NOVEMBER 3, 2023
Pray these words from Matthew 5 slowly and reflectively as you begin today.
“‘Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.’” Amen.
Yesterday in our reflection, we looked at the experience of
the exiled people of God during the Prophet Jeremiah’s time. It was suggested
that this situation of exile raises important challenges for us today as Jesus
followers. We noted three challenges for us to consider.
Today I would like to add three other challenges for us to think
about.
Review from Yesterday.
1.
The Role of PRAYER.
2.
Engaging the HEART in prayer.
3.
Seeing the WORLD through GOD’S EYES.
Further
Challenges
4. Partners with God. Intercessory prayer is a gift
of grace, because of the ongoing ministry of intercession of Jesus Christ and
the activity of the Holy Spirit. It is the humble yet confident awareness that
we have access to the heart of God. According to Jacques Ellul, “Prayer is God
inserting human initiative into the divine plan. It is through prayer that we
are made ‘fellow workers for God.’” Intercessory prayer is not simply
preparation for ministry. It is ministry. Through prayer we participate with
God in fulfilling the divine purpose for the world.
5. How do we pray? Praying for peace requires that we
pray within the boundaries of true peace. The spirit and composition of the
Lord’s Prayer is a prayer for genuine and lasting peace on earth. The prayer of
Jesus teaches that peace is assured where God’s name is hallowed, God’s kingdom
is present, and God’s will is done. Peace flourishes where everyone has their
portion of daily bread, receives, and extends forgiveness, and where evil is
overcome. Perhaps, this is how we ought to pray for all humankind.
6. Praying with one another. In the bible, the joining
together of God’s people for worship and prayer has special significance. We
believe it still does. According to Matthew 18:19-20, where the church is
gathered, and is of one heart and mind with the purposes of Jesus, it experiences
the presence and the authority of the living Christ in a unique way. I wonder
if we, us Jesus’ worshippers, need to grow in our personal intercessory prayer
but also grow as faith communities who are interceding for others for the world
and its people, in our gatherings. Perhaps this is the foundation to being
peacemakers that God calls us toward in our ministry.
Receive God’s Word of Blessing
REMEMBER,
You
are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation,
God’s own
people,
that you may
declare the wonderful deeds of God
who called you
out of darkness into marvelous light.
Go into the
world; live as God’s people,
through the
grace of Jesus Christ
and the power
of the Holy Spirit.
And may God,
who has shown
us such love,
and given us
such unfailing encouragement and so sure a hope,
encourage and
strengthen you
in every good
deed and word. Amen.
ACTION
STEPS
Look through a
recent newspaper or online news site. Identify people, places, and situations
that you might pray for. Spend time praying through the headlines and stories. (Maybe
select 1 international story, 1 National story, and 1 Local story)
Take a Prayer Walk
through your neighborhood or community park, or at the Mall near you. Stop to offer silent prayer for the various
people and situations you encounter.
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