I wonder how well we understand the realm of possibilities. I'm pretty sure I don't know the half of it. Or the fourth of it. Or the eighth. Or ... well; you get the idea. But, it's truly energizing to begin to imagine what God can do when I let my spiritual mind run free.
Case study in prayer and faith possibilities: a man named Nehemiah. Living during the dark days of captivity following the destruction of Jerusalem at the hand of the mighty Babylonian empire, Nehemiah receives a discouraging report concerning his people's plight (Nehemiah 1:1-3). His response? "When I heard these words, I sat down and wept and mourned for days; and I was fasting and praying before the God of heaven." (Nehemiah 1:4)
The essence of Nehemiah's heartfelt prayer is recorded in Nehemiah 1:5-11. I commend it to you for carefully study as a pattern for effective prayer. Notice how he begins:
"I beseech You, O LORD God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who preserves the covenant and lovingkindness for those who love Him and keep His commandments, let Your ear now be attentive and Your eyes open to hear the prayer of Your servant which I am praying before You now, day and night, on behalf of the sons of Israel Your servants, confessing the sins of the sons of Israel which we have sinned against You; I and my father's house have sinned." (Nehemiah 1:5-6)
Nehemiah acknowledged the Father's greatness, lovingkindness, and covenant faithfulness, as he appealed to God for attentiveness. And he then elaborated on the problem of sin and unfaithfulness. In fact, the majority of this recorded prayer is confession. And then, finally, Nehemiah seeks success and favor with the king whom he served as a cupbearer.
The remarkable story of Nehemiah is that, in response to prayer, he was instrumental in rebuilding the broken walls of Jerusalem and setting his people on the path to restoration and security.
So, what great things would our Father choose to do through our prayers? Perhaps the starting point is to familiarize ourselves with the covenants He has made to His people. What promises has God made that have yet to be fulfilled? You can be sure He has not forgotten, but perhaps His test of faith for us is that we know them and remind Him of them - for our benefit, not His. Heartfelt and honest confession of sin is also essential. He knows, but wants us to come in honesty before Him, without pretense.
What are the possibilities available to us? Consider the example of Nehemiah. God wants to accomplish great things for His people, for His kingdom, and His glory. Let the possibilities stir your faith, boldness, and persistent prayer.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2011
Case study in prayer and faith possibilities: a man named Nehemiah. Living during the dark days of captivity following the destruction of Jerusalem at the hand of the mighty Babylonian empire, Nehemiah receives a discouraging report concerning his people's plight (Nehemiah 1:1-3). His response? "When I heard these words, I sat down and wept and mourned for days; and I was fasting and praying before the God of heaven." (Nehemiah 1:4)
The essence of Nehemiah's heartfelt prayer is recorded in Nehemiah 1:5-11. I commend it to you for carefully study as a pattern for effective prayer. Notice how he begins:
"I beseech You, O LORD God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who preserves the covenant and lovingkindness for those who love Him and keep His commandments, let Your ear now be attentive and Your eyes open to hear the prayer of Your servant which I am praying before You now, day and night, on behalf of the sons of Israel Your servants, confessing the sins of the sons of Israel which we have sinned against You; I and my father's house have sinned." (Nehemiah 1:5-6)
Nehemiah acknowledged the Father's greatness, lovingkindness, and covenant faithfulness, as he appealed to God for attentiveness. And he then elaborated on the problem of sin and unfaithfulness. In fact, the majority of this recorded prayer is confession. And then, finally, Nehemiah seeks success and favor with the king whom he served as a cupbearer.
The remarkable story of Nehemiah is that, in response to prayer, he was instrumental in rebuilding the broken walls of Jerusalem and setting his people on the path to restoration and security.
So, what great things would our Father choose to do through our prayers? Perhaps the starting point is to familiarize ourselves with the covenants He has made to His people. What promises has God made that have yet to be fulfilled? You can be sure He has not forgotten, but perhaps His test of faith for us is that we know them and remind Him of them - for our benefit, not His. Heartfelt and honest confession of sin is also essential. He knows, but wants us to come in honesty before Him, without pretense.
What are the possibilities available to us? Consider the example of Nehemiah. God wants to accomplish great things for His people, for His kingdom, and His glory. Let the possibilities stir your faith, boldness, and persistent prayer.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2011
posted by steve @ 8:12 AM
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