Category: Prayer
Subject: Prayer
Remembering Without Ceasing
The apostle Paul’s affection for other Christians was always evident in his letters to the churches. For example, he began his letter to the Thessalonians with these words:
“We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers, remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of our God and Father, knowing, beloved brethren, your election by God” (1 Thessalonians 1:2-4).
It is obvious that these words were sincerely stated. They serve as a wonderful example to us. They tell us just how mindful we should be of our brethren, and just how much they should mean to us.
Two phrases are especially meaningful. “We give thanks always for you all” and “remembering without ceasing.” Paul was aware of their faith, love and hope in Jesus Christ. He appreciated their labor for the Lord, and was mindful that they were God’s elect. He had an affinity for them that led him to pray for them frequently. He acknowledged that the gospel had changed them, and its power was evident in the fruit that they bore for God. For this, He thanked God for them and their work.
Are we as mindful for, and thankful for our brethren? Do we appreciate them? Do we thank God for them, and intercede on their behalf? It’s something to think about.
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Sermon: Who Can Find a Faithful Man?
A simple premise. To find a faithful man, one must know his attributes. These attributes can be seen by looking at the characters of faithful men such as Abraham, Moses and Daniel.
Sermon: What Can the Righteous Do?
David affirmed in Psalm 11 that in the midst of trial or persecution, the righteous can depend upon God as they place their trust in Him.
Sermon: The 5 Fingers of Prayer
Using the five fingers of your hand as a mnemonic, the lesson teaches us to pray for loved ones, teachers and healers, leaders, the weak and troubled, and ourselves.
Sermon: Lessons Learned from a Fish’s Belly
An examination of Jonah, chapters 1 and 2. The lesson examines what we can learn and apply from Jonah’s time spent in the belly of a great fish. 1) You can’t hide from God; 2) God hears our prayers as we turn to Him; 3) God disciplines us so that we will turn to Him; 4) Salvation is of the Lord; 5) Obedience without thanksgiving is empty.
“Lord, teach us to pray”
In Luke 11, one of the Lord’s disciples made this request, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples” (1). This is the only time recorded in the gospels where a disciple ever requested teaching on a specific subject, though the disciples often did ask Jesus for further explanation when confused about the Master’s words. This request was commendable, and Jesus honored it.
“He Gave Ear to Me”
“I cried out to God with my voice—To God with my voice; and He gave ear to me” (Psalm 77:1).
The Psalmist’s trouble is one we feel from time to time. He states that “in the day of my trouble I sought the Lord” but that “My soul refused to be comforted. I remembered God, and was troubled; I complained, and my spirit was overwhelmed” (2-3).
We too can be so troubled that it seems to us God has forgotten us! “Will the Lord cast off forever? And will He be favorable no more? Has His mercy ceased forever? Has His promise failed forevermore? Has God forgotten to be gracious?” (7-9).
But, if we consider carefully, we will remember the continued faithfulness of God. “Your way, O God, is in the sanctuary; Who is so great a God as our God? You are the God who does wonders…” (13-14).
When we consider that God is able to help us, and that He is willing to give ear to our petitions, we can ultimately trust in His compassion, strength and redemptive work in our lives. As the Psalmist wrote, “You have with Your arm redeemed Your people, the sons of Jacob and Joseph” (15); we too can proclaim that our God loves us, and has redeemed all men through His Son and our Savior, Jesus Christ. Truly, God gives ear to those who are His!
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Invitation: You have answered me
Invitation by Stan Cox
Taken from Psalm 22, the Messianic prophecy includes applications to us. Though we may sometimes feel forsaken, God is never far from us. (cf. vs. 21) “Save me from the lion’s mouth… You have answered me.”
FB: The Cure for Despair
Despair is a condition common to man. Even those who are strongest spiritually come across circumstances and times where they can cope only with the help of the Lord. The Psalmist felt this way, and said:
“To You I will cry, O Lord my Rock: do not be silent to me, lest, if You are silent to me, I become like those who go down to the pit” (Psalm 28:1).
Can you imagine crying out to a God who has no concern for your welfare? To make your petition known, only to expect and receive no help? Fortunately, we know and understand that God loves His children. Those who are His can:
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).
The Psalmist knew of the tender mercies of His God. In the midst of his despair he cried out, expected and received an answer from His God:
“Blessed be the Lord, because He has heard the voice of my supplications! The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in Him, and I am helped; therefore my heart greatly rejoices, and with my song I will praise Him” (Psalm 28:6-7).
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Devoted Disciples
The Lord’s church today needs devoted disciples! Webster’s New World Dictionary, in describing the nuances of the term “devote”, states, “Devote suggests the giving up or applying of oneself or something with the seriousness or earnestness evoked by a formal vow (to devote one’s life to a cause).” Consider the Apostle Paul’s sentiment as recorded in Galatians 2:20, “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” It must be stated that the only true disciple of Christ is the devoted disciple of Christ.
Sermon: A Thankful Heart
We should always be thankful for not only the things we receive from God, but also for the people, past and present, that bless us physically and spiritually.
Sermon: Conversion of the Jailor
A discussion of the conversion of the Philippian jailor in Acts 16, with a special emphasis on the part played by Paul and Silas.
God Hears, and Answers!
People generally recognize the positive impact of prayer. What is not always understood is why prayer is such a positive thing. Our national leaders during tragic times call for and express thanks for prayers offered. Many of those same leaders do not believe in God, or have no faith that God intercedes in men’s affairs. For many, prayer is simply a way of saying, “I’m thinking about you.” It is an expression of sympathy, and is appreciated for that reason alone. Caregivers may go so far as to suggest that prayers offered can have a placebo effect; a bit like chicken soup, it can’t hurt.
Sermon: Giving Thanks
To give thanks, you must first know you have been blessed and know the source of those blessings. Thanksgiving is appropriate before, during and after the blessing occurs.
