Lord, teach us to pray (Part XI)
Posted By admin1 on January 30, 2009
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you (St. Matthew 6:33).
Prayer allows us to hear from the Lord and to be led by Him. Prayer can open the good doors and close evil doors. Therefore to have a good ending in our affairs, we need to have a good start, and that begins with God. We must learn to invite God early in our affairs before we even begin executing our plans. Often, like King Saul we only think of God when our plans go wrong (I Samuel 13: 6-12).
When Abraham’s servant was sent to look for a wife for his master’s son Isaac, he began his plans by praying first. The mission he was sent for became successful because of prayer (Genesis 24:12-28). We too, our lives would be spiritually fulfilling if we walk with the Lord, and allow ourselves to be led by God, not leaning on our own understanding (Proverbs 3: 5).
David although a seasoned war veteran, always inquired of the Lord before going to war, ” Therefore David inquired of the Lord, saying, Shall I go and smite these Philistines? And the Lord said unto David, Go, and smite the Philistines, and save Keilah” (I Samuel 23:2). He went nowhere unless he heard from the Lord.
Jesus taught us that men ought always to pray,and not to faint (St. Luke 18:1). Jesus although the Son of God, although spiritually equipped than ordinary men to fight the devil, yet he began his earthly ministry by praying and fasting for forty days and forty nights (St. Matthew 4: 1-11). He also prayed before his death and suffering (St. Matthew 26: 36-44).
Praying before embarking on our plans, mission and goals is important. Thereby we are equipped to handle both the good and the bad, that life may give us. It is not always that life brings us good things. Prayer will sustain our strength as we go through our trials and tribulations. A good beginning is the one which involves God. So also is a good ending, it must involve God as well.
Like Moses led the Children of Israel leaning on the Lord and seeking God’s guidance we too must seek the Lord first in whatever we do “And he said unto him, If thy presence go not with me, carry us not up hence” (Exodus 33:15). When we put God first in our lives, all other things will follow: But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you (St. Luke 12:31).
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All Hail! I would like to comment on the website.
Thank very much for coming up with such a great idea. I think the information is sufficient although I feel it could be expanded.
I am very blessed of this church and this is a mile stone for her.
Peace
TS
God is great and with we have, He is going to answer our prayers but we need
to invite Him first in our plans ask for His guidance too. I wish God to
answer prayers of all the Saint during this time.