In so many ways, the 21st century church has failed to accomplish God’s plan for her. When we look at the early church in the Book of Acts, we can see so many areas where we have fallen away. Twelve times in the book of Acts, the phrase “one accord” is used, but unity and community had a different meaning then.

There is so much talk today about community–living in oneness and unity, in one accord as the New Testament Church did. Having fellowship with one another seems to be the emphasis in so many churches today, but true community is found only in communing with God.

I am presently reading a book entitled Talk Less/Pray More by Matthew Skariah.He quotes Jim Cambala in regard to the true meaning of church meetings. “Recently, I was discussing the need of our churches to return to simple prayer with a leading pastor of a large church in the area of the country where super churches abound.He told me that in his entire area, the prayer meeting was virtually extinct and mere lip service was being paid to the power of prayer.He honestly confessed that time was made for visiting speakers who will help mature us, gospel concerts, youth nights, fellowship nights, etc., but no prominent place at all given to the church collectively to seek God with all their hearts. He, very perceptively, and yet ashamedly, pointed out that he knew the main reason why most churches (including his own) did not schedule and advertise a true prayer meeting! Why? Because it would never draw the crowd and the turn out would be so pitiful! How could those embarrassed pastors explain their large auditoriums being mostly empty on prayer meeting night as a handful of hungry souls waited on God, when the very night before many hundreds had attended a gospel concert or heard a famous Christian speak.”

Think about it. This may describe your church–mega-church or not. We all want the fuzzy, feel good emotion of Christianity without paying the price. We are all about fellowship, programs, and methods to bring people in and keep them entertained. Since when has the purpose of church become that of entertainment? People want to talk about community, but community is nothing unless we commune around God Himself.

Yes, that fuzzy, feel good emotion has replaced the holy ground of the burning bush. We have traded the power of God for the programs of men. We would rather please carnal men than please the holy God of Heaven. My friend, something is wrong. Change has to start somewhere. It may as well be with you.

Jesus said of the Laodicean church in Revelation 3:16, 17 “So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:” This is a true description of the 21st century church. We are so far away from true worship, but yet we are content to stay there, unmoved by the hand of God as He stands at the door of His own church and knocks (Revelation 3:20).

Mr. Skariah continues, “Where is the soul travail of yester years, the broken heart, the sleepless nights, the agony and tears, the awful conviction of sin,and the profound sense of godliness?”

When was the last time you spent a sleepless night in prayer?–no, not praying for God to intervene in a personal difficult situation, but just seeking the face of God, desiring Him and Him alone. When was the last time your heart was broken over your putrid sin? When was the last time you shed a tear for the lost?–no, not your husband or wife, son or daughter, but for those of a different race, a different color–for those that have never heard the Truth of the Gospel of Christ.. When was the last time you fell on your face in utter brokenness before God, helpless in your own might to do anything of lasting significance? When was the last time you cared enough to allow God to change you from the inside out?

I can hear someone say, “You’re judging!” I am not judging. I have no idea where you are at in your walk with God. I am simply bringing the truth of Scripture to bear on your life–and if the show fits…well, you know what to do!

I have been the pastor of Lifegate Baptist Church in Bellefonte, PA for the past ten years. I have always had a heart for revival. In the last year God called me to head up The Great American Fast, a national day of prayer and fasting for our country. See more at http://www.thegreatamericanfast.org

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You are the greatest healer

the physician

you see parts in me

no human eyes

have access to

you only spoke a word

and the whole world was created

not a shout

just a word

and what was formless

had shape

what was void

was filled

what was barren

had fruit

touch our shattered lives

fill our empty lives

make us whole again

make abundance to flow from us

again and again

just one touch

and we will be truly

HEALED.

I am working on publishing my first book.

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Mr. and Mrs. Selfish prayed together every day after their marriage.

God bless us two

And not you.

God, give us more

Then the person next door.

Mr. and Mrs. Selfish became parents and prayed with their two sons every morning and every evening.

God bless us four

And no more.

The Selfish sons grew up and had their own families.

God, give us favor

But not our neighbor.

Mr. and Mrs. Selfish became grandparents and prayed with their five grandchildren every Sunday while driving to church.

God bless us seven

Just us in heaven.

One Selfish son grew up and became a pastor.

God bless us people

Just our church steeple.

The Selfish grandchildren grew up and had their own families.

God bless us a lot

Only in our spot.

Melissa writes about the human condition.

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Autos, planes, computer games and toys, toys, toys…

…is this what life is all about – the noise, noise, noise?

If man said He could cut the noise in half, half, half -

I’d not believe. I’m sorry, but I’d laugh, laugh, laugh!

Transparent man – I laugh so hard, I cry, cry, cry…

all it seems we want to do is buy, buy, buy.

God creates, commands and we will see, see, see -

that man has pride – he’s foolish as can be, be, be.

Don’t let a quiet corner be too rare, rare, rare -

get on your knees and whisper up a prayer, prayer, prayer.

And use your ears – you really have a choice, choice, choice -

to spend some time and listen for His still, small, voice. (1 Kings 19:12)

——-

1 Kings 19:11,12 (KJV)

11 And he said, Go forth,

and stand upon the mount before the LORD.

And, behold, the LORD passed by,

and a great and strong wind rent the mountains,

and brake in pieces the rocks before the LORD;

but the LORD was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake;

but the LORD was not in the earthquake: 12 And after the earthquake a fire;

but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice.

Copywrite 2004-2011 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

Written 9-15-11 by louis gander. FREE to print and use ONLY with copyright information included – NOT for resale.

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I pray for peace around the world

Each day on bended knee

So why does such a prayer of peace

Go unanswered, answer me

Its not that God doesn’t hear the prayer

He wants the same you see

God prays for peace around the world

Each day on bended knee

But his prayers remain unanswered

For mankind is deafened to his plea

I am a fifty something family man with a passion for writing and I draw inspiration from those around me.

paul.curtis1956 @ btinternet.com

http://www.dreamagic.com/poetry/poetry.html

http://www.peculiar-poetry.com/

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I’ve been through some really hard times over the past few years with serious health issues, financial pressures, losing a job I truly loved and the various other rigours life puts us through. One day I felt so low, I went into our local Christian bookshop for comfort. I’d been in there before and felt the presence of God. I made a special trip there that day, as all I wanted was to be near my Dad!

God did something really special. As soon as I went through the door, I had a really strong feeling in my heart, that God’s face lit up in a huge smile.

For many years God has placed burdens on my heart to uphold others in prayer. Countless times I have been woken in the night to pray for people, or I feel Him tugging at my sleeve during the day to ask me to pray. Quite often He wants me to pray immediately. When we have a need He responds THEN. We aren’t scheduled or stuck on hold in some kind of queue. Whether we can see or feel it or not, His attention to how we are feeling and His overwhelming love for us means we get absolute immediate attention, one hundred percent of the time: totally without fail.

Learning that has changed my life. I have gone from being a Christian who sat in church depressed and hopeless, to someone who knows that if God will disturb my day or my sleep for someone else, He will do the same for me. We are all loved equally. I too am the sheep He would turn the planet upside down to look for when lost. I am the one He wants to pull under His protective wings and keep safe. I am loved so much, when I seek Him for any reason, He smiles, as He wants to be with me too.

So all of us being equally loved: yes we are! You also put a smile on God’s face. Every time you think of Him, want to be with Him, or do anything which shows that you have a love in your heart for your Father, He smiles. You make Him happy. You too put a smile on God’s face.

Copyright Cate Russell-Cole 2011. Please contact Cate at cate@virtual-desk.com.au for permission to re-use her work.

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II Corinthians 5:17

I am a new creation in Christ Jesus.

Ephesians 2:10

I am God’s workmanship created to do every good works which He has prepared for me.

Romans 8:17

I am an Heir of God in Christ Jesus.

II Corinthians 5:21, Revelation 20:6

I am the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus. I am reigning in life with Christ Jesus through the abundance of grace and the gift of righteousness…and I am a priest ordained unto God.

I Peter 2:9

I am of a Royal Priesthood, a Holy Nation and a peculiar treasure for God’s own possession.

II Timothy 1:7

I am filled with the spirit of power, love and sound, disciplined mind.

Romans 8:37 and I John 5:4

I am more than a conqueror and a world over comer.

Ephesians 1:3

I am blessed with every spiritual blessing in heavenly places.

Philippians 4:19

I am prosperous and God is liberally supplying my every need.

John 15:5

I am a branch of the vine and I bear much fruit.

I Corinthians 3:16 and 6:19

I am a temple of God and the Holy Spirit dwells in me.

I John 4:4

I am indwelt by the Greater One and I am living victoriously.

Galatians 3:13-14

I am redeemed, the blessings of Abraham are upon me, and I have received the promise of the Spirit through faith.

III John 2

I am prospering and in exceeding abundant health even as my soul prospers.

Ephesians 4:24

I am created in righteousness and true holiness.

I Corinthians 15:58

I am steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord.

Acts 13:52

I am continually filled with joy and the Holy Spirit.

II Peter 2:24 and Is 53:5

I am healed by the stripes of Jesus and my body is pain free and healthy.

Ephesians 6:14

I am standing and acting on the truth of God’s Word.

Ephesians 4:29

I am speaking words of faith, which edify and minister grace to the hearer.

II Corinthians 5:20 & Rom 8:14

I am an Ambassador for Christ Jesus and I am led by the Holy Spirit.

II Corinthians 5:7

I am walking by faith and not by sight.

II Peter 1:4

I am a partaker of God’s divine nature.

II Corinthians 2:14

I am always triumphant in Christ Jesus.

I Corinthians 15:57

I am always having and living in victory through my Lord Jesus Christ.

Matthew 5:13-14

I am the salt of the earth and a light in this world.

Isaiah 54:14

I am liberated in my thinking; my mind is sound, the love of God enfolds me, and I am courageous.

Psalm 1:3

I am a tree of righteousness which yields much fruit, and I am prospering.

Philippians 4:6-7

I am calmly, prayerfully and cheerful making all my requests unto God with thanksgiving in my heart.

Ephesians 6:10

I am strong in the Lord and the power of His might.

Colossians 1:23

I am continuing in the works of the Lord and I am grounded, settled, and steadfast in the hope of the Gospel.

Colossians 1:14,13

I am redeemed through the blood of Jesus, my sins are forgiven and I am translated into His kingdom.

Colossians 2:7

I am rooted and built up in Jesus Christ and I am established in the faith as I have been taught.

Colossians 3:16

I am blessed with the word of Christ, which indwells in me richly unto all wisdom, as I teach and admonish my brethren about spiritual things, with grace in my heart.

Ephesians 2:8

I am saved by grace through faith.

Colossians 2:6, 9, 11

I am walking in Jesus Christ; I am complete in Him; and I am circumcised in Him.

Colossians 2:12

I am buried with Jesus Christ in baptism and am also risen with Him through faith in the operation of God

Ephesians 6:13

I am covered with the whole armor of God, which enables me to courageously stand on the truth of His word.

Philippians 3:14

I am pressing toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus

Philippians 4:8

I am always thinking on the things that are true, just, pure, lovely, excellent, virtuous, and worthy of praise.

2 Timothy 4:7

I am fighting the good fight; I am keeping the faith; I will finish my course and at the end, I will wear the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge will give me

June Morton, a retired Bookkeeper, who enjoy sharing inspirational thoughts with others

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As you wait upon this shore

How your heart does long to soar

With eagle’s wings you want to fly

From the pain that makes you cry

Tired and weary is your soul

And you pray to be made whole

So you wait upon the Lord

Daily reading of His word

In His time His breath will blow

The wind beneath your feet will grow

He will teach you how to fly

As an eagle soaring high

Above the clouds you will view

All that God has walked you through

Flying close to the Son

You will see what He has done

Pressing on in fearsome flight

Reaching for His guiding light

Grace and beauty will cover you

As others learn to follow you

Soaring through that darkened sky

You will see with eagle eye

He will give you gift of sight

To see the one who stalks at night

For now you sit in this place

As He covers you with grace

He sees your grief and knows your pain

For such a time is why He came

So rest in Him a work He’ll do

Gifts of grace will be given you

For the tasks He’s called you to

To know Maria Egilsson is to know someone who is passionate about issues women face, their relationship with themselves, with God and the world around them. Maria can be contacted at http://www.thewoman2woman.com

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What is repentance?

Repentance demonstrates regrets to the extent of changing one’s direction in lieu of the opposite. It shows remorsefulness for wrong doings, as one refrains from continuing along that line and changes course to the right one. It also takes a submissive and penitent heart to desire such alteration.Jonah, a prophet who disobeyed God by refusing to go to Nineveh to preach to the residents there, repented when he found himself in the belly of the fish. After realizing he went against the command of God, Jonah cried out to God saying “I cried by reason of affliction unto you O Lord, and you heard me; out of the belly of hell cried I, and you heard my voice. For you had cast me into the deep, in the midst of the seas; and the floods compassed me about: all your billows and your waves passed over me But I will sacrifice unto you with my voice of thanksgiving; I will pay that that I have vowed. Salvation is of the lord” Jonah 3:1-10. This was a prayer of repentance which God heard and granted his servant mercy.

John the Baptist preached repentance to the people of Israel, according to the command of God (Matt. 3:8). Everyone who obeyed, were baptized unto repentance, for the remittance of their sins (Mark 1:4).

We are commanded by God to repent and only by doing so, we can have salvation. In Rev 2:16, Jesus told John to tell the church of Pergamum, if they do not repent, He will come quickly and fight against them with the sword of his mouth.

Jesus, when he was told about the sufferings and the torturous death of some Galileans, cynically asked the said reporters, if they thought this happened because those people were committing more sin than others. He later pointed out, if they themselves did not repent, they will perish likewise.

After an incredible speech by Peter on the day of Pentecost, the people of Jerusalem, with pierced consciences, asked him and the other eleven disciples, what they should do so their lives could be changed. In reply, Peter said, “repent and be baptized everyone in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins”

We all need to repent daily, especially if our thoughts and ways become derailed and go out of alignment with the will of God. Sometimes we unknowingly go against the will of God but if we do not practice repenting regularly, then that will be intentional. Daily repentance shows humility and brings us into a conscious awareness of our sinful nature. Only by repentance our sins can be ultimately remitted and we can experience conversion.

Self-righteousness is a hindrance to our spiritual progression. It blinds our hearts and does not allow us to see our true nature, so we become very egotistical in our thinking, believing we are right about everything. According to 2 Cor. 7:10,” godly sorrow produces repentance unto salvation but the sorrow of the world produces death”. To be sorry for our sorrows does not mean we have repented. True repentance means to be sorry for our sins and to turn from it.

With regards to Pharaoh, his remorse was not on account of his sinful action but as a result of the punishment he received for it. He couldn’t stand the penalties of plagues, so he asked that they be taken away, yet his heart was hardened, so he presumptuously continued in his sinful acts, after each plague was withdrawn. Was he sorry for his actions? Oh no! He just wanted relief from his torture. Likewise, many people cry to God, just to be relieved of their complexities, but continue in their old sinful, decadent ways, hoping and praying that all goes well.

An unrepentant heart is a sinful one and there is a serious penalty for this, for the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23). Repentance makes us see ourselves as God sees us. God knows our inner beings, even more than we do. Jeremiah 17:9 says “the heart is very deceitful above all things, and is desperately wicked, who can know it? I the Lord search the heart. I try the reins” It is our duty to ask God to reveal our true selves to us, so we can seek His forgiveness and ask him to rectify our imperfections.

Repentance is a sincere and sorrowful act of acknowledging our wrong deed, as was depicted by David in Psalms 51:3, 6-7. It makes us see our true inner being, which is oftentimes despicable when compared to the nature God wants us to possess; then it gives us a deep desire to change; and by the grace of God, through Christ our Lord and the power of the Holy Spirit, the necessary changes occur.

Repentance does not warrant us God’s Grace, but it is imperative for our forgiveness. When we repent, the angels in heaven rejoice. Because of their pity and grief for unrepentant souls, who have fallen into spiritual death, when one sinner repent they openly rejoice (Luke 15:7).

Repentance is a gift. It does not earn us anything. As a matter of fact, it does not put us in a position for forgiveness, or earn us salvation. It is the grace of God that puts us in that position, “for by grace we are saved through faith; and that not of ourselves; it is the gift of God; not of works lest any man should boast” (Ephesians 2:7-8).

Peter knew what it was to repent. After spending over three years in the company of Jesus Christ, Peter blatantly betrayed Him when he thought his life was being threatened. Yet Peter’s heart was sorrowful, because his conscience told him what he did was wrong. He regretted betraying his friend and teacher.

After Jesus’ resurrection, He appeared to the disciples at the sea of Tiberias and Peter, being aware it was Him, girt himself with his fishing garment, jumped into the sea and swam ashore, with a yearning in his heart, to meet his risen Savior. Jesus, knowing Peter’s heart, asked him three times if he loved Him. All three times Jesus told Peter to feed His sheep but the last time, when the question was asked, Peter’s heart was grieved.

It is so ironical that Peter betrayed Jesus three times and a few days later, Jesus questioned him three times concerning the love he had for Him. Peter remarked after the last question, “Jesus, you know all things.” Here Peter saw his own insufficiency and sadly but lovingly admitted that Jesus is omniscient. He was commissioned to feed the flock of Jesus with love and truth, and not to betray them, as he did Jesus.

Jesus does not want us to perish; it is His desire for us to repent of our sinful ways; and get to know Him and the love he offers (Peter 3:9). Pride and power debar us from this opportunity and makes us see ourselves as the self-righteous Pharisee, who proudly stood before the Lord, boasting of all his charitable practices and dedication to the laws, while comparing himself with the Publican who stood beside him, whom he considered to be an inferior, worthless, law breaking citizen.

On the other hand, humility makes us see our deficiency as the Publican, who reverenced God, by not even raising his head but bowing it in meekness, as he repented of his sin and sought His mercy. It takes us off the red carpet of self-exaltation and guides us to the path of insufficiency, where we helplessly lay ourselves at our Master’s feet to seek His forgiveness.

Paul made mention of all his achievements and self-assuredness about his position and social standing, before he became fully regenerated. In Phil. 3:5-6, Paul, a Hebrew of Hebrews and a Pharisee, declared his family, being of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, fulfilled the Jewish law by circumcising him on the eight day. He went on to say he had a zeal to do his work, being justified that the persecution of Christians was a display of proficiency and righteousness, which was required of him as a conscientious, law abiding citizen. He broke every law of God to maintain the laws of the state and he saw it as patriotism.

However, after Paul’s transformation, He said he suffered the loss of all things and counted them as dung that he may win Christ; so he may get to know Him and the power of His resurrection; and have fellowship with His sufferings, being made conformable unto death (Phil. 3:10). Later he went on to declare in Romans 2:20, that he was crucified with Christ, nevertheless he lived, yet not him, but Christ lived in him and the life he then lived in the flesh he lived by faith This was a clear indication of transformation, which must be accredited to his penitent heart through the grace of God.

We are never too old to repent and turn from doing the wrong things. 1 Kings 11:4 tells us that Solomon made a radical change in his old age, when he allowed his pagan wives to turn his heart from God, and became involved in sacrilegious worshipping. Yet, later, as he repented God forgave him. God’s nature is LOVE and He is LOVE, so His loving nature will not leave us in bondage, if we acknowledge our faults and turn to Him for help.

Of all the kings that ruled Judah, Manasseh reigned the longest and committed the most formidable and abominable acts against God’s principles. His father whose name was Hezekiah was a very devoted man of God, quite unlike him. Everything Hezekiah did to exalt the name of God, Manasseh undid, after he ascending the throne of Israel. He was a pagan worshipper (2 Chron.33:1-3).

Because Manasseh refused to listen to the voice of God, he paid the penalty for his wickedness, when the Lord allowed the Assyrians to dethrone him, put him in bonds and fetters and carried him away captive to Babylon (2 Chron. 33:10-11). In the time of this crisis and great distress, he genuinely repented and cried out to God for help (2 Chronicle 33:12-13). Despite of his disobedience, God in all his loving kindness and tender mercies, heard his cry, saved and re-positioned him as King of Judah.

Self-righteousness is the biggest flaw in human lives. It blinds us from seeing our sinful selves. So while the dark angel of sinful living is slaying his thousands, the white angel of self-righteousness is slaying his ten thousands.

We should be like Job, who, after recognizing the sovereign power of God, declared in Job 42:5-6,” I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear, but now mine eye sees thee. Wherefore I hate myself and repent in dust and ashes”. Job repented for saying the things he did not know; he understood his helpless position; and considered his moral righteousness as dust and ashes before a Holy God.

Only by opening up our hearts and allowing the Holy Spirit to come in, can true repentance be made, followed by forgiveness and transformation of life.

June Morton, a retired Bookkeeper, who enjoy sharing inspirational thoughts with others

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Do you need speedy answers to your prayers? Or do you wonder what you need in order to pray more fervently? Prayer is a channel of communication with God and fervent prayer is a hot line to heaven. It gives you unobstructed link to God and delivers speedy answers to your prayers. This article lists the tools for enhancing fervent prayer.

Whatever your purpose for desiring to pray more fervently, you need some tools or enhancers to accomplish that purpose. And no matter your level of fervency already in prayer, you can improve and enjoy more of God’s blessings. So here are the tools for enhancing fervent prayer

Fervent prayer enhancers

1. Time

Though it is not how long you pray but how well you pray that matters, you still need adequate and quality time to pray fervently. When you have enough time, you will be able to sufficiently plead your case before God, (Isaiah 43:26). Elijah was not in a hurry when he was praying fervently for rain to fall. He prayed till there was a sign in heaven, 1 Kings 18:42-44). You also need to pray till you have peace within you.

2. Quiet place

It is difficult to concentrate in a noisy environment. You need quietness all around you and also within you for you to pray effectively and receive answer from God. For instance, the night before His crucifixion, Jesus was up on Mount Olives alone in fervent prayer before God and an angel came and strengthened Him for the task ahead, (Luke 22:41-44). An enhancer like a quiet place makes all the difference.

3. Knowledge of the word of God

God listens for His words when we pray and He is committed ONLY to His words, (1 John 5:14-15). He watches over His Words to perform it. Therefore, you need to know what God’s word says about your prayer point and say them back to Him. Search the scriptures for God’s words concerning that issue, meditate on them and then pray them. This is one tool you must engage for speedy results

4. Faith

“But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him”, (Hebrews 11:6, KJV). It takes enhancer like faith to pray fervent prayer. You need to believe that God will answer your prayer. Faith is like a magnet that draws God’s attention to your prayers.

5. Righteousness

“For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil”, (I Peter 3:12, KJV). It is the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man, that avails much. Have a right stand with God, pray fervently and God will answer your prayers.

Many people are desperate for answers from God for various reasons and fervent prayer is the solution. Make use of the above listed tools or enhancers today and you will enhance your prayers. Surely you will receive answers from God and enjoy unending blessings of God.

What other tool can you use to enhance fervency in prayer?

Ngozi Nwoke Is a teacher and a counselor. A product and distributor of love. She has a passion to teach people how to enjoy God’s love and fellowship for more fulfilling life. Want more fulfilling life? subscribe for free email updates today. http://stepswithgod.com

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“What do you think it’s right to pray for?” my friend asked.

“I’m in a hurry,” I said. “I’ll think about it and talk to you on Wednesday.”

I sounded like I knew. But I was still trying to decipher phrases like “A rose is

a rose is a rose,” in the poetry class we were attending. How could I answer such

a question?

Perhaps there is no single answer. Maybe the question itself, shows a lack of

understanding about prayer, for prayer is more than a scribbled shopping list or a

child’s letter to Santa. Prayer has often been described as conversation with God,

with everything that true conversation entails, including both speaking and

listening. At best it begins with an awe-filled awareness that the “almighty God

of heaven and earth,” is attuned to our specific wavelength.

But we do not start out our lives knowing how to converse. Perhaps, like a

rose, prayers go through stages in their development first a shoot, then a hard

knob upon the stalk, then leaves, a bud, a gradual awakening of the bloom, and a

final fade before the fall.

If you happened to start with a Germanic background like mine, you probably began your prayer life with a few simple words such as, “Abba Vater, Amen.” And that’s not so bad. In fact, it’s just what Jesus said to do address the Father.

When we are young we call on Dad if we are frightened; and so we also beg God, “keep me safe till morning bright.”

Later we begin to ask for specific things, and because Dad loves us, he gives us the bike or Barbie doll we want. I call this the “gimme” period, like the time I was young and desperate, standing at the corner of Bonanza and Diablo, waiting for the Greyhound Bus. I needed to meet my fiancé in the city, fifteen miles away, to get the blood tests for our upcoming wedding. The invitations were all out. I could almost smell the cake. This was my last chance. As I waited I grew frantic and prayed. “Please God, help me get gimme a ride.” A nice, safe looking, woman drove up to the stop sign, ready to turn right. Then she called to me, “Going into Oakland? Come on. Hop in. I’ll give you a lift. These buses aren’t always reliable.”

That worked pretty well; and so one begins to ask for more “things.” Dad

says, “Well, maybe. But you know, your mother needs a new washer and your

sister needs braces.” We begin to see that our little wants don’t count for much

and we feel foolish now to ask. We realize that God has many children, with a

multitude of needs. We begin to see that asking God to make the day sunny for

my picnic might deprive farmers of their needed rain.

Now the leaves shoot out. We look around and notice other people’s problems. Perhaps your prayer, like mine, is for assistance in finding a helper for an aging mother. The focus shifts to fitting needs and goals together no more “my

sunshine versus the farmer’s rain.”

The bud is forming. We struggle to understand how it all works out, and so we cry out to the Father, “Lord I believe; help thou mine unbelief” (Mark 9:24 KJV).

And an answer comes maybe through a friend, or a sermon we are sure was ear-

marked just for us, or perhaps, (as has happened many times to me) through daily Scripture reading.

And like a rose, we finally bloom. We ask the Father to help us blossom full

and bright, to make a lovely scent for some sick, despairing soul to savor.

And then, like a fading rose that drops its petals in old age, we return once

more to our beginnings, and know it is all right to simply say, “Abba, Father,

Amen.”

Spiritual Life 1993

Rights revert to author.

Cherise Wyneken is a freelance writer of adult & juvenile poetry and prose. Her work has appeared in over 200 publications, 2 books & 2 chapbooks of poetry, a memoir of her spiritual journey, a novel, a child’s spiritual book, & a child’s audio tape.

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“Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16 (KJV) The essence of prayer is to get results, to have your prayers answered. Many people pray but get no results because they do not know how to pray effectively. Our Father really wants to answer ALL our prayers but we need to know how to effectively pray and receive these answers.

Prayer is a channel of communication with God and for you to effectively communicate with Him, you need to identify who He is to you. If you see God as a task master you will relate and talk to Him as a hard boss. But if you see Him as a father, you will relate and talk to Him as a child would talk to his father. It is very important to identify your level of relationship with God because this will affect your state of mind and mode of approach in prayers.

In addition to knowing your relationship with God, you need to know and practice the following steps on how to pray effectively:

1. Believe that God will answer you.

Doubting God’s will to answer you will produce no result no matter how long you pray and cry to Him. God says in 3 John 2 that He wishes above all things that we prosper and be health, even as our souls prosper. So, you must believe that He will answer you to get results.

2. You need to know and meditate on what God says about that issue you want to pray about.

This will strengthen your faith in God and His willingness to answer you. The Word of God concerning that issue will become very real to you. Also, it will drive away any form of fear, doubt or unbelief that will try to stop you from receiving your answers.

3. Get rid of hindrances to answered prayer

There is need for you to deal with anything the devil can use to accuse you before God. These include unforgiveness, bitterness, un-confessed sin, etc. God is a just judge and if you harbour any of such things, you will not receive your answer. In Mathew 6:12, 14, 15, Jesus encourages us to forgive others so we can receive same from God.

4. Start prayers with thanksgiving and praise

Psalm 100:4 tells us that we are to enter God’s presence with thanksgiving and praise. Don’t be in hurry to start making your request known to God. First appreciate God for who He is and for His goodness unto you. In the Lord’s Prayer (Mathew 6:9-13), Jesus showed us an example of how we must first praise and glorify God before asking for anything from Him.

5. Pray God’s words.

God wants you to remind Him of His words, not how bad the devil has worked against you or your loved one. 1 John 5:14-15 tells us that when we pray according to God’s will, He hears us and whatsoever we ask He will do for us. Therefore, God answers according to what He said in the bible.

6. Pray for God’s kingdom and for all men

We were admonished both by Jesus (Mathew 6:10) and Paul (1 Timothy 2:1-3) to always pray first for God’s will to be done on earth and also for all men especially our leaders. Paul says that it is good and acceptable in the sight of our father, God.

7. After making your request known, believe that you have received

As Mark 11:24 says, when you have made your requests known unto God, you must believe that God has already answered you. Believing you have received before you see the result shows that you actually have faith in God and His ability to give you the results you desire. This is a crucial step on how to pray effectively and get results.

8. End with thanksgiving and expect a physical manifestation of your answer.

Thanking God at the end shows that you believe it is settled and done. And Proverbs 24:14 says that your expectation shall not be cut off. You will receive what you expect. So, expect a manifestation of what you have asked of God.

9. Refuse to doubt

Many times after prayers, the enemy will come to test your faith. He will send thoughts of unbelief to make you doubt whether God will do as you have requested of Him. At this point you need to steadfastly resist the devil’s suggestions for as long as he persists. The bible says that he will flee when we resist him, James 4:7

10. Declare your victory

Say as often as you can and to as many people who will listen as possible, that you believe that God has answered your prayers. Mark 11:23 says that you shall have what you say. Declaring your victory gets God’s attention and puts the angels to work in order to get your results established.

Many people get frustrated and discouraged when they pray and get no results. And this is not the will of God for us. Following the above steps on how to pray effectively will surely ensure you get results. Our father wants to answer our prayers. Even when the answer seems delayed, God will surely bring it to pass. Therefore, next time you get talking to God, practice the steps and you will have the answers knocking on your door.

How else can you pray and get results effectively?

Ngozi Nwoke Is a teacher and a counselor. A product and distributor of love. She has a passion to teach people how to enjoy God’s love and fellowship for more fulfilling life. Want more fulfilling life? subscribe for free email updates today. http://stepswithgod.com

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Lord, if these angel wings are heavy

Then, do not take them from me

I will try to learn the faith of flight

Though dark days are haunting me

I will try to learn the faith of flight

In wind-tossed seas and storm

Knowing that your own dear son

In me, this faith has born.

Lord, if these angel wings are heavy

Do not take them from me

I am only learning to have faith in all

Those things I cannot see

But one day soon, with your loves help

I’ll be strong enough to try

And lift those others up who call

On your love

to make them light.

Amen.

Laura Swindon-Ross

This work is copyright, all rights reserved.

I’m a teacher and Christian writer, currently studying for a Ph.D.

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Lord, let us sit around the table

And learn of Peace

In the dialog of nations

And the stratagems of government

Where the ear of God is listening;

Lord, let us look unto this Earth

And learn of  Peace

As we look out through the windows

At the stirrings of our planet, as she makes

Accommodation

For the errors in our judgment

As we learn to better manage

Our inheritance;

Lord, let us look at our fellow man

And learn of  Peace

In the challenges of poverty

And the hand that measures wealth

May we befriend that Charity

That offers hope and education

Love and emancipation

For the sick and the oppressed;

Lord, let us look unto ourselves

And learn of  Peace

In the sanctuary of the family

Where the process is begun

Where parents teach their children

That the tolerance of the one

Begets the loving happiness of many;

It’s a big world, Lord;

Help us to live Your Word

And understand

That there’s Room for Everyone

In it –

We ask this in Christ’s name,

Amen.
2010 Laura Swindon-Ross

This work is copyright, all rights reserved.

I’m a teacher and Christian writer, currently studying for a Ph.D.

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On the last afternoon of our trip, we drove the long hours of flat prairie lands toward Tulsa. The Oklahoma sky darkened with heavy, purple-black thunderclouds hanging very low all along the horizon. From the highway, I watched the ominous black line of clouds quietly with a leery eye.

Our four children in the back of the station wagon traveled very well the long highway drive from Upstate New York to Tulsa. Most naturally, my wife worried about where we were going to live and how! With a phone call, Oral Roberts University placed us in touch with the president of the student association and his wife. This couple offered to welcome us into their home in the town of Broken Arrow. At least, we had a place to land.

Jim and Sharon, business students from Texas, most graciously welcomed our tired family into their modern suburban home. That evening after supper, in view of the weather, Jim instructed us on basic precautions for tornadoes. Not a half hour later, we heard the terrible sound of a heavy locomotive coming toward us unseen in the pitch darkness of the rainy thunderstorm. There was no other warning. Radar did not detect the Broken Arrow Tornado.

“That’s it!” said Jim.

To lessen the pressure on the structure of the house, Jim calmly walked to his front door and opened it. He walked to his back glass sliding door and opened that. I knew he was praying with great faith. On his signal, Mary took our youngest two children, Emily and baby Joanna, to a front bedroom closet. I lifted our other two children, Monica and Brian, one under each arm, and carried them down the hall into a back bedroom closet.

The tornado hit!

I watched as the ceiling in the bedroom outside my closet swelled and buckled. My ears popped! A brass pole lamp lost its spring tension from the ceiling and fell to the floor with an alarming crash.

I loudly commanded the name, “Jesus!”

Through the rainy night with no electric lights, we waited for the first rays of morning daylight to inspect the surrounding neighborhood. Most of the houses ripped open and crumbled, looking like a city dump. The living room curtains from the house behind us ended up in our front yard on the other side. In the neighboring house beside us, the shattered sheet glass from the back storm-door flew through the big room and stuck like a hundred sharp, tiny daggers into the back of the ornate, wooden front door. It looked like a visit from hell. The streets flooded with water from broken water mains.

Jesus is God of the storms!

The miracle revealed in our host’s home: only one 2×4″ strut in the attic snapped as the tornado sucked and buckled the roof. It was apparent! Of all the dozen houses in the neighborhood, the tornado actually jumped over our house as we called out the name “Jesus!”

I spent the first three days of my new life in Oklahoma directing curiosity traffic with the police away from the damaged Broken Arrow suburb. I found all this neighborhood devastation troubling and regretful. But I also learned right then, whatever the devil throws at you, deflect it with prayer!

Bill Hunt dedicated his marriage to discovering God’s 100 million miracles in life. As a Christian Writer, administrator, and career educator, he writes true miracle stories and Christian teachings on FaithWriters and other sites.

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