Mark Vestal Proud of nothing of myself. Freed by Christ who did it all!

Prayer strengthens our ability to 'stay on task' spiritually while trapped in our carnal bodies, similar to recharging a battery. We have more 'power' to overcome when our focus is on God.

Our relationship with God can also grow with prayer. God wants us to want Him. We are not forced to come closer to Him due to free will, so prayer shows Him our sincerity of wanting Him in our lives.

It is important to note that prayer does not necessarily require a physical performance on our part. Consider what Paul says regarding the purpose and manner of prayer below:

Romans 8:22-27
"22 For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.
23 And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.
24 For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?
25 But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.
26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God."

God may not be passing out earthly blessings as found during other biblical eras, but WE have been gifted all SPIRITUAL blessings today (Ephesians 1:3). Paul says we also do not know how to pray properly, but that the indwelling holy Spirit makes intercession for us as He sees need by our unspoken groaning. Our prayers today are to be with the focus of thanksgiving, giving thanks always for all things unto God (Ephesians 5:20), no matter what state we are in (Philippians 4:11).

1 Timothy 2:1
"I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;"

Philippians 4:11
"Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content."

There are so many 'shiny objects' and distractions in this present evil world that attempt to keep our focus off of who we are spiritually in Christ. This is why we are urged to seek heavenly things and reject the carnal things of this world that satisfy the desires of the flesh.

April 27 2023 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report