prayer

Team Prayer

Dr. Mike 2014 , , ,

I appeal to you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God on my behalf,   Romans 15:30

Sainthood is a team event. When saints come together, they worship the great I AM God. They sing. They pray. They learn the Word of God together. As disciples of Jesus, they learn to follow HIM individually and collectively. Sainthood is not a sole adventure. But a community of people sharing life together.

One discipline done in private and together is prayer. As students of Jesus, we learn the importance of prayer. We start off in private prayer talking with our Maker. Over time we build up a relationship with an invisible God. As we grow in faith and trust, a personal relationship develops. Likewise, when we are together in community, relationships are being made. We share stories. We share food. We share time together building a community of believers who each have come to know their God.

As we come together, we also learn more from each other who God IS. When we pray together, we experience the heart and soul of a person in relationship with the same God we serve. As we worship the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, we come to know more about HIM and ourselves in the process.

The apostle Paul relied on the support of his fellow saints to fulfill his calling in life. He would ask for their prayers on his behalf. His struggles and personal battles to preach the gospel would often overcome him. His solution was always to look for Jesus Christ to provide the strength to carry him through. He was not bashful to request help at times such as in Romans 15 when he believed his life may soon be over.

Yes, we are to pray in private. But we are also asking to pray whenever the occasion calls for it. That means when you are out in the public arena and eyes may be on you. That may mean during a football game when one of the players are severely injured. That may mean in the parking lot of a shopping mall. Or when someone is in desperation and needs help beyond your capacity to deliver. Especially when you are witnessing a live event in a public arena and unable to intervene in a violent situation.

Yes, our relationship with the living God is such we can pray either privately or corporately. Whoever is watching doesn’t change our intensity and intent. Why? Because our relationship with our heavenly Father is real. We know our heavenly Dad’s heart on the manner. We share in supporting HIS ways. And we know HE always hears us and acts on our requests. May not be when and how we expect. But we trust HE knows what is best for all involved in the situation and will see the best long-term solution is made.

So, when you have the time to share prayers with other members of God’s family on earth, take it. Let others come to know the God who walks with you. They and you will grow from the experience.

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Faith-Integrator, Encourager, Scribbler

“We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives,” (Colossians 1:9)

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Maturing Prayer

Dr. Mike 2024 , ,

After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed:

“Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you. For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him. Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do. And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began.   (John 17:1-5)

This is one of the few prayers of Jesus recorded in the Bible. This is only the introductory part of a much longer prayer. HE spoke these words with HIS Father before He was taken into government custody. What jumped out to me this time as I read it related to a recent discipleship mentoring session.

The person is a recent convert. He surrendered to Lord Jesus a little over one year ago. He is currently carrying a lot of excess baggage from his previous lifestyle. Our sessions are focused on discussing practical theology and Christian living principles. In each session, I would generally open our meeting in prayer and he would close out.

In hindsight, his prayers have matured over time. In the beginning, the emphasis was on himself. His pain. His hope. His suffering. Currently, his prayers are now also focused on the pain of others. The hope for others. To ease the suffering of others. His mind is now focused on himself and others. This is a good thing. We are moving in a healthy direction.

We are now waiting as the Spirit continues HIS work in him. We are looking for a breakthrough. When his focus will also include glorifying God and seeking HIS Will through the outcome.

You may notice Jesus’ prayer not only addressed his needs and those around him, but also Father God’s. That HIS Will be glorified in the process. Him. Others. God. The maturing prayer addresses all three in the same breath.

Yes, we petition our heavenly Father because we need help. We also realize there are others involved that need HIS help. Plus we desire to support our heavenly Father that HIS purpose and Will is executed in the outcome. So at the end of day, HE is lifted up and manifested. HE is glorified.

God. Others. Me. The desire for a good outcome for all three are included. This is the maturing process of prayer. The heart of a prayer warrior becomes more like their teacher. Their prayer follows the example of Jesus himself.

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Faith-Integrator, Encourager, Scribbler

“We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives,” (Colossians 1:9)

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O Lord…

Dr. Mike 2024 , ,

Who will not fear, O Lord, and glorify your name? For you alone are holy. All nations will come and worship you, for your righteous acts have been revealed.”  Rev. 15:4

Recently, I noticed a new prayer appearing on my lips. It is the shortest one in my arsenal. But I am finding it to be the most effective. It only contains five letters and two words. But the impact and meaning goes deep into my soul. And the outcome lays at the feet of our God.

The prayer is “O Lord…”

I find myself praying these two words at times of heartfelt pain and also moments of celebration. These two extremes of the human emotion are wrapped around these five letters.

In my brief lifetime, I find myself many times without the proper words to express to God what I feel. But I am encouraged to know that Jesus and the Spirit intercedes on my behalf (Heb. 7:25, Rom. 8:26-27).

Therefore when I am confronted with a difficult traumatic event, the only words out of my mouth is “O Lord.” The remaining thoughts, feelings, and request for a solution I lay down at the feet of my Christ. HE knows what is best to do at that time and place.

When I rejoice at a time of victory and not sure what to say, “O Lord” expresses my gratitude and joy of the moment. I know the Spirit is always at work. HE may even have been involved in the event. But I just want to express my thanks for HIS blessings.

These two words leave the outcome in God’s hands. They recognize HIS authority and power. HIS righteous works are being displayed.

Yes, there are times a few more words may come out in petition to our great King. But every petition that begins with these two words acknowledges our Triune God. We look for HIM to intervene and empower the people with a good resolution. HE knows I am always available to assist. But we are watching and trusting HIM to take the lead.

In summary, the “O Lord” prayer is a heavy emphasis on our Lord’s authority, intercession, and workmanship. You may find yourself using these same five letters as a quick prayer of need or thanks. The bottom-line: isn’t it awesome we serve a heavenly Father God whose so responsive?

Rooting For You in Christ!

Dr. Mike

Faith-Integrator, Encourager, Scribbler

“We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives,” (Colossians 1:9)

Books By Dr. Mike:

Encourage a Friend…Share Today’s Message!

Copyright 2013-Present | Abbaco LLC | All Rights Reserved