Discovering Truth and Prayer (Part 3)
Did you know that discovering truth and prayer is crucial to all believers, they go hand in hand. In a world of uncertainty and chaos, prayer is a quiet relief to those who follow the words of Yehovah (Jehovah or God). The Scripture declares to the believer the beginning of all things and the end of all things. These words would be a comfort and give assurance that the ‘God of Creation’ is still in control of everything. In 2nd Corinthians chapter 1 and verses 3 and 4 it reminds the believer “Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort. Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God”. Let’s now continue to look at the theme of prayer.
If prayer is so important to the believer, why are there unanswered prayers? Some have given up their faith because of this. It is true to say that when one becomes sick, whether a christian or a non-christian prayer becomes a necessity whatever the form. Prayer for the christian is a dialogue or conversation with the creator. It’s a two way conversation. Through the holy spirit (or spirit of holiness) the believer is guided in prayer. Remember prayer is a gift from the Creator.
To fear (fear here means reverence or respect) Yehovah (Jehovah or God) is the beginning of wisdom. This can be found in Psalms chapter 111 and verse 10 “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, a good understanding have all they that do his commandments”. Also in Proverbs chapter 1 and verse 7 it states “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge…”. In Proverbs chapter 9 and verse 10 it talks about understanding “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and the knowledge of the holy is understanding”.
The Scripture declares that there are times in life when prayers alone are just not enough. This is evident in Mathew chapter 17 and verse 21 which says “Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting”. There are powers that be which are out of our control. Fasting gives added help to understand what to do and be able to endure difficult situations. This is also mentioned in Mark chapter 9 and verse 29 “And he said unto them, this kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting”. This is one reason why some prayers are not answered. Without both prayer and fasting some circumstances cannot change. (I will look at Fasting in more detail at a later date).
All believers in the Scripture desires this verse in Psalms chapter 54 and verse 2 which says “Hear my prayer, O God, give ear to the words of my mouth”. All through the word of Yehovah (Jehovah or God) prayer is a continual theme necessary for the believer. There are many verses which clarify the need and importance of prayer. Looking at a few verses from the book of Acts, this will bring some practical understanding.
Acts chapter 1 and verse 14 explains “These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with the brethren”. Acts chapter 6 and verse 4 States “But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word”. Prayer is not just praying for oneself, but for others too. This example is evident in Acts chapter 12 and verse 5 saying “Peter therefore was kept in prison, but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him”. All believers should be of this deportment as noted in Romans chapter 12 and verse 12 “Rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing instant in prayer”.
The question is how to pray? In Philippeans chapter 4 and verses 6 and 7 it explains “Be careful for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus”. This is repeated in Colossians chapter 4 and verse 2 “Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving…”. Humility is important for in 1stPeter chapter 5 and verses 6 and 7 its clear “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exhalt you in due time. Casting all your care upon him, for he careth for you”. No matter what happens all believers should make their petitions known before God, mingled with praise and thankgiving. As stated in 1st Thessalonians chapter 5 and verses 15 to 18 “See that none render evil for evil unto any man, but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men. Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you”.
A warning is found in 1st Peter chapter 4 and verse 7 which states “But the end of all things is at hand, be ye therefore sober and watch unto prayer”. Everyone has freedom of choice to choose whether to accept or reject the message of salvation, which is freely offered to all. The holy spirit (or spirit of holiness) in John chapter 16 and verses 8 and 13 states “He will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of the judgement. Howbeit when he, the spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth…”.
Some may find the above verses strange, but they are truth as Yehovah has declared. But to others they are life changing words of grace and mercy in a world polluted, corrupt and evil. To conclude, the following passage taken from 1st Thessalonians chapter 5 and verses 19 to 24 is reassuring “Quench not the holy spirit. Despise not prophesyings. Prove all things, hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all that which is evil. And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly, and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it”.
I hope you have learned more about the Scriptures. Next week I will look at ‘Fasting’.
If you would like to know more, contact Sandra on 602 466 534.
