And he answers from within, “Do not bother me; the door has already been locked, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot get up and give you anything.” I tell you, even though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, at least because of his persistence he will get up and give him whatever he needs. ‘So I say to you, Ask, and it will be given to you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. Is there anyone among you who, if your child asks for a fish, will give a snake instead of a fish? Or if the child asks for an egg, will give a scorpion? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!’
Luke 11:5-13 (NRSV)
Therefore confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective.
James 5:16 (NRSV)
Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words.
Romans 8:26 (NRSV)
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his power. Put on the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For our struggle is not against enemies of blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to withstand on that evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand therefore, and fasten the belt of truth around your waist, and put on the breastplate of righteousness.
As shoes for your feet put on whatever will make you ready to proclaim the gospel of peace. With all of these, take the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray in the Spirit at all times in every prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert and always persevere in supplication for all the saints. Pray also for me, so that when I speak, a message may be given to me to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it boldly, as I must speak.
Ephesians 6:10-20 (NRSV)
Message: If we are not ashamed to keep on asking the Master, the power of the Holy Spirit will come and meet our deepest needs. Ok, sometimes we pray and nothing seems to happen. The problem is that we do not hold ourselves accountable. We are wimpy prayers. Scripture says that our prayers are to accomplish much. Unfortunately life is littered with way too many defeated Christians who never discovered how to stand strong against a broken and evil world, how to be properly equipped and more importantly how to pray and encourage others to pray for them as a fellowship of friends. As you study scripture and church history one thing is constant in the lives of God’s most effective Saints… it is prayer…persistent, fervent and faithful prayer. Prayer from the pulpit and the pew combined is what is needed… prayer for each other too. Friends, prayer is not the preparation for battle…it is at least at first the battle. Attitude here is important. To obtain deliverance here we must come out on God’s side in faith and obedience. Friends, know when to frolic and when to fight. Know you must be ready for both.
Pray in the Spirit that we are helped in a holy way to gain the emotional perspective and make right choices. Pray we adhere to what God requires. Pray we are more fervent in our prayers. Pray we are led to pray for things that align with God’s purposes. Pray a word picture of how to fight the good fight and to live a life necessary to win the spiritual war so the Gospel of Peace can permeate both people and place. Pray God brings victory. Pray God brings the good gifts. Pray we fight when the time is right to fight and frolic when the time is right to play. Pray we not make light of something serious but bring to light the hope of something better than battles. Pray we pray the Lord’s way. Pray we understand the call to action. Pray we not forget to enjoy the good gifts we have been given.
Blessings,
John Lawson
Daily Devotionals 