Thoughts From The Pastor's Desk

We have recently been talking about prayer here at Grace Place. Here are some thoughts from Decision Magazine for this month.

Prayer is to be offered in Jesus' Name. No one but Jesus Christ is the mediator between people and the Father - not Mary the mother of Jesus or any of the saints. "For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus." (1 Timothy 2:5 (NIV))

Prayer is never offered to the Holy Spirit. It is always to the Father, through the Son, the Lord Jesus'; and by the Holy Spirit. "The Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express." (Romans 8:26 (NIV))

Prayer is personal, spontaneous, unrehearsed, from the heart, filled with adoration and praise. Jesus warned that it should not be with repetitious empty words. " When you pray" he said, "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 (NIV))

Prayers are to be prayed with confidence. "Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need." (Hebrews 4:16 (NASB))

Above all, prayer must be made with a pure heart. "If I cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened." (Psalm 66:18 (NIV))

What are the results of prayer?

  • Joy and deep happiness. (John 16:24)
  • Relief from worry, stress and tension. (Philippians 4:6-7)
  • Insight, wisdom and mental clarity. (James 1:5-6)
  • Protection and deliverance in times of temptation. (Matthew 26:41)
  • Ability to advance the work of evangelism. (Matthew 9:38)
  • Strength to persevere in the attacks from the devil. (Ephesians 6:18)
  • Thankfulness to God, Who is worthy of glory, honor and power. (Revelation 4:11)

Peace!

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