Dear SCC & Friends,
…everything by prayer… ~Philippians 4:6
Reflection #298
Each day is a gift to be opened with prayer. ~Anon.~ We are exhorted to pray without ceasing, which seems impossible unless we realize prayer is far more than an ongoing volume of words. Prayer is not learned in the classroom but in the closet. ~E.M. Bounds~ There is no record of disciples asking Jesus to teach them how to do signs and wonders. They did ask Jesus to teach them to pray. Jesus modeled prayer… And in the early morning, while it was still dark, He arose and went out and departed to a lonely place, and was praying there. Mk 1:35 The Apostle Paul knew his need for prayer both for himself and the brethren… Now I urge you brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God for me… ~Rom. 15:30 The greatest tragedy in life is not unanswered prayer, but unoffered prayer. ~F.B. Meyer~ ~Selah~
There are many ways to approach prayer…We can categorize, systemize, organize and prioritize… but above all we are to pray… Prayer is to be embedded into the way we live, move and have our being. The early church knew this… They were continually devoting themselves to prayer. ~Acts 1:14 The key to prayer is simply praying. ~A.W. Tozer~ Prayer is for everyone; it is highly personal and not just for “specialists”. It is far too easy to relegate prayer to “prayer warriors” and neglect our own responsibility. We will never know this side of heaven what role prayer played in shaping our lives and the lives of others. Rather than just thinking or stressing about a situation, let us pray in faith leaving the outcome to God… God does nothing redemptively in the world except through prayer. ~John Wesley…This is our time to pray without ceasing. …but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. ~Philippians 4:6-7 …To God be the glory! Keep up the good work!
Let us pray,
Kevin