Praying The Scriptures

[nhzname]

~ Exodus 33:13 ~ If you are pleased with me, teach me your ways so I may know you and continue to find favor with you.

 

[angelwind]

Jesus - Man of Prayer (5 of 5)
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"In the days of His [Jesus'] flesh, when He had offered up prayers and supplications, with vehement cries and tears to Him who was able to save Him from death, and was heard because of His godly fear." (Hebrews 5.7).

Jesus wept on more than one occasion but Gethsemane is the setting for the occasion cited by the Hebrews writer in the previous verse. The earnestness of Jesus' prayers cannot be denied from this description. Notice also that the writer uses the word "supplications" to describe the petitions of our Lord in the Garden. This word is used only here in the New Testament and is somewhat picturesque. According to Roberson, it contains the idea of one bearing an olive branch to another in hope of being granted an audience as well as a request. Hence, Jesus is depicted as approaching the Father hoping to obtain His petition.

Note also how the Father was depicted in this Hebrews verse. He was described as one "who was able to save Him from death." Certainly that was true because when Jesus instructed Peter to put his sword away, He said, "Do you think that I cannot now pray to My Father, and He will provide Me with more than twelve legions of angels?" (Matthew 26.53). The Father was able to save the Son from death and the Son was able to obtain ready help to achieve the same.

However, notice that this text from Hebrews 5 says that Jesus "was heard because of His godly fear." Some have supposed that the prayers of Jesus went unanswered in the garden when He pleaded that the cup would pass from Him. Perhaps there is another interpretation that fits the facts of the case better. It could be the case that the cup of which Jesus spoke was the cup of intense and prolonged suffering and NOT the cup of death. In that case, His prayers for the cup to pass were prayers asking that the prolonged suffering of the cross be shortened. If that be the case, then His prayers were answered. As the record points out, the soldiers came to break the legs of the three persons who were hanged on that day; this was done to hasten their death so that the bodies could be removed before the Sabbath. However, when they came to Jesus, they found that He had expired already and it was this fact that prompted a soldier to pierce His side from which came forth blood and water. The prayer of Jesus to take the cup away, the cup of prolonged suffering, was heard and answered!

Now, let's turn our attention to the "godly fear" that Jesus displayed in His life and in His prayers. The text previously cited says He was heard "because of His godly fear." He did not obtain this fear just prior to His death; it was a part of His character from the very beginning! This attitude of submission was an attitude of His life at all times and not just in the dark hours of need. Godly fear is not obtained because of exposure to danger; godly fear is obtained through expose to God and His Divine character!

Jesus was a man of prayer. We can learn much from Him and we can avail much by emulating Him. Just as He served with "godly fear," so we are to "serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear." (Hebrews 12.28). Our prayer-life is a reflection of how well and to what extent we have allowed the Spirit of Christ to be stamped upon our hearts.

Author Bio:
Jim Bullington - A Christian writer whose insight into the scriptures is reflected in practical application lessons in every article. The reader will find that the Bible speaks directly to him/her through these articles. God is always exalted and His word is treated with the utmost respect in this column.

This came from StudyLight.org...I thought it was cery encouraging to those of us intrested in growing in prayer.

 

[angelwind]

This is the will of the Father who sent Me, that of all He has given Me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up at the last day.

And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day.

John 6:39-40


Lord it is often on my heart to pray from these verses. As we come closer to the end of this age, not knowing what many will be facing for their faith and "knowing" that many are dying even today.

Lord, I thank You for Your will and power to keep and to save us. Lord I ask that not one soul is lost...not one who names You as Lord and God...I pray for Your keeping power to prevail...strengthen every weary heart for whatever the reason; let their faith not fail tho sorely tried.

Lord may we have many more to come to see Jesus as Savior and God...Father draw them to Your salvation...let them receive faith to believe and receive everlasting life.

 

[IKTCA]

Blessed are those who mourn,

for they will be comforted. (Matthew 5:4)

Those who lost joy because of the corruption of the church the Lord will comfort. He will bring down heavenly joy and fill their hearts with abounding thanksgiving.

Lord, here are your servants who know more sorrow than joy. Let them not be overwhelmed by the sorrow, and restore the spirit of joy in them. Amen.

 

[fieldlily]

The title of the book [Haggai] means "festival." The narrative has to do with the return of the exiles and the building of the temple. An overall theme is that obedience brings the encouragement and strength of the Spirit of God. In the story the people give priority to God and His House. Because of their obedience they are blessed!

Yet they are reminded: "You expected much, but see, it turned out to be little." Haggai 1:9

In Haggai 2:4 the Lord speaks to them and says: "...be strong and work for I am with you."

In Haggai 2:9 the Lord promises: "the glory of this present house will be greater than the glory of this former house...and in this place I will grant peace."

In Haggai 2:17 the Lord says:; " I struck all the work of your hands with blight, mildew and hail, yet you did not turn to me." and in 2:19b "...from this day on I will bless you...I will make you like my signet ring."

And in 2:23: "I have chosen you..."

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No matter what failures, disastors, frustrations, conflicts, and turmoil -- the Lord will give strength in our troubled times if we return to Him with obedient hearts and willing hands. But it is easy to get discouraged when the work we have done seems to have failed even by no fault of our own.

But for those who turn in obedience and faith to Him He promises a greater glory to His house (perhaps here a symbol of the Church) and the present house(Church) will be greater than the glory of the former house.(Church) Peace will be granted. And that is a major key.

And then there will be blessing and the giving of the signet ring ( a symbol of his love and his delegated power and authority)

Finally we have not chosen Him. He has chosen us.

The Body of Christ is the New Israel-the present New Israel is the Church under the New Covenant of Grace. Like Ancient Israel of old the Church is also the chosen People of God. The temple is a type of the Spirit within us.

The Prayer
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/Praying with Haggai, O Lord, I ask that you grant me the virtue of holy perserverance and give me strength to be obedient to your will. With this and your grace I can endure the trials of these troubled times. I can have a peaceful heart. I can rejoice and I can join the festival of your high praises. Strike not the work of my hands as I do turn to you for guidance. I want to wear the ring. I am willing to accept the responsibility. Thank you for chosing me in your Church to do your will in this time and in whatever place you do chose me to work - including the Internet or on this very forum. Let me return from my wandering exile and restore my hands so that I can rebuild your temple. I trust in obedience and ... in the Name of Jesus. Amen. /

 

[angelwind]

But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name,

who were born not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man,
but of God.

John 1:12-13

Lord I bow before You and pray for the church...the church who knows You even today...that we will all be drawn into deeper fellowship with our God...who is our Father. Let greater revelation come to our hearts this mystery...this becoming a child of God...help us to receive this amazing truth and love and relationship with You Lord.

Heal many deep wounds Lord with Your own Self...Your own Fatherhood to us...in Jesus name I pray.