The Lutheran Ambassador - August 12, 1986
Many people do not think that prayer makes
much difference. They like to think of prayer merely in terms of meditation or
communion. It is possible for us to fall into this same trap, to think of
prayer merely as spiritual fellowship, to lack expectancy in regard to God answering
prayer and settling simply for a new feeling of strength. The Bible teaches us
to expect that God answers prayers as we ask.
v Prayer Asks of God
There are two principal words in the Greek New Testament translated "ask". One is a word which means to inquire, as in asking questions. But the word used in regard to prayer means to crave, to desire, to call for, always meaning asking for something. It is properly translated "ask". Our Lord used this word in encouraging His disciples to prayer.
"Whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it."" (John 14:13-14 NASB). This is one of several passages which connect prayer with asking. (e.g., Matthew 7:7; John 16:24).
The Gospels give us many examples of people asking things of God and receiving. The publican cried out, "God be merciful to me a sinner!" He went home justified (Luke 18:14). Blind Bartimaeus called out by the roadside, "Lord, that I might receive my sight." He did (Mark 10:51). Peter, sinking in the waters of the Sea of Galilee, prayed, "Lord, save me!" Our Lord restored his footing (Matthew 14:30).
Do you and I really ask God for things when we pray? Too many of us are perhaps only "window shopping" when we prayer. May God enable us to ask in prayer.
v Prayer is Work for God
An elderly lady lamented to her pastor that she no longer was able to be active in Christian service. "All I can do is pray!" Her pastor told her that her days of service were not over. He encouraged her to realize the great ministry that God could give her in prayer.
Perhaps we are prone to consider prayer somewhat incidental in our Christian life. We know we should pray but we have not come to value prayer as a highly effective means of advancing Christ's kingdom. And so the interest and attention so often is placed upon those "up front" who are really doing something!
Let us note briefly phases of Christian endeavor where prayer is so vital.
1. Prayer for Workers.
In Matthew 9:37-38, our Lord indicates that it is through prayer that laborers are sent forth into the great harvest fields of service. O. Hallesby thinks no prayer task is more important than prayer for Christian workers. He says, "If the right man gets into the right place, there is almost no end to what he can do." He mentions the influence of men like Luther, Hauge, William Carey and Hudson Taylor.
There is a great need for pastors and missionaries in our AFLC. Let us join in renewed prayer for more people of God's choosing to prepare for full-time service. Indeed, the fields are "white".
2. Prayer for Our Meetings
As we plan for services, our Bible studies, our fellowship meetings, we often give meager attention to prayer. No wonder there is little effect from all our efforts to meet! May God help us to realize afresh how much more could be accomplished by accompanying prayer.
3. Prayer for the Unsaved
Prayer for the unsaved is fundamental for effective evangelism. Yet we often betray our confidence in the outward things we do or say as sufficient in seeing people come to Christ. Our Lord's repeated call to "abide" in Him is implicit direction to depend upon Him in prayer if we are to bear fruit (John 15:4-8). May God help us to see that without Him we can indeed do nothing. But with Him, abiding in Him in prayerful dependence, He promises to bring forth fruit, even much fruit.
v Prayer Asks of God
There are two principal words in the Greek New Testament translated "ask". One is a word which means to inquire, as in asking questions. But the word used in regard to prayer means to crave, to desire, to call for, always meaning asking for something. It is properly translated "ask". Our Lord used this word in encouraging His disciples to prayer.
"Whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it."" (John 14:13-14 NASB). This is one of several passages which connect prayer with asking. (e.g., Matthew 7:7; John 16:24).
The Gospels give us many examples of people asking things of God and receiving. The publican cried out, "God be merciful to me a sinner!" He went home justified (Luke 18:14). Blind Bartimaeus called out by the roadside, "Lord, that I might receive my sight." He did (Mark 10:51). Peter, sinking in the waters of the Sea of Galilee, prayed, "Lord, save me!" Our Lord restored his footing (Matthew 14:30).
Do you and I really ask God for things when we pray? Too many of us are perhaps only "window shopping" when we prayer. May God enable us to ask in prayer.
v Prayer is Work for God
An elderly lady lamented to her pastor that she no longer was able to be active in Christian service. "All I can do is pray!" Her pastor told her that her days of service were not over. He encouraged her to realize the great ministry that God could give her in prayer.
Perhaps we are prone to consider prayer somewhat incidental in our Christian life. We know we should pray but we have not come to value prayer as a highly effective means of advancing Christ's kingdom. And so the interest and attention so often is placed upon those "up front" who are really doing something!
Let us note briefly phases of Christian endeavor where prayer is so vital.
1. Prayer for Workers.
In Matthew 9:37-38, our Lord indicates that it is through prayer that laborers are sent forth into the great harvest fields of service. O. Hallesby thinks no prayer task is more important than prayer for Christian workers. He says, "If the right man gets into the right place, there is almost no end to what he can do." He mentions the influence of men like Luther, Hauge, William Carey and Hudson Taylor.
There is a great need for pastors and missionaries in our AFLC. Let us join in renewed prayer for more people of God's choosing to prepare for full-time service. Indeed, the fields are "white".
2. Prayer for Our Meetings
As we plan for services, our Bible studies, our fellowship meetings, we often give meager attention to prayer. No wonder there is little effect from all our efforts to meet! May God help us to realize afresh how much more could be accomplished by accompanying prayer.
3. Prayer for the Unsaved
Prayer for the unsaved is fundamental for effective evangelism. Yet we often betray our confidence in the outward things we do or say as sufficient in seeing people come to Christ. Our Lord's repeated call to "abide" in Him is implicit direction to depend upon Him in prayer if we are to bear fruit (John 15:4-8). May God help us to see that without Him we can indeed do nothing. But with Him, abiding in Him in prayerful dependence, He promises to bring forth fruit, even much fruit.
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