According to Christianity Today, the United Methodist Church's General Session this weekend will be determining the church's stance on LGBT/gender issues.  At stake are questions like whether to ordain LGBT ministers, whether to perform gay marriages, etc. (1)

The stakes are high in all of this, and there are believers on many sides in this issue.  Words like "love" and "grace" get tossed around a lot, with definitions being assumed and never really spelled out (if you don't spell it out, no one can challenge it).

What does God think of all this?  How would he have us pray in the midst of a divisive situation with very clear implications for how Scripture is interpreted and applied, and high stakes when it comes to conformity with the culture?

Most believers - on either side of the issue - will pray for particular outcomes.  They'll pray for this decision or that decision, convinced that their prayer is aligned with God's will (or perhaps not having thought about it from that viewpoint).  I personally feel very strongly on this one, so it's hard for me not to pray for an outcome.  But can we learn anything from Scripture about how to pray in ways that please God in situations like this, and others where the church must decide between accepting and conforming to culture on the one hand and sticking to tradition on the other?

"I hold this against you - you have forsaken the love you had at first." (Rev. 2:4)

The church needs to love people well - both people inside and outside the church.  But, as the Bride of Christ, the church's first love needs to be none less than her Groom.  In her desire to love people well, she has at times forgotten her first love, paying more attention to the opinions and interests of men than to the Word of God.

Jesus is described in Revelation 1:16 as one who has a sharp, double-edged sword coming out of his mouth.  The obvious reference here is to the Word of God, which is described in exactly this way in Hebrews 4:12: "For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart."

In fact, we know from John 1 that Jesus himself is the Word (John 1:1, 14).  So love for the Word of God is the same thing as love for Jesus.

The warning to the church at Ephesus was serious:  "Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place." (Rev. 2:5)  The danger to the church today is that she may be removed from her place if she does not repent and regain that first love.  We don't know exactly what this means, but we do know that one of the main challenges of Islam, for example, to Christianity is the relative lawlessness of Christians - we do not obey the word we claim to believe.

As we pray for the church today, then, one of our first concerns ought to be to pray that the church will remain true to her First Love; and where that love has been forgotten, that it will be regained.  Let's pray that our churches' leaders will be so filled with love for God that their times of decision and debate will be characterized by much prayer, by earnest seeking of God's will, and pleading for God's wisdom (James 1:6).  Let's pray for repentance where that's needed (without our necessarily having to be the judges of where it is needed).  Let's pray that God's Word will be given its (and His) rightful place in our churches, and that our leaders will themselves be led by the Word that is also Truth.

And as we pray, let's grow in the area of lifting up the questions to God and letting him be in charge of the answers.  I'm very tempted to pray for certain decisions to be made, for a specific direction to be set, etc.  In other words, I'm tempted to give God the answers and just ask him to "make it so".  But I'm trying to learn to hold my own "wisdom" lightly and to seek first of all his wisdom.  Only he can see all sides of issues as complex as the ones facing the United Methodist leadership this weekend.  So only his wisdom could possibly be sufficient.

---- 

(1) https://www.christianitytoday.com/news/2019/february/united-methodists-lgbt-vote-umc-general-conference-denomina.html?utm_source=ctweekly-html&utm_medium=Newsletter&utm_term=23466744&utm_content=636798186&utm_campaign=email, accessed on 02/24/2019.

Phil,
Is it a good idea to analyze or study one's own prayers to become more effective?
I have gotten different feedback from my Christian friends most of them negative.
From your point of view, Is this a worthy endeavor?"

It seems To Me . . .

• Evaluating your own prayers in order to congratulate yourself ("I give myself a 9 out of 10!") or to review and edit them so they sound eloquent or scholarly - not a good idea. We do not trust in our prayers. I disagree with the statement: "prayer works." Instead we trust in the God to whom we pray. Many religions pray but to whom are they praying? Many pagans "pray" longer or "better" than I do. Prayer doesn't work; the one to whom we pray, works. When we pray. Its a partnership.
• I do believe it is valuable to analyze your prayer habits and patterns as long as you use Scripture as the model. Study your praying to discern if you are praying correct theology. Analyze your prayers by comparing them to Daniel (chapter 9) and Paul (almost each of his epistles); certainly Jesus' teachings about prayer.
• For those who disagree, why is it a good idea to reimagine our worship ("sing a new song") or think differently about our evangelism methods but not a good idea when it comes to praying? The quest to pray like Jesus is a lifelong journey toward maturity that would greatly benefit from a review that refreshes our praying. Maybe the one who benefits most is God, as our silly repetitions or simplistic requests fade into a conversation that is birthed in the heart of our Father in heaven, discerned through the leading of the Holy Spirit, and empowered by the name of Jesus.
• One more comment. Maybe the question should be: "Is it wise to have others in the Body of Christ help me analyze my praying?" Corporate praying is a test of our personal prayer life (which, sadly, is why so many long-term Christians are silent in group prayer). If you are in a group with believers who truly trust in God, express their love for Jesus and are yielded to the Holy Spirit, then ask them "How can I improve my prayer life? What are my strengths? (in other words, what spiritual gifts flow out through your prayers; what fruit of the Spirit is most evident when you are praying?) What are my weaker habits? (you repeat "_____ _____" twenty times in every prayer)
• Start here:
  • Ask - the Lord to teach you to pray more fervently and effectively (James 5:16)
  • Seek - be still and listen for the leading of the Holy Spirit
  • Knock - when you are clear as to his leading, follow into scripture or a study guide or a conversation with someone who can mentor you in prayer

A Prayer for Hearing God's Voice

“The word of the Lord came to Elijah… “I will send rain upon the earth.” That was the foundation of that persistent praying and sevenfold watching on the mountaintop. First the ear heard, then the voice persistently claimed, and the eye expectantly looked. First the voice of God, then the voice of man. That is the true order. Tremendous results always follow that combination.” S. D. Gordon

In order to pray God’s will, it is crucial that we hear His voice clearly. We all know what it is like to talk with someone who never listens. It is terribly frustrating. Likewise, God wants us to learn to listen to Him. As we spend time before Him in quiet listening we are able to pray His will more fervently and with greater expectation, hitting the target effectively. When you give God time in listening prayer, He will direct your prayers strategically, even when you don’t realize it.

This 4 1/2 minute pray and teaching will help you to pray and hear God's voice. It is called: A Prayer for Hearing God's Voice. 

This is from the Intercessors Arise International School of Prayer. 

By Debbie Przybylski
Intercessors Arise International
International House of Prayer Kansas City (IHOPKC)
www.intercessorsarise.org

View Slideshow here!

Here’s a list of 3 lesser known facts about the Western Wall that will fill your heart with faith in its holiness and grandeur. This spiritual site is worshiped by many. You too can send prayers to the Western Wall and they will soon be answered.

• Nearest Site To The Holy Temple

          The Western Wall is a survivor of the destruction that was caused by the Romans to the Temple Mount in Jerusalem, in 70 CE. The Temple was the center of the spiritual world, the main channel for the flow of Godliness and the western wall is the nearest site to it.

• Immortal Symbol

          After the Temple's destruction, the sages blessed the Western Wall and said that the divine presence would never leave the Western Wall, and that the Wall will never be destroyed.

• Place of Pilgrimage & Heroism

          Solomon built the Holy Temple, and on the pilgrimage festivals, the entire Jewish nation gathered together three times each year. When the First and Second Temples were destroyed, during the Bar Kochba revolt, Israel's brave heroes fought for every stone of the Temple.

The Western Wall is a remarkable symbol of pilgrimage and heroism. You can too send a prayer to the Western Wall and feel the nearness to God.

If you aren't on my email list or a friend on Facebook, you wouldn't know that I have been posting a FREE series of prayer training videos online. In response to a comment last night, I posted the following manifesto on Facebook...
 

MY PRAYER MENTOR MANIFESTO--

For the life of me I can't find it, but on one of my video prayer posts someone commented, "Prayer is just talking to God. Don't over complicate it."
 
I absolutely agree that prayer can be just talking to God. So, why am I doing these videos? I have met many people (and I was definitely one of these people) who feel totally lost in just talking to God. Some don't know where to begin. Some don't know how to hear the other side of the conversation. Some are worried they aren't doing it right. Some wonder what to say and for fear of saying the wrong thing say nothing. Some are in A bad place with God.
 
For you beginner folks...
For you folks who are lost, I get it. And I am doing this for you (but not just you, others that I will mention in a minute as well) At one point, I was utterly lost about prayer and didn't know where to start. I was a high school kid with no one teaching me and limited role models. Laugh if you will, but I was so lost I looked up the Lord's Prayer in an encyclopedia (if you're to young to remember what one of those is you can read about it on wikipedia) and memorized the prayer. I didn't know what else to do. So, I am here for you to help you get started so you don't have to be as lost as I was.
 
For you folks who know what to do...
And then there's you folks who know what to do, but you're struggling to get it done. Been there, done that...err...didn't do it. Whatever. You get my drift. I am here for you too with strategies to help you make prayer the priority it should be. So God is that best friend your constantly spend time with rather than that best friend you regret not having seen in a while.  

For you folks who could have so much more...

And then there's you folks who are praying, but you are scratching the surface of the amazingly rich conversation and well-spring of life prayer can be. You drop into conversation with God fairly regularly, but not at a depth that's changing who you are and how you live in profound ways. It's not at a level where you have that peace that surpasses all understanding. I'll confess, I don't live in that space as much as I want, BUT I live in and experience it enough to have a handle on a number of best practices that can help it become more normative for you.  

From the deepest place in my heart...

So here I am to help. Yes prayer is just talking to God. But if it's a conversation that doesn't come easy for you, or you're neglecting it more than you like, or it's less than anything miraculous...then I am here, not to complicate, but to aid, enrichen and solidify the most amazing connection in life you can have.  

Peace and Christ's love to you all,

John Arnold The Practical Disciple  

p.s. You can get my free training and our conversation about prayer can start here...  

For the first time in almost 18 months, I’m leading a FREE 3-part prayer training series called, 'Surefire strategies to pray better and connect more deeply with God."

In the first video, I share a strategy that Jesus used in his prayer life that is seldom addressed--the use of  having distinct prayer spaces.  You get to see my three personal favorite prayer spaces and I'll share with you the unique role each one plays.  This strategy will keep you more consistent in prayer and help you more readily connect with God.

In the second video, I tackle the number one struggle people report to me, which is focus.  People are so busy and have been so conditioned by technology that being able to maintain focused thoughts during prayer has become almost impossible for many people.  In this video, I share some extremely quick and easy solutions for this epidemic problem.

Lastly, I just finished my third video and will be uploading it momentarily.  By the time you read this it will most likely be available as well.  In it I share my personal story of moving from learning to pray using an encyclopedia -- yes, you read that write "an encyclopedia -- to developing a very easy to follow system for evaluating and improving your prayer life called, "The Five Pillars of Life-Changing Prayer."  To get access to the entire series go to this link...

GET THE VIDEOS HERE:  Surefire strategies to pray better and connect more deeply with God.

These are strategies I have personally used and experienced the benefits of time and time again.  Don't take my word for it though.  Check them out.  I would love your feedback after you have had a chance to watch these videos.  I hope and pray that they are a significant blessing to you.

Peace,

John Arnold

The Practical Disciple

p.s. Warning: These aren't quick pithy videos.  Each one is about 25 to 30 minutes of solid practical training.

VERSE: Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus...(Romans 8:1)

PRAYER:
HEAVENLY FATHER, HERE WE STOOD, ACCUSED BY THE ACCUSER OF THE BRETHREN, FOUND GUILTY BY THE GOD OF HEAVEN AND DESTINED FOR DARKNESS FOREVER MORE, BUT YOU, YOU OH GOD, FATHER OF HEAVEN AND EARTH, STOOD IN THE GAP BECAUSE THERE WAS NO ONE ELSE, AND PAID THE ULTIMATE COST, AS THE PEARL OF GREAT PRICE POURED HIMSELF OUT FROM THE THRONE, THE ETERNAL THRONE TO BECOME A MAN.

THERE IS SOMETHING ABOUT THAT ABBA FATHER, WHICH WE COULD NEVER COMPREHEND, AT LEAST ON THIS SIDE OF HEAVEN- THE VERY FACT THAT HE WHO HELD THE WORLD ON ITS FOOTINGS, WHO SPOKE THE UNIVERSE INTO CREATION, WHO FORMED ADAM FROM THE DUST AND WALKED WITH ENOCH, ABRAHAM AND MOSES - HE WOULD BE BORN UNDER THE SAME LAW HE GAVE US, THEN LIVE WITH PURPOSE AND CLARITY UNDER IT, WHILE NOT VIOLATING ONE JOT OR TITTLE OF IT. WHAT MANNER OF GOD IS HE, THE ANCIENT OF DAYS, OH MERCIFUL FATHER? WHO IS THIS KING OF GLORY, THE LORD GOD ALMIGHTY? 

AND NOW,  BECAUSE HE GAVE HIS LIFE FREELY FOR OUR SAKE, FOR MY SAKE, I WORSHIP HIM IN SPIRIT AND IN TRUTH, FOR THIS IS WHAT THE FATHER IS LOOKING FOR IN THESE LAST DAYS. I ACCEPT THE FORGIVENESS HE OFFERS ME. I ACCEPT THE REMOVAL OF THE CHARGE OF GUILTY AND THE SENTENCE OF ETERNAL DEATH.  I ACCEPT THE REMOVAL OF ALL MY GUILTY STAINS AND SINS THAT ARE NOW AS FAR AS THE EAST IS FROM THE WEST. I NOT ONLY FREE ACCEPT THE OFFER OF THAT FORGIVENESS BUT RECEIVE IT INTO MY SPIRIT, KNOWING YOU HAVE REMOVED ME FROM THE MAJORITY OF THE CONDEMNED, YOU HAVE TAKEN ME FROM THE DOMINION OF DARKNESS INTO THE MARVELOUS LIGHT OF THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN. THIS IS NOT JUST A PIPE DREAM OR A PROMISE YOU HAVE MADE, HEAVENLY FATHER, BUT A REALITY I LIVE RIGHT NOW, THAT WE WHO ARE CALLED BY YOUR NAME AND HAVE BEEN ADOPTED AS SONS AND DAUGHTERS ARE CURRENTLY INTEGRATED INTO!

“It happened that while Jesus was praying in a certain place, after He had finished, one of His disciples said to Him, "Lord, teach us to pray just as John also taught his disciples." Luke 11:1 NASB

            Do we know how to pray as we ought? According to the bible we don’t. Since we don’t know how to pray as we should the Bible tells us that the Holy Spirit intercedes for us. The fact is, no one can teach us to pray but God. Others can give suggestions and advice, but no one can truly teach us to pray; except the one to which we pray.

            In this verse, we see one of the disciples first listening to Jesus pray. When Jesus finished praying it was as if the disciple came to Jesus and said, I want to pray like that, just like you did. I have been in the presence of some mighty men of God and stood in awe of their prayer. It was as if they were calling fire down from heaven. D.L. Moody gave testimony of traveling to England to visit with Charles Spurgeon. When Moody attended the Metropolitan Tabernacles service he said it wasn’t the heavenly choir that impressed him, nor was it Spurgeon’s masterful preaching, rather, he was impressed with the prayer.  Could you imaging being with Jesus while He prayed? These Jewish disciples of Jesus had no doubt been taught to pray from childhood. More than likely they prayed daily. However, they never prayed as Jesus prayed, but they wanted to.

            Jesus asked the disciples to do many tasks. He asks of us the same. The greatest of tasks is to go and preach the gospel to all creation. Of the many tasks Jesus asked of us we never find in scripture anyone asking Jesus how to do them. The only request of any sort is how to pray. The fact is, the tasks Jesus calls us to do are empowered by prayer. If we don’t pray we shouldn’t expect any power or provision.

            Yet, we so often do not know what to pray for. So, where do we start? Lord, teach is to pray. I don’t know how to pray as I should. Will You guide me? I have my own agenda and my own goals. Will you lead me to Yours? I am week and easily distracted. Will You keep me focused and on track. Prayer begins and ends with Jesus. Our level of dependency upon Him will determine the level of power in our prayer. We don’t put faith in our faith, nor do we put faith in prayer in and of itself; we put faith in Christ alone. For this reason, the beginning of all is, Lord, teach us to pray. Make that your daily prayer.

I pray for a list of extended family members each night after I lie down in bed. I have specific scriptures memorized that I pray over for some family members. I have prayed for some of the children on my list every day of their lives.  Of course I sometimes fall asleep before I finish the list. There are worse ways to go to sleep. And since I pray for them in a certain order, I am able to pick up the prayer in the morning as far as I remember praying the night before.

I have done this for years. So I don't remember how I came up with the order. To some extent, I think I developed the list simply by repetition. I do not know how long it takes me to get through the list. In fact, no two nights are quite the same.

I do this each night because of continuing needs in my family. My grandchild has a need this week. My nephew will probably face a crisis tomorrow. And several family members seem to have ongoing problems. But I suspect the primary benefit, like most prayer, is in what God does and will do in me. I believe going to sleep in prayer may help saturate every aspect of my life in the presence of God.

http://watchinginprayer.com/

http://davewatch.com/

 If your Grandchildren are going Back to School

This eBook will give you Effective Ways to Pray for them.

It’s the time of year our grandchildren are going back to school, some are excited to be back in school, and however, some are anxious because of the unknown.

The beginning of the school year can be a stressful experience for children from preschool thru college. New teachers and staff, new classmates, and unfamiliarity in a new school setting can leave children and youth vulnerable to all kinds of negative influences. At this crucial time for our nation, we can do nothing more important than pray.

Our grandchildren are growing up and being educated in a time of global uncertainty, with peer pressures and temptations that you probably never experienced as a youth. We as grandparents can help provide a hedge of protection for them, so they may be able to resist the temptations and deceptions they encounter, and experience, instead peace, joy, success and fullness of Jesus Christ in their lives.          

I would love to send you this free eBook to help you pray intentionally for your grandchildren as they go back to school. You just need to subscribe to receive my blogs on this website or if you are already a subscriber, send me a request for the Back to School eBook. lpenner@christiangrandparenting.net

There are only 17 more days until National Grandparents Day

Don’t forget to make National Grandparent’s Day

A Day of Prayer on September 7 as they go Back to School.

By Lillian Penner

National Prayer Coordinator

Christian Grandparenting Network

www.christiangrandparenting.net

lpenner@christiangrandparenting.net

Author of Grandparenting with a Purpose

Blogger://www.grandparentingwithapurpose.com

Twitter: Penner@grandparentpray

https://www.facebook.com/GrandparentingWithAPurpose

“To be individually righteous is the first of all duties, come what may to one’s self, to one’s country, to society, and to civilization itself.” (Joseph Krutch, 1964)

“If you don’t mind my saying so” people state before voicing their opinions. But the following thoughts are not merely my opinions—they are convictions based on the Scriptures.

Believers in Jesus Christ are different from infidels. Forgiven by heaven’s flawless Lamb, belonging to God in a personal way, they are compelled to live with moral excellence.The middle cross eternally separates repentance from derision, faith from skepticism, and paradise from perdition.

Believers in Jesus Christ are distinguished by humility. “Movers and shakers” have no time to listen to God’s Word and no inclination to live His way. But followers of Christ reverence Him and attempt to emulate His humble lifestyle.

Believers in Jesus Christ are characterized by integrity. Inspired by grace, they run from pleasures others run to. Taught by faith, they anticipate Christ’s coronation as Monarch of the universe. Charmed by holiness, they cry their heart out over wrongs committed. Humbled by God’s power, they lean on His everlasting arms. Instructed by experience, they seek to honor the Lord. Trained to think like Christ, they live in tension with society’s perverted values. Juxtaposed by darkness, they sparkle like a diamond on black velvet.

Believers in Jesus Christ sing a different melody. With Jesus topping their charts, they credit Him with strength to persevere and rehearse heaven’s theme song of victory.

Believers in Jesus Christ live with hope. In contrast to the despairing world, they detect the first gleam of a sunrise of hope. Hearing echoes of the New World Symphony, they feel the Spirit Wind unfurling new Jerusalem’s flag. Celebrating the future’s faint overture, they are beginning to learn how to dance for joy.

Everything about Christians is different because of Christ.

I am deeply concerned about the future of America and the world; but whatever happens to me, my country, or civilization, I want to always be true to Jesus Christ.

“Then you will know that the Lord makes a distinction between the Egyptians and the Israelites.” (Exodus 11:7 NLT)

Johnny R. Almond

Christian preacher and writer

Author, Gentle Whispers from Eternity

[This devotion based on Day 44 of Gentle Whispers from Eternity]

Gentle Whispers From Eternity-Scripture Personalized available from Amazon.com

“How are you doing today?” That’s the question I’ve often asked people over the years.

But I’ve concluded that this is probably the wrong question. I’m thinking of trying out a new query for the people I encounter:

“How’s your TRAJECTORY today?”

This is a much better question, isn’t it? Although I hope you’re having a good day, it’s much more important that the overall trajectory of your life is upward.

Perhaps your finances aren’t great today, but hopefully they are better than they used to be. You may not be in perfect health, but I pray you’re keeping those New Year’s Resolutions to make your health better than last year.

And the real question about your marriage or your relationships with your kids is not how they’re doing right now. Instead, the question is whether you are sowing positive seeds today for a better trajectory tomorrow. 

How long has it been since you’ve applied the trajectory question to the various facets of your life? Maybe it’s time to ask whether your employer’s cash flow is on a sustainable path. Or perhaps you have to face the question of whether your church is on an upward trajectory, stuck on a plateau, or declining—with everyone just getting old and dying off.

Trajectory is a Biblical concept, after all. The pathway of a righteous person is supposed to shine “ever brighter” (Proverbs 4:18). As we grow in our relationship with the Lord, our spiritual trajectory should be a transformation from one degree of glory to another (2 Corinthians 3:18). And since our destiny is to become like Jesus, we should show evidence of becoming more like Him every day (Romans 8:29, 1 John 3:2-3, 2 Peter 1:5-8).

Perhaps you’ve experienced times of failure in the past, but you can’t allow that to determine your trajectory today. And no matter how things are going at the moment, remember that you are called “UPWARD” (Philippians 3:13-14).

If you’re not happy with your life’s trajectory today, there’s good news. We serve the God of resurrection and new beginnings. He can take a tailspin and turn it around.

But the trajectory question is a reality check. You can’t keep doing the same things and expect different results. 

"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full" John 10:10

Most people said that a blessing life means if they have money , living at luxurious house or apartment, having expensive car, etc. But in the above verse said that the blessing life (full life) only come from our Jesus Christ. But sometimes we consider that the blessing life as Jesus mention above only will happened after we are in heaven not now. Is it ? If we carefully read above verse we can see that Jesus came to the world so whoever believe Him , admit and receive Him as their savior so at that moment they have life and have it to the full. Meaning that blessing life start now while we still in the earth (of course once we have Jesus in our life).

So what Jesus means with a blessing life ? If we see the Jesus example while He live in the earth, Did He a rich man ? He born at animal cage. And also He hasn't had His own house. So if we said a blessing life means have a lot of money, expensive house etc but Jesus didn't give this example during He live on the earth. So we can conclude that a blessing life that Jesus means not related to having a lot of money or luxurious things !

So how we have a blessing life as Jesus means ? 

"We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body." 2 Corinthians 4 : 10.

From above verse that we have always carry around in our body the death of Jesus so if our earthly desire died then Jesus character will arise live in our life.

So meaning that all of our sinful behavior have to become death so Jesus can arise live in our life.

 So the key to have a blessing life means we have to carry around in our body the death of Jesus. Can we do that ? Of we course we can if Jesus live in us not ourselves.

So our pray is always give thanks to Jesus for every things happened in our life whether they are good or bad cause God work in every things in our life for our good purpose.

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28

Dear Fellow Prayer Leader,

Dr. Rick Shepherd, the SBC Director of Prayer and Spiritual Awakening for the state of Florida, is offering resources being used in his state to call Christians to pray for God's honor, for neighbors, and for our nation this fall. The resources include a calendar document with prayer prompts for September 16 - November 10, a leader's notes document, and a sample pastor's letter to a congregation. Rick is offering these for your use in your sphere of influence as you see fit. His contact info is in the content if you have any specific questions for him.

There are many calls to prayer this fall and many tools available, this call to prayer deserves a look.

For God's glory,

Elaine Helms

2012.PRAYER%20CALENDAR.56%20Days%20of%20Praying.For%20His%20Name%20color.docx

2012.PrayerCalendar.56%20Days%20of%20Praying.LEADERs%20NOTES.docx

2012.PrayerCalendar.PASTOR.Letter.August%201.Packet.docx

Today, I am going to write the first of a series of devotional thoughts about Psalm 13. In this psalm there can be found a desperate man, David, calling out to God with all that he had.
First, a little background. It is likely that David wrote this psalm/song/prayer while being pursued by Saul in the mountains. This prayer was used by the Israelite's (and us) to ask for help in the face of long term struggles, illness, persecution, poverty, etc.
One of the keys to this psalm is found in the first two verses where David asks the same question four times. "How long?" I know for sure that we have all asked that question many times. In this prayer David is weeping in grief. These four questions form the basis for the devotional today.

1. How long will you forget me, Lord? Will it be forever?! This is a question that people of all eras of history have asked. But just like us they expected God to give them a microwave answer. They wanted an instant solution. Sometimes God says wait awhile because He wants us to learn something.

2. How long will you hide from me? In the heat of the battle we all wonder where God is. He is not absent as we suppose. He is busy working out all things for our good. 

3. How long must I worry and feel sad in my heart all day long? This is another ageless question. Every person has asked this question. The answer is not an easy one, but a clue is found at the end of Matthew 6. Jesus says each day has enough trouble of it's own. He says to concentrate on today and to do all you can to make things right and then trust Him for the rest. In other words the worries for tomorrow should be left to Him.

4. How long will my enemy win over me? Yikes, that is close isn't it? It seems that everybody has had someone taunt, bully, discourage us by attacking us physically, verbally or emotionally. 

These four questions come from the depths of our souls and deserve an answer. In the next day or two you can read here what has been learned.

But for today, know this: It is alright to ask God these tough questions. He is not bothered by honest and brutal questions. He doesn't remove His love from us because we question Him. In fact, He uses these times of questioning to build us up for His purposes. Because He works all things together for His purposes.

A simple prayer: Oh Lord, I need relief. I trust in You for that relief. I am waiting patiently (sort of) for Your answer and teaching.

Christians Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem

 

JERUSALEM, Israel -- Millions of Christians around the world joined the Global Day of Prayer for the Peace of Jerusalem on Sunday.  
 
Hundreds of Christians in Jerusalem joined participants from 175 nations and more than 300,000 churches for this year's event.

"This is the Day for Prayer for the Peace of Jerusalem," Rev. Dr. Robert Stearns, with Eagles' Wings, told the crowd that gathered on the Haas Promenade overlooking Jerusalem.

The inspiration comes from Psalm 122:6, which says to "pray for the peace of Jerusalem. They shall prosper who love you."

Organizers say the event is the largest Jerusalem-focused prayer initiative in the world.

 Prayer is Urgent

Stearns told CBN News that prayer is especially important now because of growing tension between Israel and its neighbors and enemies.

 
"Right now I believe it's vital for Christians to pray for truth to come to the forefront. The amount of lies that so surround these issues with Israel and the Middle East -- incredible amounts of media distortion, are all over the place," Stearns said.

"We've got to pray to for truth and discernment, and that's why I encourage people to become educated on these issues," he said.

Knesset Member Gila Gamliel, deputy chair for the Knesset Christian Allies Caucus, said she came to bless the Christians.

"This support brings us -- as the leaders of Israel -- to feel we are not alone. We have a lot of support from all over the world," Gamliel said.

"I want to thank all of them about all their support and prayer, and this is why we are very strong here in Israel to stand very strong about keeping Jerusalem united forever," Gamliel told CBN News.
 
Columnist Michael Freund, director of Shavei Israel, said it's very moving to see such strong solidarity with Christians around the world.
 
"We know that Jewish-Christian relations over the past 2,000 years have had some very rough spots. So to be standing here now and to see Christians praying for the Jewish state, for the capital of the Jewish state, is something historical," Freund told CBN News.

"And this country, my country, my people, we face some very difficult challenges," he said.

"And all of us who love Israel and support Israel, now is the time to turn to the Creator and to plead with Him to have mercy on His people Israel," he said.

Committed to Pray

Christians also told CBN News of their commitment to pray for Jerusalem and the Jewish people.
 
Lotof Jammal is one of the directors of Christian Union in the Holy Land, a ministry that is working to unite local Arab Christians here.
 
"I am here to pray for the peace of Jerusalem as an Arab Christian in Israel. We want peace in the city, in the holy city that's for Christians of course," Jammal said.

Dr. Bambang Susanto co-pastors the World Transformation Church near Jakarta, Indonesia. The country has no diplomatic relations with Israel, yet every year tens of thousands of Indonesian Christians visit.

"Every year we come here from Indonesia and we pray and we bless Israel because [it] particularly state[s] in the Bible that those who bless Israel will be blessed," Susanto said.

Rev. David Pileggi, rector of Christ Church in Jerusalem's Old City, said God loves the Jewish people so Christians should, too.

"I'm here today basically because I'm a firm believer in what Paul says in Romans chapter 11. In that chapter Paul says God loves the Jewish people for the sake of the patriarchs," Pileggi said.

"And if God loves the Jewish people, I think we, as Christians, need to love the Jewish people as well," he continued.

"And probably one of the most important things we can do for the Jewish people and one of the most practical things we can do is pray," he added.

Fulfilling Prophecy

Stearns said the way the world looks at Jerusalem every day is almost lifted from the pages of scripture.

"The most significant thing we look at is that the prophetic scriptures regarding Jerusalem, which wouldn't even have made sense 100 years ago, 150 years ago," Stearns said. "I mean Jerusalem was hardly a topic of conversation among the nations of the world [then]."

Stearns said it was almost a forgotten city except among Jewish people who prayed every year to return to it.
  
"Now you can't build an apartment building in Jerusalem without having it be a global controversy," he added.

"I certainly believe we're living in prophetic times," Stearns said. "Surely part of what God is saying to the Church today in the world has to do with the city of Jerusalem." 

Bob Sjogren is a long time friend of mine who is well known in mission circles for his training on the Biblical Basis for Mission, or the Missionary Basis of the Bible. His book Unveiled at Last probably best capsulizes that particular training and I'll guarantee you won't regret getting and reading it. Additionally, his seminar, Cat & Dog Theology (and book by the same title) will rock your world as you discover how you are often more like a cat than a dog in how you relate to God -  and that's not a compliment (sorry cat lovers!).

    So where does Prayer to Go come in? Well, Bob has also created a excellent web site with free prayer training mp3s in various categories for both young and old. Check it out here and take a spin around the site and to see for yourself how this tool has considerable potential to jump start you into a life of prayer. It's like having a prayer mentor on your mp3 player.

    If you try it and actually take it to heart and put it into practice, please come back and let us know the benefit it has been to you ... and beyond you, through your prayers ... or how it might be improved or used in a different way that is already recommended. Finally, let Bob know as well and pray about partnering with him in the spread of Prayer to Go.

Blessings!

Dave Imboden

James 4:8 "Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands you sinners; and purify your hearts you double-minded." (NASB)

My dear friend, Dr. Ralph I. Tilley just published a book entitled "Thirsting for God" on page 67 he wrote "Come Near to God" He used Hebrews 10:19-22 and then wrote the following poem:

"Come near to God,

How can that be?

I've sinned,

the Law I've broken--

there's no hope for me.

Come near to God,

The way is now open:

Jesus has died,

the Lord crucified--

the veil has been torn.

Come near to God.

With a heart sincere,

Faith fully assured

and heart made clean--

the conscience now clear.

Come near to God.

Your Priest intercedes,

Your Father's arms open,

Your need brings you near--

The Spirit with you pleads."

Thank you Father for the gifts that You give us that draw us near to You. Thank you for drawing near to us. Though in and of our selves we don't deserve the nearness to You, Your Son, our Savior made a way! Praise be to God!