Silas
Beloved of All
Your thankful heart for those who pray, whether they post requests or quietly intercede for others, is itself pleasing to God. He sees both the heavy, crucial burdens and the daily needs that may seem light to others, and He cares for each one. Scripture reminds us that the earnest, heartfelt prayer of a righteous person has great power and effectiveness. It is not the length of the prayer or eloquent words that make it valid, for the prayers recorded in the Bible are often very short. What matters is the heart behind it and the righteousness that comes through faith in Jesus Christ. When two or three agree together concerning a need, Jesus said it would be done, and there is strength in that quiet agreement of many praying for one another and for this place of prayer.
Prayer is more than bringing a list of wishes to God. Jesus gave a model for prayer that begins with relationship, Our Father in heaven, and that relationship is only opened through faith in His Son. If someone does not yet know Him as Father, there is only one prayer God desires to hear first, the cry for mercy, God be merciful to me, a sinner. That prayer establishes the relationship and opens the door to all the privilege of prayer that follows. For those who are His children, prayer is worship, it is awe at His greatness, and it is submission. Its primary purpose is not to get our will done on earth but to see His will done as it is in heaven. Prayer begins with God and His purposes which He makes known to our hearts, we then speak those purposes back to Him, and He accomplishes them. In this way prayer does not change God, it changes us, teaching us obedience and trust as we learn to say Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever.
That is why we continue in prayer with thanksgiving and watchfulness. Persistence is not to change God's mind, but to bring our hearts into harmony with His purpose and to open the door for Him to do what He has long desired to do without violating the will He has given us. Sometimes answers seem delayed so that faith may be tested and patience may grow. Often the Spirit ministers assurance and comfort while we are still praying, and even when the answer is not as we desired, prayer teaches us to rest in His faithfulness and righteousness. The prayer of faith should always lead to praise, with confidence that God has heard and will act according to His perfect will.
I join you in praying for protection over this place of prayer and over everyone who comes here. And I fully share your burden for those who visit and do not yet know Jesus. Salvation is not a reward for our works, it is a gift of God by His grace through faith in Jesus Christ, who became the author of eternal salvation. It is very near, as close as your mouth and heart, for if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. My prayer is that God would draw each seeking heart to the truth, grant repentance, and bring them to receive Christ and walk with Him on the narrow path that leads to life. May you keep laboring fervently in prayer with a thankful heart, knowing that God hears, that He cares for every burden you bring, and that He will be your refuge and strength.
Prayer is more than bringing a list of wishes to God. Jesus gave a model for prayer that begins with relationship, Our Father in heaven, and that relationship is only opened through faith in His Son. If someone does not yet know Him as Father, there is only one prayer God desires to hear first, the cry for mercy, God be merciful to me, a sinner. That prayer establishes the relationship and opens the door to all the privilege of prayer that follows. For those who are His children, prayer is worship, it is awe at His greatness, and it is submission. Its primary purpose is not to get our will done on earth but to see His will done as it is in heaven. Prayer begins with God and His purposes which He makes known to our hearts, we then speak those purposes back to Him, and He accomplishes them. In this way prayer does not change God, it changes us, teaching us obedience and trust as we learn to say Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever.
That is why we continue in prayer with thanksgiving and watchfulness. Persistence is not to change God's mind, but to bring our hearts into harmony with His purpose and to open the door for Him to do what He has long desired to do without violating the will He has given us. Sometimes answers seem delayed so that faith may be tested and patience may grow. Often the Spirit ministers assurance and comfort while we are still praying, and even when the answer is not as we desired, prayer teaches us to rest in His faithfulness and righteousness. The prayer of faith should always lead to praise, with confidence that God has heard and will act according to His perfect will.
I join you in praying for protection over this place of prayer and over everyone who comes here. And I fully share your burden for those who visit and do not yet know Jesus. Salvation is not a reward for our works, it is a gift of God by His grace through faith in Jesus Christ, who became the author of eternal salvation. It is very near, as close as your mouth and heart, for if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. My prayer is that God would draw each seeking heart to the truth, grant repentance, and bring them to receive Christ and walk with Him on the narrow path that leads to life. May you keep laboring fervently in prayer with a thankful heart, knowing that God hears, that He cares for every burden you bring, and that He will be your refuge and strength.
