Study 1

Posted on May 9, 2018 by Don Merritt

The Spiritual Practice of Study goes back several thousand years and thus it shouldn’t seem like a new idea to anyone. It can take many forms and can be both an individual and group practice, yet for our purposes in this survey, I will approach the individual side of study rather than the group application. As an individual practice, study is most often approached on a more or less academic basis by most people, and for good reason. Who can argue with the assertion that it is essential for us to have a good foundation in Scriptural understanding?

There is, however, a potential danger to this approach, for most of us, in seeking to gain a fundamental understanding of the Scriptures, don’t consult the Scriptures, but instead, consult other works about the Scriptures. As a result, we learn theological doctrine, and only then open the Scriptures to find passages that confirm the teachings we have learned, usually to the exclusion of passages that may contract those teachings.

There is no substitute for reading the Word of God directly.

If you are new to Bible study, it may seem a daunting task at first, but I can assure you that it is not as difficult as it may seem when you begin; here are a few things you should know from the outset.

First, the Scriptures are the written record of God’s revelation of Himself to Mankind. Did you catch that? The written record of God’s revelation of Himself to Mankind.

Second, the Bible is a published volume containing the Scriptures; the terms are similar, but not the same.

Third, when you see the word “version” in the name of a Bible, it means “translation”. They are not different collections of the Scriptures, they are different translations of the same Scriptures from their original Hebrew and Greek texts into English… or whichever language you prefer. Thus, when you see for instance the “King James Version” (KJV) or “New International Version” (NIV) they refer to two different translations, one done in 1611 at the command of King James of England and Scotland, and the other done in the late 20th and again in the early 21st centuries. These are only two popular examples, there are many, many others. Normally, I use the NIV here on the blog, although I use several translations in my own study, as well as the original languages, including the KJV. Usually, I don’t teach in King James, however, because it is written in the language of Shakespeare, which few us understand well today.

Fourth, the Scriptures, also called the Word of God, are not like other writings. The Word of God is much more than a collection of old stories, ethical passages, rules and teachings, for the Word is alive and is one and inseparable from the Person of Jesus Christ. While knowing the facts is a very good thing, coming face-to-face with Jesus Christ is the main thing, and should be the goal for any study of Scripture.

Fourth, since getting into God’s Word is the main thing, if you aren’t sure where to start, read a chapter a day. Take your time, this isn’t a race. Start with Matthew, the first book of the New Testament. Before you begin, ask God to guide you, to open the Scriptures to you, to reveal Himself to you and then read slowly.

We are all busy people, but over many years, I have noticed something about busy people: They find time for the things they really want to do, so you can find the time to read God’s Word, and if you can’t find the time, then you can always make the time if you want to; simply schedule it as a daily “to do”. I’m confident that in time, like me, you’ll be glad you did it.

Next time, we’ll take a different look at the practice of study; see you then!

Posted in Bible, Christian Life | Tagged , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

An Appeal for Open Hearts

Posted on May 9, 2018 by Don Merritt

2 Corinthians 6:3-13

As Paul continues his defense of his apostolic ministry, he moves from the discussion of the ministry of reconciliation, to which we have all been called, into a discussion of faithfulness through hardships. He begins with a double negative, depending on your point of view, it could even be taken as a triple negative:

We put no stumbling block in anyone’s path, so that our ministry will not be discredited.

Strictly speaking, a double negative isn’t the clearest way to communicate one’s thoughts; they lead to confusion. It would have been clearer if Paul had simply said, “We have done nothing to discredit our ministry”. In any case, that is precisely the point he is making in this passage. At first glance we might get the impression that Paul is complaining a bit; there’s a note of unfairness on display here. Yet I don’t think that was his intention; I certainly hope not, for that would surely undo his point. Instead, I see a little shaming here− take a close look at this:

He begins with … Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses then in verse 5 he cites 6 hardships:  in beatings, imprisonments and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger. He follows these 6 hardships with his responses to them in 6-7: in purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love;  in truthful speech and in the power of God; with weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left;” notice the contrast between his hardship and his attitude through the experiences.

Then he continues by citing his experiences in contrast with his condition:

through glory and dishonor, bad report and good report; genuine, yet regarded as impostors; known, yet regarded as unknown; dying, and yet we live on; beaten, and yet not killed;  sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything. (6:8-10)

Finally, in 6:11-13 he brings the discussion home to the Corinthians:

We have spoken freely to you, Corinthians, and opened wide our hearts to you. We are not withholding our affection from you, but you are withholding yours from us. As a fair exchange—I speak as to my children—open wide your hearts also.

Looking at this passage in its entirety, it’s fair to conclude that Paul is lodging a complaint. He has served the Corinthians faithfully and lovingly, yet they haven’t always been fair with him in return. They have listened to those who would lie about him, they have been eager to find fault with him and though he has been faithful in his service to them, they have not been faithful in return. Yet there isn’t an accusatory tone in what Paul has presented here, for you see, Paul has given us an example of resolving personal disputes in love.

Yes, he has mentioned the facts of the situation, but in doing so, his tone has been one of conciliation, not condemnation. I think we can learn from this, don’t you?

Posted in Bible, Christian Life | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

Prayer 4

Posted on May 8, 2018 by Don Merritt

As we continue our look at the Classical Spiritual Practice of prayer, I’d like to offer another approach to prayer which is both classic, and potentially controversial. The controversy comes into play when people insist that a more formal approach to prayer, like we discussed in “Prayer 3” is the only proper way to pray.

As I’ve mentioned before, God relates to each of us a little differently, and this is nothing that should come as a shock to anyone. God knows us and how to relate to each of us; He created us.  As for me, I think that both approaches are not only valid, but that they enhance each other and deepen my relationship with our Lord when used together. Is my opinion right or wrong? I don’t know, but it works for me. Will it work for you too? I don’t see why it wouldn’t, but the only way for you to find out is to give both a try.

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

What is God’s will for us? Where can we find joy? Is it God’s will that we find joy? What should we pray about?

All these questions are answered in the three short verses above.  God’s will for us is that we be joyful, that we pray continually, and that we give thanks in all circumstances.

I don’t know about you, but this seems rather simple to me. Why do so many people say that it is so hard?

When we pray, whose presence are we in?  God’s of course.

How easy is it to slip back into the old ways when we are in His presence?  Not very, for we are centering on our relationship with Him.  We fall backwards when we are looking away from Him, isn’t that right? So, maybe the key is to do what Paul said, and pray continually!

But how?  We have families, chores, jobs, school… The answer is so easy and so obvious that most of us miss it; just talk to Him.

Yes, that’s right, just talk to Him!!!

Talk to the Lord all the time.  Start when you wake up, “Good morning, Lord, thanks for a new day.”  Was that difficult?  Then, as you get ready, keep talking to Him about your day, about the things on your mind, about how much you love Him, and how thankful you are for all that He has done in your life, and the lives of those around you.  Talk to Him about how much you want to serve Him today, and that you want to serve Him today because you love Him.  Talk to Him on your way out the door, on the bus, in traffic, at your work station.  Talk to Him about your work and how you want to do the very best you can so that that He can be glorified… because of how much you love Him.  Talk to Him at lunch, on your way home, in the kitchen, at the dinner table…

Develop the habit of talking to God.  Approach this not in fear and trembling, but as though you are with your very best friend in all the world… because you are!  He is the friend that you can say everything to, your fears, your sins, your mistakes… He knows about them anyway, so why not get these things off your chest? You see, we don’t need any formal written prayers, that are of dubious value anyway, for this isn’t a corporate or ceremonial thing.  It’s just you and the Lord.  Nobody needs to know, except for the Lord… but soon, everybody will see the difference it makes in who you are and how you behave.  They will see your joy, your inner peace and your new inner strength.  Your whole outlook on life will change as you make this practice a part of who you are in Christ.

None of this means that you might not have a more formal time set aside for prayer and reflection; this will enhance it.  This does not mean that you don’t study the Word; it will enhance your study. This does not mean that you skip church; it will enhance church.

Some of you will note that I’m not saying anything that hasn’t been said before by others, and that is true.  This practice of continual prayer is as old as the Scriptures, and over the centuries many have written about it, including Brother Lawrence in the classic “The Practice of the Presence of God.”  You need not take my word for it, you can get that on the internet for free.

Or, you can just start talking to God right now.  Tell Him how much you love Him in your own simple words, in your own heartfelt way.

Here’s a suggestion: Set aside a regular time for prayer every day. For most people, first thing in the morning is best. If you are concerned that you will run out of time before work or school, get up earlier. I am up by 4 am most days, and although this used to be difficult, now that I’m used to it, the pre-dawn is my favorite time of day. Try the method I set out in “Prayer 3”. You can be formal or informal, whichever works best for you. Then, talk with God as much as you can for the rest of your day; you see, these two approaches to prayer are not mutually exclusive.

In our next get together on spiritual practices, let’s move into another one, Study. As we look at study, I’ll show you where prayer and study can intersect which is one of the most powerful spiritual practices there is. See you then.

Posted in Bible | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Ministers of Reconciliation

Posted on May 8, 2018 by Don Merritt

2 Corinthians 5:11-6:2

Paul moves into this topic by referring to his critics who apparently have claimed that he was out of his mind for believing that Christ died for our sins and then rose again from the dead. Come to think of it, nothing much has changed; people today say that we are “deluded” in our beliefs along these lines. Yet for Paul, and hopefully for us as well, it was a great deal more than just a belief in Christ, for that belief brings with it far reaching implications:

For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again. (5:14-15)

We don’t simply believe the historical fact that Jesus died for our sins on the cross, was buried, and then rose again from the dead; now, what’s for lunch? Instead, when we accept this set of facts, we are compelled by His great demonstration of love for us, to make changes in our lives, not because He forces us to, but because we want to. When this transformation takes hold, people say we’re crazy. Paul sums up the changes this way:

So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! (5:16-17)

In verses 18-19 Paul restates his message of Christ’s ministry on the cross and its result, and then says…

We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. (5:20-21)

As followers of Jesus Christ, we are His ambassadors in this world, which is no longer our home; everything has changed. God is making His great appeal to all humanity to be reconciled to Him through Christ, and His great appeal is being made through us. Just think for a moment, God’s eternal plan to redeem humanity, the plan that was hidden for ages is now underway. We have been reconciled to Him, and now we have a part to play in achieving God’s ultimate purpose, which is that we would not keep His grace only for ourselves, but that we would share it with everyone we come into contact with, and by putting His grace into practice, we would become His righteousness in a world where true righteousness is in short supply. Notice that this righteousness is not about keeping rules, but instead, is all about sharing God’s love.

With a message like this, we are faced with a question: What will I do today to bring His message of reconciliation to someone who needs it?

Posted in Bible | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 10 Comments

TLP Living: 5/7/18

Posted on May 7, 2018 by Don Merritt

The Glory of Spring

This little photo essay first ran here six years ago, back when nobody really stopped by to see it. Considering its content, I thought I’d resurrect it from the archive today; it just seems the perfect post for today, I hope you like it.

I went out the other day and took some pictures in the yard with spring raging all over and I’ll share some of them with you today…

The trees are going crazy, life is popping up… some of it is the kind that has to be pulled pretty quick, but all in all it’s a wonderful thing.

Brick sidewalks over a hundred years old can be a lot of work; they do look nice afterwards…

The house across the street where the famous gangster used to live (this is Illinois after all) is getting with the program too

… and of course my house, where another famous gangster used to live, is set off with new life.

Thank you, Lord for the glory of this spring.  It fills our hearts with joy and hope and it declares you to all Mankind.  We can see you at work all around us, we give you praise for your handiwork…

…and we thank you for your provision in every aspect of our lives.

Posted in Christian Life | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 10 Comments

TLP Inspiration: 5/7/18

Posted on May 7, 2018 by Don Merritt

Those Who Have Gone Before Us

Good morning from the Heartland.

As I begin to write in the pre-dawn hours of this new day, for some reason my thoughts are moving back in time to those who have gone befre. It sure is easy to think that nobody has ever lived through the trials and tribulations that we go through, and yet many have done so.  Sometimes we might think that our modern age is so vastly different that we are breaking new ground every minute… but we aren’t really.

The modern life that we lead in the early 21st century is different in some ways though…  Well, we are using computers aren’t we?

The challenges of every day aren’t really much different from what they were in the 19th century, except maybe for the speed of things.  We worry about our families, making ends meet, keeping our jobs, educating our kids and keeping them out of trouble…  so did they.

We deal with a culture that sometimes acts as if Christians came down from Mars… so did they.

We sometimes wonder about where our lives are headed… so did they.

That’s an important thing to bear in mind; we really aren’t that much different from people of the past.  People in earlier times faced the challenges of their lives and times and came through it all.  They succeeded in one great, awesome and magnificent accomplishment: They passed the Gospel of Jesus Christ on to the next generation so that you and I could have its blessings in our lives today, and in this we own those who have gone before us a great debt of gratitude.

In this light, we must always remember that it is up to us, the Body of Christ in the second decade of the 21st century to ensure that we hand down to the next generation the love and sustenance of our relationships with Jesus Christ.

May we honor those who have gone on before as we lift up the Name that is above all names!

Posted in Christian Life | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Sunday Sermon Notes: May 6, 2018

Posted on May 6, 2018 by Don Merritt

Title: A Part, Many Parts and the Whole

Text: 1 Corinthians 12

  1. Introduction 12:1-3
  2. Many Gifts, One Spirit 12:4-6
  3. There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them.There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord.  There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work. (12:4-6)
  4. Many Manifestations of the Same Spirit 12:7-11
  5. Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.
  6. It takes many body parts to make one living body. 12:12-26

Using the human body as a metaphor, Paul describes how the manifestations of the Holy Spirit work together in His people to bring about a living organism; the Body of Christ.

  1. Every member of the Body of Christ is important, needed and inter-dependent. 12:27-31
  2. Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.And God has placed in the church first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, of helping, of guidance, and of different kinds of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? Now eagerly desire the greater gifts.

And yet I will show you the most excellent way.

  1. Love is the ingredient that binds us all together in One Body. 1 Corinthians 13:1-13

If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing. (13:1-3)

Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears. (13:8-10)

Posted in Sunday Class Notes | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

TLP Op-Ed: 5/5/18

Posted on May 5, 2018 by Don Merritt

A Time of Hope and Optimism?

If we pick up a newspaper or turn on a cable news channel, it might not occur to us that we are living in optimistic times. This might be caused by the fact that for the most part, no one is optimistic about the future; why should we be?

Our news coverage is all about scandal, investigations and Stormy Daniels. Isn’t there anything good going on?

Democrats, who simply can’t help but take control of Congress in November, are talking about Impeachment: Trump = Bad. Why shouldn’t they? Nobody likes Trump, his job approval is hovering around what… 20 %?

The whole world hates us, yep, that’s what we hear; we’re a laughing stock.

The economy is terrible, Trump’s ruined it entirely, just as we knew he would. We are on the brink of several wars from the Middle East to North Korea, and the Russians have made Trump their little puppet.

Maybe I sound a little over the top, but I just spent an hour watching CNN.

Let’s stop and think for a moment…

When was the last time you saw one of those ISIS videos where they were murdering somebody? When was the last time you heard about ISIS capturing a town somewhere? What happened to North Korean missiles flying off in the direction of Japan or somewhere else?  How is the economy really doing? How high as the unemployment rate climbed? How is consumer confidence doing?

Let’s start with the job approval: Although I am no fan of Mr. Trump, the truth is that Mr. Trump’s job approval has never been so high as it is right now at 51% according to the newest Rasmussen Poll.

ISIS has been largely destroyed over the past year, although there are still sleeper units in various places. As for North Korea, a date and location has been set for a summit between Mr. Trump and Mr. Kim within the next few weeks. It may lead to a final solution to the Korean War, or it may not, but Mr. Trump has gone further than anyone ever has to resolve the problem.

The unemployment rate has dropped to a historic peacetime low, seldom seen before as consumer confidence remains very high: That’s right, the “new normals” of the previous Administration are gone.

And finally, as for the endless investigations… Mr. Mueller had a rough day in Federal Court yesterday before a Federal Judge who may not be willing to buy his contention that a Special Prosecutor can run roughshod over everyone in a desperate bid to find something, anything, to accuse a sitting president of. A little advice for Mr. Mueller: Sir, if you have any evidence of collusion between Trump and/or his campaign with the Russians, this might be a good time for one of your little minions to leak it. Come on now sir, you haven’t had any problems leaking things that would be politically embarrassing to the President, show us the evidence which thus far at least, no one on planet earth has seen.

I don’t even want to get into the Stormy Daniels thing, except to say… “Seriously?”

It isn’t easy, in these crazy and toxic times, to sit back and look at the state of things, but if we do we will see that things really aren’t bad. In fact, if anyone other than Donald Trump was in the White House, they would have approval ratings that were through the roof, and we’d be looking at ways to add them to Mount Rushmore; but then, no other president has such an undisciplined mouth and… a Twitter account.

Well… I think I’ve irritated everyone equally, my job here is done for today. Have a great weekend everybody!

Posted in TLP Op-Ed | Tagged , , , | 13 Comments

TLP Inspiration: May 5, 2018

Posted on May 5, 2018 by Don Merritt

The Heartland Awakens

As I sit here this morning in the pre-dawn stillness, all around me America’s Heartland is re-awakening from winter’s long slumber. Gone are the seemingly endless snows of April, gone too, at least for now, are the high temperatures in the 40’s and low 50’s. Over the past several days, they have been replaced with 70’s and 80’s, and while we will probably see a counter attack of cooler temperatures before summer takes hold completely, the warmth is certainly nice to have.

The Great Plains are in the process of being transformed now, fields are being plowed and made ready for spring planting, the daffodils are up, the trees are budding, the lawns have turned from brown to green almost overnight, and the shrubs are suddenly bursting with color to the delight of most everyone.

God has set all this in motion as He does every year. It really doesn’t matter what craziness we humans get up to, God continues to rule over the earth. The seasons come, the fields spring up with new life, the birds sing their songs, and the cycles of life continue.

I take comfort from that.

We get caught up in everything going on in this world around us, it’s battles, its arguments, not to mention its practical necessities. Sometimes we forget that God is really running things, not Man. Even in times of horrible war and conflict, the seasons move forward as they always do, a testament to the fact that God is the King of the Universe, not mere mortals with our short-sighted ways.

Do we ever take the time to notice that− do we take enough time to fully appreciate it?

Do you know what is even more amazing than all of this? The very same God who manages the entire cycle of seasons, and all of the cycles of life, want to have a close relationship with you and with me. Yes, I know, we say that a lot. Yet do we take enough time to fully appreciate what that means?

Well, I guess some more than others, right?

Why not take a little time this Saturday, say an hour or so, and just notice what is going on in nature all around you. You can do that anywhere, even downtown. While we’re at it, why not take a little time this Saturday to thank God for His great faithfulness that He is demonstrating all over with the change of seasons. You know, the seasons are amazing, the changes are testimonies that God who is faithful in nature will also be faithful in keeping His promises to us in every area of our lives.

Oh yes: Today is a great time for giving Him praise and thanks for keeping His promises!

Posted in Christian Life | Tagged , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Prayer 3

Posted on May 4, 2018 by Don Merritt

Introduction

Prayer is really the fundamental spiritual practice of the Christian life, and although we often neglect it, we do so at our loss. There are four main types of prayer found in the Scriptures, prayers of praise, prayers of thanksgiving, prayers of intercession for others, and prayers of supplication which are personal requests. What follows here is an easy matrix that can be used to begin a deeper prayer life. It begins with a Scriptural foundation, and then moves on to action steps, and if you put it into practice for a period of time, not only will you have a deeper and more meaningful prayer life, you will also have a documented record of all that God is doing in your life which, in and of itself, makes the effort more than worth it.

Of course, this is not the only way to approach individual prayer, not by a long shot, but it has been used for many centuries by God’s people, it isn’t complicated, and once it becomes a habit, it will easily be the favorite part of your day. It will also send you off to school or work or whatever with a whole different perspective.

Biblical basis for prayer

In General:

The LORD detests the sacrifice of the wicked, but the prayer of the upright pleases him. Proverbs 15:8

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.

Matthew 6:6

And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words.

Matthew 6:7

But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed

Luke 5:16

Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.

Luke 18:1

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

Romans 12:12

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.

Colossians 4:2

Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise. Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.

Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops. My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins.

James 5:13-20

Giving Thanks

I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.

Ephesians 1:16

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Intercession (praying for others)

And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.”

Mark 11:25

bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.

Luke 6:28

I urge you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me.

Romans 15:30

He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many.

2Cor 1:10-11

I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints,

Ephesians 1:18

Supplication (Prayer for yourself; asking for things)

The LORD is far from the wicked but he hears the prayer of the righteous.

Proverbs15:29

If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.

Matthew 21:22

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

Philippians 4:6

Pray in the Morning

Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.

Mark 1:35

How long will you lie there, you sluggard?
When will you get up from your sleep?
A little sleep, a little slumber,
a little folding of the hands to rest—
and poverty will come on you like a thief
and scarcity like an armed man.

Proverbs 6:9-11

Get Started!

Action steps:

  1. Take a piece of paper and label it “Things I’m thankful for”.  Then list everything you can think of that you are thankful for… don’t leave anything out, no matter how small it may seem.
  2. Take another sheet and label it “Things I want to praise God for” and list everything that you can think of to praise God for.
  3. On a third sheet label it “People I need to pray for” and list everyone you can think of who needs prayer.
  4. Label a fourth sheet “Things I need to pray for” and list anything that you need prayer for in your life.
  5. Select a book of the Bible that you either are currently reading or one that you would like to read.  If you can’t think of anything, pick Matthew, starting with chapter one.
  6. Make time the following morning for prayer, and then pray through your lists in the order from above: Do not deviate from that order, this is important! When you are finished with that, turn to your selected Bible reading and slowly, prayerfully go through it, asking God to open your eyes to see the riches that it has for you.
  7. Do this every day from now on; force yourself if necessary!
  8. As your prayers for yourself or others are answered, take them off of those lists and add them to your thanksgiving or praise lists.  In a few months, you will have a documented record of the amazing things God is doing in your life, and you will never view life the same again.

Kick it up a notch!

Intermediate prayer…

Action Steps:

  1. Pick another book of the Bible.  If you don’t have any ideas, use the Psalms.
  2. At lunch time, take a quiet break and prayerfully and slowly read a Psalm each day at lunch, ask God to guide you through the rest of your day and any other requests or intercessions that are appropriate.  Always be sure to include prayer and thanksgiving.

“Big Boy” Mode

With morning and mid-day prayer as a foundation, continue your prayers constantly throughout your day and night: In your mind just keep talking with God.  Ask questions make observations and requests just as if God were standing next to you… because in truth, even if you can’t see Him with your eyes, He is there.

A Final Note: I have recommended this to literally hundreds of people. Few actually ever bothered to try it. Of those, fewer still stuck with it long enough for it to become a habit. Yet those who did have all reported to me that it was a life-changer.

In the next installment, we’ll take a look at an alternative approach.

Posted in Christian Life | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 12 Comments