God's Purpose for Us

Tuesday, August 1, 2006

My Prayer Today

Heavenly Father, I thank you that I can come to you at anytime with anything on my heart and mind. Thank you that you will always listen to me. I ask that you would help me to be a prayer warrior. I ask that your Spirit would direct me as I pray. I want to be filled with you today. I ask this in Jesus’ name. . . Amen.

God’s Word Today – Jude 20-25

“20 But you, dear friends, must continue to build your lives on the foundation of your holy faith. And continue to pray as you are directed by the Holy Spirit. 21 Live in such a way that God’s love can bless you as you wait for the eternal life that our Lord Jesus Christ in his mercy is going to give you. 22 Show mercy to those whose faith is wavering. 23 Rescue others by snatching them from the flames of judgment. There are still others to whom you need to show mercy, but be careful that you aren’t contaminated by their sins.”

“24 And now, all glory to God, who is able to keep you from stumbling, and who will bring you into his glorious presence innocent of sin and with great joy. 25 All glory to him, who alone is God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Yes, glory, majesty, power, and authority belong to him, in the beginning, now, and forevermore. Amen.”

Reflecting on God’s Word

Jude 20b states, “And continue to pray as you are directed by the Holy Spirit.” The second challenge Jude gives us, in many ways is connected with the first challenge – for we can’t keep our faith strong unless we do this. As people of New Life, you must BE PRAYERFUL! Without prayer, New Life can’t, and won’t, be strong. Prayer is the key which is unlocks everything. You can have the best programs, the best technology, and the nicest buildings, but if prayer isn’t central to everything you do both corporately and individually, it will all be in vain. Let every decision be girded strongly with prayer. It’s not: “Lord, bless what we’re doing,” but rather, “Lord, let us do what You’re blessing!” In a couple of weeks Mark Geppert will be giving a seminar on “Prayer Walking.” I highly encourage you to attend. Although prayer walking is only one way of praying, it’s an important way to spiritually advance against the evil forces in our community and region. Listen to what Paul says in Ephesians 6:18. He says, “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints” (NIV*). What we learn about prayer from this verse is that there are many ways to pray. One kind is prayer walking, others can be praying in groups together, others can be private petitions, and others can be praying in “tongues” (a spiritual language given by the Holy Spirit). No matter how we pray, Jude says that “It should be directed by the Holy Spirit.” We’re to pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all different types of prayer. Prayer is the highest level to which speech can be put. New Life, be prayerful, for it’s your lifeline to God!

A Deeper Exploration of God’s Word

According to Ephesians 6:18, how often should we pray?

What does it mean to “pray in the Spirit?”

Understanding God’s Purpose for Us

Why is prayer our “lifeline” to God?

How can we be “directed” by the Holy Spirit in prayer?

Applying God’s Word to Our Purpose

In your estimation, how many minutes/hours do you pray each day?

Why does God call us to spend time with Him in prayer?

What is one decision/situation you are in right now that needs prayer? When is a time today you can pray for it?

Thoughts

It’s amazing to think that there are millions of people who go through their entire life without asking for God’s wisdom in prayer. Important decisions such as: who to marry, where to live, what career to follow, what job to take, where to go to school, or what house or car to buy, often go without one prayer uttered to God. If the prayer is offered, many times it’s just asking God for permission for what the individual wants rather than what God truly wants. Millions go throughout life without seeking God in prayer. It’s no wonder why the world is in the condition it is today. People’s lives are shattered with terrible mistakes, simply because of prayerlessness.

Tragically, there are multitudes of Christians who are also prayer-less when it comes to making decisions in life. God, however, has called us to be a people of prayer. Prayer isn’t simply telling God what we want, but rather asking God what He wants for us. In prayer, God calls us to seek His agenda, rather than ask His permission for our own agenda. Jude 20b reveals that God’s called us to be a people who pray. We shouldn’t simply rattle off our requests and say “amen,” but we’re instructed to seek the will of the Holy Spirit. As we ask the Holy Spirit to lead us in our prayers, He will show us how to pray and what to pray for. God’s purpose can only be known in our lives as we “pray in the Spirit” and seek God’s face.

Back to the God's Purpose for Us study series
Daily Bible Study Menu
A note about online study