In this manner, therefore, Pray

May 4, 2021 in Today's Worship by TGV

Matthew 6: Worship Guide/ 40-BSG-6A, (Matthew 6:5-15)/ Theme: In this manner, therefore, Pray/ Hymn: Near to the Heart of God (SDAH 495).


 

Exploration: Jesus’ Teachings (by Precept or Example) → Prayer — Read (Mt 5:44; 6:5–8, 9-15; 7:7–11; 9:37–38; 21:21–22; 26:41; Mk 9:28–29; 11:24; Lk 6:28; 11:1–10, 11–12; 18:1–8; 21:36; 22:21–32; 22:39–40; 22:45–46; Jn 15:4, 7; 16:23)

Reflection: In this chapter, Matthew draws our attention to Jesus’ teaching the right way on Giving (charitable deeds), Prayer (general rule), Prayer (The Lord’s Prayer), Fasting, Money, and Trusting God.

Devotional Implication: There are many themes here, but for the purpose of our ‘Worship Hour’ this morning, let us focus our attention on the subject of Prayer. Prayer moves the Heart of God! God desires that we pray always: “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16–18, NKJV) God is willing to grant our prayers:  “It shall come to pass that before they call, I will answer; And while they are still speaking, I will hear.” (Isaiah 65:24, NKJV) God hears and grants prayer as He sees fit. God knows better how and when to grant prayers than petitioner do. Sometimes, He may delay an answer to test the petitioner’s faith; Sometimes, He may grant the petition immediately. God will respond if the petitioner finds time to pray; if he/she has faith, and belief that God is able! God will remove infirmities in prayer, He will send blessings and healing, protection and revelation, etc. In His omniscience, God may delay in granting a request for the unforeseen danger/ benefit, on the part of the petitioner. Nevertheless, He hears and every word spoken in a prayer is carefully recorded in the Books of Heaven. He is working on those request in a way that we can never know!

Let me just add something here: God, the Father is praying for us – He is “not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (2 Pet 3:9). God, the Holy Spirit is praying for us – He knows our needs and at the right time, “intercedes on our behalf with sighs and groanings too deep for words” (Rom 8:26). The Lord, Jesus Christ is praying for us — “But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.” (Luke 22:32, NKJV)

Beloved, Jesus is the Mediator between God and men (1 Tim 2:5). In other words, He is the connection, the link (the Wi-Fi hotspot, so to speak) between a sinner and a Holy Father; between Heaven and Earth. No wonder, we are taught to pray “in Jesus’ name.” Jesus Christ is like “a Friend who sticks closer than a brother” (Pr. 18:24). He will never slumber nor sleep; He is the Guardian-God for His people (Ps. 121:4). He hears our prayers always! In this chapter, He taught us, like the Disciples of old, how to pray. The only question is this: How many of us use this privilege to talk to God? We are admonished — “The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God” (Philippians 4:5–6, NKJV) How many of us have actually done so?

The Gospel’s Voice: This section is written as if God were speaking directly to you—Because He does. What does the LORD say to me this morning? My son, one of the most precious gift that nobody can take away from you is Prayer. “Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me.” (Psa. 50:15). When you sincerely cry out to Me in prayer, I will listen and answer you according to My will. Humble yourself and come to Me with a tribute of Thanksgiving; Adoration; make known to Me all your needs (Supplication); Confess (and Repent) your sins today, then you will be able to claim My mercy in accordance with My promises. Remember, I desire to hear from you always: “For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, And His ears are open to their prayers; But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” (1 Peter 3:12, NKJV). Thus, I am inviting you on this day, to draw near….. “Come boldly to the Throne of grace, that you may obtain Mercy and find Grace to help you in time of need.” (Heb. 4:16). Would you?

My Desire: By God’s grace, I want to confess and repent my sins. I want to study more the prayer life of Jesus. I want to thank God for answering my prayers. I just want to say, LORD save me! Help me to call upon Your Name always; Help me to be like Jesus! LORD, “Teach me how to Pray,” Amen.

Have A Blessed Day: “Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.” (1 John 5:14–15, NKJV)


 

Worship Through Singing: Near to the Heart of God (SDAH 495).

There is a place of quiet rest, near to the heart of God; A place where sin cannot molest, near to the heart of God.

[Refrain] – “O Jesus, blest Redeemer, sent from the heart of God; Hold us who wait before Thee, near to the heart of God.”

There is a place of comfort sweet, near to the heart of God; A place where we our Savior meet, near to the heart of God.

There is place a place of full release, near to the heart of God; A place where all is joy and peace, near to the heart of God.


 

The End: Scroll down to Section (40-BSG-6B) for a ‘Prayer Guide.’ May the Lord Bless You! https://thegospelsvoice.org/archives/5568

 

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