Sticky Postings
Praise for Answered Prayer
For about 2 months I had been praying that I would wake up in the morning and spend some time with the Lord. Read his word, sing praises to him, and come to him in prayer. All I asked for was 15 minutes to spend with him. Although I would pray this every night and set my alarm fifteen minutes early, I would wake up every morning, hit the snooze, and go right back to bed for 15 minutes. I tried every trick in the book to keep myself up once the alarm went off. For 2 months I put my alarm clock far from my bed so that I would have to get up, and I would leave things on top of my snooze button to remind me that I want to spend time with the Lord. I would leave tea bags, my Bible, and even my devotional book. None of this worked. As soon as the alarm went off, I would jump out of bed and hit the snooze and be right back in bed for that extra 15 minutes of sleep. This morning was different though.
I was dreaming a peaceful dream. I can’t remember what happened during this dream except that I began to pray The Lord’s Prayer. “Our Father which art in heaven, Hollowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts and we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory for ever. Amen.” Ring. My alarm went off, and I woke up as I was finishing the prayer in my dream. With the Lord on my mind as I went to hit the snooze button instead I decided to hit the off button. I recited The Lord’s Prayer a few more times and went directly to the shower to get ready for the day. When I returned to the room I wanted to read a chapter from God’s Word. I said a short prayer asking God to give me understanding in what I was about to read and I flipped the bible open to Judges. I knew I wasn’t awake enough to read Judges so I made one more flip and arrived at David’s Psalms. Psalm 138 to be exact. I read the heading to the chapter, “Praise for Answered Prayer,” and knew at that moment that this was not all coincidence. God had planned this all out that I would come to a deeper dependence in him and recognition of his work in my life.
Psalm 138:1-3,7 – “I will praise thee with my whole heart: before the gods will I sing praise unto thee. I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name. In the day when I cried out thou answeredest me, and strengthenedst me with strength in my soul…Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me: thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and thy right hand shall save me.”
I was dreaming a peaceful dream. I can’t remember what happened during this dream except that I began to pray The Lord’s Prayer. “Our Father which art in heaven, Hollowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts and we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory for ever. Amen.” Ring. My alarm went off, and I woke up as I was finishing the prayer in my dream. With the Lord on my mind as I went to hit the snooze button instead I decided to hit the off button. I recited The Lord’s Prayer a few more times and went directly to the shower to get ready for the day. When I returned to the room I wanted to read a chapter from God’s Word. I said a short prayer asking God to give me understanding in what I was about to read and I flipped the bible open to Judges. I knew I wasn’t awake enough to read Judges so I made one more flip and arrived at David’s Psalms. Psalm 138 to be exact. I read the heading to the chapter, “Praise for Answered Prayer,” and knew at that moment that this was not all coincidence. God had planned this all out that I would come to a deeper dependence in him and recognition of his work in my life. Psalm 138:1-3,7 – “I will praise thee with my whole heart: before the gods will I sing praise unto thee. I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name. In the day when I cried out thou answeredest me, and strengthenedst me with strength in my soul…Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me: thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and thy right hand shall save me.”
Saturday, November 17. 2007
Practicum on Prayer
Read your Bible and Pray every single day.
We’re all vulnerable and busy. We need a devotional life every day to have a close relationship with the Lord, Jesus. We know the importance of prayer, but there is impotence in our prayer life.
The only request the disciples came to Jesus with was about prayer. Jesus knew the father up close and personal. He would slip away every morning alone, find a quiet place; he would have a quiet heart with a quiet time to pray. The disciples knew that the authority of Jesus and all the miracles and wonders Jesus did were linked to his prayer life. The disciples wanted to know how they could take part in this type of prayer life. Jesus had constant conversation with the father. That is where the victory is won!
Now God gave a diagram to Moses showing him the tabernacle where his followers were to worship and sacrifice offerings. This tabernacle is where God’s people come to be with God. The tabernacle is also a picture of Jesus Christ. The Gospel of John verse 1 says Jesus the word became flesh and dwelt among us. The word dwelt is literally tabernacled. Jesus the word became flesh and dwelt among us, tabernacled among us. The tabernacle is also a practicum on prayer. It is a practical tool to help you and I understand how you and I might pray more effectively. How wonderful that a diagram given to Moses would be a diagram for our prayer. There are eight steps to the tabernacle, each corresponding to a different part of our prayer life.
1. Enter Gates with Thanksgiving
We are depressed, because we don’t take time to thank God. Begin to give thanks for specific things that the Lord has blessed you within your life. Thank you God for keeping me sober; thank you God for blessing me with such a beautiful family; thank you God for the many opportunities to hear your Word, to learn your Word, and to keep your Word. “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). How amazing that God’s will for us is to thank him in our prayers. “Always give thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Ephesians 5:20). In everything give thanks and for everything give thanks, because if you want to be a grateful person and have a grateful life then you ought to give thanks in everything and for everything. If you don’t start your pray this way, you will become discouraged and frustrated, and it may become hard to find direction in your pray. So as God says Enter Gates with Thanksgiving.
2. Enter Courts with Praise
Now, thanks is different from praise. Thanks is for what he gives; praise is acknowledging who he is. I praise you God for your Power, that the span of the universe fits in the palm of your hand; I praise you for your Holiness, that you are perfect in all your ways. I Praise you Lord for your Mercy, that you put up with me although I am not holy like you. Why does God want Praise? Not because he needs us to encourage him, or build him up. He does not need a thing from us. He is completely totally self sufficient, self satisfied. We are to praise God to give us a spirit of expectation. As the Psalmist said, “The Lord inhabits the praises of his people” (Psalm 22:33). When I praise God, I begin to realize that his throne is before me. That in my suffering I may come to God for help.
3. Come to the Brass Alter
The brass altar is where the sin offering was made. This is where I confess my sins. Today, father, I did not humble myself as your servant. When I should have swallowed my pride and admitted my fault, I instead covered it up with a lie. This is not where we ask for forgiveness. Our sins were already forgiven at the cross. However, until we confess that we are sinners, we don’t accept that we need Jesus and we cannot receive forgiveness. “Without Him, I can’t; without me, He won’t.” There are two reasons we need to confess our sins. The first reason is liberation for the sinner. Agree with God that you are a sinner. It’s wrong, it’s got to go. When you confess, the sin loses its grip on you. Expose your sin and Jesus will bring about Liberation. This does not mean we will never commit that sin again, but it means that we have realized our sinful nature. The second thing it brings about is appreciation for the savior. The more we realize how much we’ve been forgiven, the more we appreciate it. The one who has been forgiven much, loves much. That is why confession is so important. It liberates us and allows us to appreciate the Lord more affectionately.
4. Come to the Brass Laver
The brass laver is where you wash yourself. We are washed by the water of the word. Simply take one or two verses, preferably verses that are pertinent to the day, and recite them to the Lord. Lord I’ve been thinking about this verse and how it applies to my life; “So I say, live by the Spirit and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature” (Galatians 5:16). Then speak to the Lord on whatever is in your heart about these verses or phrases. The wonderful thing about this part of our prayer is that it is a chance for God to speak to us through his Word. This part doesn’t need much explanation; however, most people do not do it. At first it may seem like you are interrupting your prayer, but with practice you will begin to see how the Lord is speaking to you through His Word.
5. Table of Show Bread
We have finally entered the tent of the tabernacle. We are in doors and to our right is the table of show bread. Give us this day our daily bread. By asking the Lord to bless us, we are on the first step to blessing others. Pray for your own needs. Talk to the Lord about personal things, financial things, and physical things, stuff that I’m personally struggling with, questions I have, direction I need, and enemies within. “…Whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it and it will be yours” (Mark 11:24). Now don’t think you can go ask for a Lamborghini, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. This verse is specifically talking about the enemies within, that which is fruitless in our lives. Believe, and it will wither up from the roots.
6. The Golden Candle Stick
On the other side of the room is the golden candlestick. The Lord said we are the light of the world. Pray for those who are in ministry, those who are involved in sharing the light. This should be all Christians. Look at 1 Samuel 30; David is returning to the frontlines to gain victory over the Amalekites. On his way there some of his troops are too tired to make it, so they stay back guarding the supply lines. After David’s troops win the battle, they divide up the plunder. Those on the frontlines argue, “Why should we share with those on the supply lines? They didn’t fight.” This is very common in our lives today. Missionaries and evangelists who are on the frontlines often think they have it so hard. They need others to pray for them. However, they completely ignore those on the supply lines. They need prayer also. In this part of your prayer, ask God to help evangelists, missionaries, pastors, and other churches, but also ask God to help those who are on the supply lines, the ones who are working 8 to 5 jobs everyday and still finding the time to be the light of this world.
7. The Altar of Incense
Pray for others. Pray for your family and friends. Pray for your neighbor who is not sure about there relationship with the Lord. Pray for your enemies. “…When you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your father in heaven may forgive you your sins” (Mark 12:25). This is very important. When you begin to pray for that stubborn relative, the annoying kid down the street, the Michael Eisners, and the Howard Deans of this world, you will be freed from the bondage of hate towards that person. Don’t get me wrong, you should hate the evil in their lives, but don’t hate the person. I cannot change my heart but I can change my mind. God can change my heart but he won’t change my mind. If I change my mind, He will change my heart.
8. Holy of Holies
This is not the only way to enter into the presence of God. You may enter into the Holy of Holies at any time. This is a way to help clear the cob webs of my own mind, a way to cut away the calices of our own hearts. It’s not about earning anything, but when we go through this process we are truly ready to enter the Holy of Holies. Something happens when we enter the Holy of Holies; we fall on our face, speak in tongues, or just stand in awe of God. I’m not talking about bizarre things, or spectacles, I’m talking about a break through in your own soul. You begin to shout grace with expectancy, you begin to sit there in a contemplative awareness of his goodness and glory, you begin to pray in a language you didn’t learn or don’t know, you begin to just go Lord you’re awesome I love you Lord, I love you.
This is not some legalistic journey. I don’t pray like this all the time. It is a tool. It has really helped me to have some sort of structure to my prayer. When I feel impotence in my prayer life, I have this to fall back on. When I can’t think of where to start or what to pray about I enter gates with thanksgiving, enter courts with praise, confess my sins at the brass alter, wash myself in the word at the brass laver, pray for my own needs at the table of show bread, pray for other ministries, other Christians, at the golden candlestick, pray for your friends, family and enemies at the alter of incense, and finally just stand in awe of God at the Holy of Holies. Prayer is essential. Are you a better prayer than you were 3 years ago, have you lost ground, or are you neutralized? The private personal devotional life you are developing; there is nothing more important than that. Don’t neglect it.
Read your Bible and Pray every single day.
While I was finishing typing this practicum on prayer, I received a letter from Pastor Greg Laurie on prayer. Doesn’t the Lord work in wonderful ways? In this letter there were four reasons prayer should play an important part in the life of every believer, so I thought I might list them for you here.
One, we should pray because Jesus told us to. Luke 18:1 says, “Then He [Jesus] spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart” (NKJV). Even if it is extremely difficult or unpleasant to do, we should pray simply because Jesus commanded us to.
Two, we should pray because it is God’s appointed way for us to obtain things. James 4:2 tells us, “Yet you do not have because you do not ask” (NKJV). Think about that for a moment. God might have something in store for you that you have not yet discovered in your life because you simply have not asked Him for it.
Three, we should pray because it helps us overcome our anxiety and worry. As Philippians 4:6 says, “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done” (NLT). The next time you are tempted to worry, pray instead. This step is very important to me. Around July of 2003 I was feeling very anxious, I was having what might be called anxiety attacks. Not even knowing about this verse, I began to deal with my anxiety by thanking God and then praising Him. By the time I got to asking him to relieve my anxiety, it was already gone, because God had helped me out of the bondage of anxiety by letting me know that there is so much to be thankful for.
Four, we should pray because it is one of the ways to prepare for the return of Jesus Christ. He said, “‘Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man’” (Luke 21:36 NKJV). I should pray so that I will be ready for Christ’s return.
Prayer is an essential ingredient in the life of a believer. Remember, the Word Jesus Christ, dwelt among us. And now Immanuel, God with us. God Bless.
We’re all vulnerable and busy. We need a devotional life every day to have a close relationship with the Lord, Jesus. We know the importance of prayer, but there is impotence in our prayer life.
The only request the disciples came to Jesus with was about prayer. Jesus knew the father up close and personal. He would slip away every morning alone, find a quiet place; he would have a quiet heart with a quiet time to pray. The disciples knew that the authority of Jesus and all the miracles and wonders Jesus did were linked to his prayer life. The disciples wanted to know how they could take part in this type of prayer life. Jesus had constant conversation with the father. That is where the victory is won!
Now God gave a diagram to Moses showing him the tabernacle where his followers were to worship and sacrifice offerings. This tabernacle is where God’s people come to be with God. The tabernacle is also a picture of Jesus Christ. The Gospel of John verse 1 says Jesus the word became flesh and dwelt among us. The word dwelt is literally tabernacled. Jesus the word became flesh and dwelt among us, tabernacled among us. The tabernacle is also a practicum on prayer. It is a practical tool to help you and I understand how you and I might pray more effectively. How wonderful that a diagram given to Moses would be a diagram for our prayer. There are eight steps to the tabernacle, each corresponding to a different part of our prayer life.
1. Enter Gates with Thanksgiving
We are depressed, because we don’t take time to thank God. Begin to give thanks for specific things that the Lord has blessed you within your life. Thank you God for keeping me sober; thank you God for blessing me with such a beautiful family; thank you God for the many opportunities to hear your Word, to learn your Word, and to keep your Word. “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). How amazing that God’s will for us is to thank him in our prayers. “Always give thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Ephesians 5:20). In everything give thanks and for everything give thanks, because if you want to be a grateful person and have a grateful life then you ought to give thanks in everything and for everything. If you don’t start your pray this way, you will become discouraged and frustrated, and it may become hard to find direction in your pray. So as God says Enter Gates with Thanksgiving.
2. Enter Courts with Praise
Now, thanks is different from praise. Thanks is for what he gives; praise is acknowledging who he is. I praise you God for your Power, that the span of the universe fits in the palm of your hand; I praise you for your Holiness, that you are perfect in all your ways. I Praise you Lord for your Mercy, that you put up with me although I am not holy like you. Why does God want Praise? Not because he needs us to encourage him, or build him up. He does not need a thing from us. He is completely totally self sufficient, self satisfied. We are to praise God to give us a spirit of expectation. As the Psalmist said, “The Lord inhabits the praises of his people” (Psalm 22:33). When I praise God, I begin to realize that his throne is before me. That in my suffering I may come to God for help.
3. Come to the Brass Alter
The brass altar is where the sin offering was made. This is where I confess my sins. Today, father, I did not humble myself as your servant. When I should have swallowed my pride and admitted my fault, I instead covered it up with a lie. This is not where we ask for forgiveness. Our sins were already forgiven at the cross. However, until we confess that we are sinners, we don’t accept that we need Jesus and we cannot receive forgiveness. “Without Him, I can’t; without me, He won’t.” There are two reasons we need to confess our sins. The first reason is liberation for the sinner. Agree with God that you are a sinner. It’s wrong, it’s got to go. When you confess, the sin loses its grip on you. Expose your sin and Jesus will bring about Liberation. This does not mean we will never commit that sin again, but it means that we have realized our sinful nature. The second thing it brings about is appreciation for the savior. The more we realize how much we’ve been forgiven, the more we appreciate it. The one who has been forgiven much, loves much. That is why confession is so important. It liberates us and allows us to appreciate the Lord more affectionately.
4. Come to the Brass Laver
The brass laver is where you wash yourself. We are washed by the water of the word. Simply take one or two verses, preferably verses that are pertinent to the day, and recite them to the Lord. Lord I’ve been thinking about this verse and how it applies to my life; “So I say, live by the Spirit and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature” (Galatians 5:16). Then speak to the Lord on whatever is in your heart about these verses or phrases. The wonderful thing about this part of our prayer is that it is a chance for God to speak to us through his Word. This part doesn’t need much explanation; however, most people do not do it. At first it may seem like you are interrupting your prayer, but with practice you will begin to see how the Lord is speaking to you through His Word.
5. Table of Show Bread
We have finally entered the tent of the tabernacle. We are in doors and to our right is the table of show bread. Give us this day our daily bread. By asking the Lord to bless us, we are on the first step to blessing others. Pray for your own needs. Talk to the Lord about personal things, financial things, and physical things, stuff that I’m personally struggling with, questions I have, direction I need, and enemies within. “…Whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it and it will be yours” (Mark 11:24). Now don’t think you can go ask for a Lamborghini, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. This verse is specifically talking about the enemies within, that which is fruitless in our lives. Believe, and it will wither up from the roots.
6. The Golden Candle Stick
On the other side of the room is the golden candlestick. The Lord said we are the light of the world. Pray for those who are in ministry, those who are involved in sharing the light. This should be all Christians. Look at 1 Samuel 30; David is returning to the frontlines to gain victory over the Amalekites. On his way there some of his troops are too tired to make it, so they stay back guarding the supply lines. After David’s troops win the battle, they divide up the plunder. Those on the frontlines argue, “Why should we share with those on the supply lines? They didn’t fight.” This is very common in our lives today. Missionaries and evangelists who are on the frontlines often think they have it so hard. They need others to pray for them. However, they completely ignore those on the supply lines. They need prayer also. In this part of your prayer, ask God to help evangelists, missionaries, pastors, and other churches, but also ask God to help those who are on the supply lines, the ones who are working 8 to 5 jobs everyday and still finding the time to be the light of this world.
7. The Altar of Incense
Pray for others. Pray for your family and friends. Pray for your neighbor who is not sure about there relationship with the Lord. Pray for your enemies. “…When you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your father in heaven may forgive you your sins” (Mark 12:25). This is very important. When you begin to pray for that stubborn relative, the annoying kid down the street, the Michael Eisners, and the Howard Deans of this world, you will be freed from the bondage of hate towards that person. Don’t get me wrong, you should hate the evil in their lives, but don’t hate the person. I cannot change my heart but I can change my mind. God can change my heart but he won’t change my mind. If I change my mind, He will change my heart.
8. Holy of Holies
This is not the only way to enter into the presence of God. You may enter into the Holy of Holies at any time. This is a way to help clear the cob webs of my own mind, a way to cut away the calices of our own hearts. It’s not about earning anything, but when we go through this process we are truly ready to enter the Holy of Holies. Something happens when we enter the Holy of Holies; we fall on our face, speak in tongues, or just stand in awe of God. I’m not talking about bizarre things, or spectacles, I’m talking about a break through in your own soul. You begin to shout grace with expectancy, you begin to sit there in a contemplative awareness of his goodness and glory, you begin to pray in a language you didn’t learn or don’t know, you begin to just go Lord you’re awesome I love you Lord, I love you.
This is not some legalistic journey. I don’t pray like this all the time. It is a tool. It has really helped me to have some sort of structure to my prayer. When I feel impotence in my prayer life, I have this to fall back on. When I can’t think of where to start or what to pray about I enter gates with thanksgiving, enter courts with praise, confess my sins at the brass alter, wash myself in the word at the brass laver, pray for my own needs at the table of show bread, pray for other ministries, other Christians, at the golden candlestick, pray for your friends, family and enemies at the alter of incense, and finally just stand in awe of God at the Holy of Holies. Prayer is essential. Are you a better prayer than you were 3 years ago, have you lost ground, or are you neutralized? The private personal devotional life you are developing; there is nothing more important than that. Don’t neglect it.
Read your Bible and Pray every single day.
While I was finishing typing this practicum on prayer, I received a letter from Pastor Greg Laurie on prayer. Doesn’t the Lord work in wonderful ways? In this letter there were four reasons prayer should play an important part in the life of every believer, so I thought I might list them for you here.
One, we should pray because Jesus told us to. Luke 18:1 says, “Then He [Jesus] spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart” (NKJV). Even if it is extremely difficult or unpleasant to do, we should pray simply because Jesus commanded us to.
Two, we should pray because it is God’s appointed way for us to obtain things. James 4:2 tells us, “Yet you do not have because you do not ask” (NKJV). Think about that for a moment. God might have something in store for you that you have not yet discovered in your life because you simply have not asked Him for it.
Three, we should pray because it helps us overcome our anxiety and worry. As Philippians 4:6 says, “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done” (NLT). The next time you are tempted to worry, pray instead. This step is very important to me. Around July of 2003 I was feeling very anxious, I was having what might be called anxiety attacks. Not even knowing about this verse, I began to deal with my anxiety by thanking God and then praising Him. By the time I got to asking him to relieve my anxiety, it was already gone, because God had helped me out of the bondage of anxiety by letting me know that there is so much to be thankful for.
Four, we should pray because it is one of the ways to prepare for the return of Jesus Christ. He said, “‘Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man’” (Luke 21:36 NKJV). I should pray so that I will be ready for Christ’s return.
Prayer is an essential ingredient in the life of a believer. Remember, the Word Jesus Christ, dwelt among us. And now Immanuel, God with us. God Bless.
