Vision by Prayer

Lost in wonder Lost in worship

2007-06-21T19:43:00.000+01:00

If you would like view other posts which do not neccessary have a prayer theme - you can view my other blog click here

Prayer & preaching...

2007-06-21T19:33:00.000+01:00

Preaching has to be birthed God's Word which is of great importance. We need to recognise that preaching can have an effect on people - this is why it is so important that preparation and the preaching itself is saturated in prayer.
I have been following a series about preaching in prayer on John Brand's Preaching blog & you can follow it if you click here

Be glad always!

2007-04-09T22:48:00.000+01:00

Spotted this gem in Romans 12. I was reading Romans 12 in the new living translation and verses 12 hit me:

"Be Glad for all God is planning for you. Be patient in trouble and always prayerful" (Romans 12:12, NLT)

There are all attributes we need to have in all circumstances. I am be glad however events turn out. I am to be patient even with any kind of trouble. I need to always be inj the spirit of prayer.

The Price is Paid!

2007-03-18T20:45:00.000Z

We stand in the court room wating for the judge to pass verdict. But the verdict that comes through is that price is paid, somebody has already gone through the sentence for you.
This is the message of Romans 8:1 - there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ. This means the slate is clean. We can boldly come into the presence becuase of Jesus did for us on the cross.

Re understanding Prayer

2007-02-18T22:26:00.000Z

Hey I have finnally completed the final pages of the book [re] understanding prayer Prayer written by Kyle Lake. As I have already noted in a previous post - the writer is a learner. and when he say he is re-understand he is not seeking to introduces us to a new technique or anything special like that. But just the real sense that so often we may well get stale and need to discover afresh prayer.
The heart of the book and the ultimatlely the message is summed up in the subtitle is "A Fresh approach to conversation with God". It is so easy to use churchy words in prayer such as "Bless" "lead, guide direct" "Repent". It is suggested here that it not about how many good theological words you may be able to fit into your prayer. Prayer is about a conversation and here is a quote from Lake:

"The essence of the conversation, though is altogether different.
It means you step into a dialogue not entirely knowing how the conversation will end or where the road will take you. It involves thoughts and feelings that are present in the moment. Intrinsic to true conversation are qualtities like silence, listening, truthfulness, and presence. They are no generated responses designed to sound spiritual. If so, we ask ourselves, who or what are we selling to God? Cars?" (p132)

We enter into this continued conversation (prayer) by faith not neccessary knowing what the outcome it will be.
Lake really says that prayer is not just what we utter - it is a lifestyle - it wouldnt be fair just for us to compartmentalize God into our schedules. Lake also says this about a conversation of prayer:

"If we want more from our lives with God, we could forge new
territory. Terrain that's not covered. We could allow prayer to
develop fully into what it's already becoming - fluid, seamless, open ended conversation that threads our day." (P161)

This devotional encouraged me afresh about prayer and need to be living day to day conversing with God.

Prayer in Busy days

2007-02-13T18:11:00.000Z

I was dipping into a book entitled In Green Pastures a classic devotional written by JR Miller where he gives wee gems for each day of the year. The following is the entry for January 5 entitled "Prayer in Busy Days" on page 13:

"It is prayer that God shows his face to his children, that they have visions of his beauty and glory, that the things of his love come down as gifts into their likeness. If you would be blessed, get many seasons of prayer into your busy harrassed, tempted struggling life. It is in these quite moments that you really grow. Somewhere in every vexed, feverish day get a little 'silent time' for prayer. It will bring heaven down into your heart and make you strong for service." In Green
Pastures

So often we need that quiet moment in a busy day to recharge our batteries!

Law Gives Freedom Part 2

2007-01-18T21:59:00.000Z

Over the past few days, we have been looking at a passage which for me in one word speaks about obedience! Being obedient in prayer is a good quality to have. This one phrase "The law give freedom" tells us what happens if we choose to obey this perfect law. We will know freedom! There is one or two New Testament passages which speak about obeying the law.

Matthew 7:24
"Therefore everyone who hears these word of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock".

Romans 8:1-2
"Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Lord set me from the from the law of sin and death."

Law gives freedom part 1

2007-01-18T19:39:00.000Z

"But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom and continue to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it - he will be blessed in what he does." James 1:25

We have spoken about hearing and responding and this is what happening in our daily communication with the Lord. The passage here in James 1 talks about the law which gives freedom and the same phrase is repeated later on in James (James 2:12). When the law is spoken of in the new Testament we often think of the legalism of the pharisees. This is the negative side of the law. But take heart there is also a positive side of the law - the law gives freedom. If we start out in the Old Testament we see this.

Exodus 19:7-8
So Moses went back and summoned the people and set before them all the words the Lord had given him to speak. The people all responded together, "We will do everything the LORD has said" So Moses brought their answer back to the LORD.

Psalm 19:7
"The law of the Lord is perfect reviving the soul. The statutes of the Lord are turstworthy, making the wise simple."

For me, Psalm 19 helps me to understand this phrase "Law gives freedom".
The law of the Lord is not legalistic but indeed is refreshment for our souls! In obeying God, there is freedom.

What does this phrase mean to you?

The inspection of the mirror

2007-01-14T23:14:00.000Z

"And remember it is a message to obey and not just to listen to. If you dont obey you are only fooling around. For if you just listen and dont obey, it is like looking at your face in a mirror but doing nothing to improve your appearance. You see yourself, walk away and forget what you look like."
James 1:22-24

James like using little proverbs such as this one looking in the mirror but not doing anything to change your appearance. This couple of verses help us to unpack what the previous verse has said. It is also gives us a bit of a break by using an everyday experence to get the point accross.

Change has to happen and the questions we often ask:

What do I look like?
Having observed, how can I change to this or that?

Prayer: Lord we pray that you change us to reflect you more and more as we await your second coming.

Respond to what you hear

2007-01-12T19:30:00.000Z

"So get rid of all the filfth and evil in your lives and humbly accept the message God has planted in your hearts. For it is strong enough to save your souls."

The previous verse has spoken about listening - listening to God! But is what is God saying? But we cannot come to his presence knowing that moral fiflth is so preevalent in our lives. This is what James is telling us. This means that a clean up has to take place. We need to get rid of all the filth.
Getting rid of the filth we need to humbly accept God's word. If we have heard and read God's how do we respond, do we respond by humbly accepting God's word?

James & listen...

2007-01-10T23:09:00.000Z

"My Dear Brothers & sisters, be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to get angry, Your anger can never make things right in God's sight?" James 1:19-20

Listen....

It is often said we were given two ears and one mouth for a reason yet so often we speak more.

Listen...

Listening is skill which we use in every day life

Listen....

Listening is something we need to do in prayer

Listen...

If we listen more, we speak less and get angry less

Listen...

We need so often to speak less and listen afresh to the small voice of God

Listen...

Our anger will not make us right before God

Listen...

Rewind back to James

2007-01-10T22:48:00.000Z

Hoping to dip back into James again over the course of this month in particular with the theme of prayer in mind. To follow old post on James - please follow the label James at the bottom of this post.

Reunderstanding Prayer

2007-01-03T19:20:00.000Z

I still have this book by Kyle Lake entitled [re] understanding Prayer waiting to be read. But having a rough glance at the book I note that Kyle acknowleges that he is an amateur in prayer. Having read Philip Yancey's book on prayer, he would say the same thing. Writing about prayer, I would say the same, I dont thing I will ever be able to make the claim "I have mastered prayer". We will always go about with our learner plates.

How do we learn? We take time to sit like a babe growing up learning to communicate for the first time.

Happy New year

2007-01-01T22:45:00.000Z

Happy new year and all the best for 2007.
I now have another blog which will have a more general theme than this blog. I have found over the past couple of months there is one or two trhings I have wanted to post about but dont quite fit into the blog.
This blog will continue with a prayer theme but you are welcome to follow the new blog entitled Lost in Wonder, Lost in worship a theme that I have been look at here over the advent period.

Wot about 2007?

2006-12-31T14:09:00.000Z

Interestingly the sermon at church was on time but ended with the word that we need to trust in him this year for he will not fail us!

wot about 2006?

2006-12-30T22:53:00.000Z

I think the one word that sums up this year is the word trust. I hope that will not lose sight of this in the new year.

Advent is over but we continue to remember

2006-12-27T20:13:00.000Z

They say say puppies are for life not just for Christmas: In the Christian expereicence we remember Jesus all year round not just at Christmas. Let me close these set of thoughts that we have had over the December with this line from Matt Redmans song entitled "Befriended":

"Determined, determined now to live this life for you.
You're so worthy my greatest gift would be the least your due"

Lets make this a prayer as we look forward to the breaking in of 2007.

Happy 2nd Birthday Catriona (25th Dec)

2006-12-22T00:46:00.000Z

Happy Birthday to our daughter who is two on Monday. Doesnt the time fly.

Just came accross this which Morven and I wote after her birth.

"Never say Never!

As we have look forward to the birth of our child, many people would ask questions, many of them were pretty standard! Nearer the end I remember one of the questions being to us both: Is there a time when you wouldn’t like the baby to come? We said that Christmas Day for obvious reasons. Well looking back on it I learn that when you are walking with the Lord you should never say never!
Over the December period, we often reminds ourselves afresh of how the Christ child was born. We will often think of Mary and Joseph who had to prepare for their new arrival. They would have known that the tiny little one who had been born in the stable was one who had come to be God in the flesh.
This is a message, which hit home to us on Christmas day . We received an unexpected Christmas Gift on Christmas Day. Our first child, Catriona Mary was born on the 25th December two weeks early at 7 llbs 9oz. We should have known to have never said never. For we praise God for this gift of new life into our lives and for reminding us afresh of the true meaning of Christmas. We pray that there will be a day when Catriona Mary counts it a privelege to share her birthday with the day that we remember the birth of Jesus. "

Why did Jesus come?

2006-12-22T00:20:00.000Z

Maybe you have asked this question before or maybe someone has asked you this question. 1 John is not often a book we might hear preached about it in this season of advent. But yet it for me has alot to say about the son of God who came in flesh.
So let me ask myself that question again:
Why did Jesus come?
1 John 3:8b gives us this answer:

"The son of God appeared appeared for this purpose to destroy all the works of the devil"
This is a really cool verse to remind ourselves as we approach the Lord in prayer.
We know this to be true and really give us a clue that the birth of Jesus is only a part of purpose. God is purposes continued to be revealed through his son after the birth. Right throughout his earthly ministry he continued to destroy the work of the devil. The final enemy to be defeated was death. Christ arose!

I came accross these verses within Luke within Zacharius' song, (John's father). It says:

Luke 1:74-75
"To grant that us that we being rescued from the hand of our enemies. might serve him with fear, in holiness and righteousness before him all our days"

Zacharius came to praise the God who had a taste of salvation.

Anna devoted to prayer

2006-12-21T18:24:00.000Z

Last night was writing here about Anna and just noticed not long after I had posted the verse before that she was a lady devoted to prayer

Luke 2:37b
She never left the temple serving night and day with fastings and prayers.

I've waited my whole life for this!

2006-12-20T23:13:00.000Z

Have you spent your whole life waiting for something. The worshippers Simeon and Anna had waited their whole life for the day that Jesus who was their salvation to be born. In fact Simeon was promised that he would tasted death until Jesus the messiah was born.

Anna was a servant of the Lord, a prophetess and notable again for her worship:

Luke 2:38
And at that very moment she came up and began giving thanks to God, and continued to speak Him to all those who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.

Prayer: Lord give me that real spirit of anticipation as I seek to grow in you and indeed anticpate the 2nd coming.

distracted?

2006-12-20T23:02:00.000Z

Following was taken from advent blog (glasgow) and you can view the original here

shhh…

I’ve been trying to get your attention, but you’ve been distracted.

You need to stop!
stop thinking
stop planning
stop worrying
about presents
about parties
about trimmings
about turkey
about travelling
about Christmas cards
about your gift-list
about your wish-list
about credit cards
about where you’re going shopping after this
none of that compares to the true wonder of this season
“For unto you is born, in the city of David, a Saviour, which is Christ the King.”
Be silent
Be calm
Be still
and know that,
He is God!

Mary Worshipped

2006-12-20T19:11:00.000Z

Again this title lost in wonder, lost in worship is staying with me this advent. So many of folks in the infant narratives came to worship Jesus.
Mary sang the praises of the God who was able.

Luke 1:46-47
And Mary said:
My Souls exalts the Lord,
And my spirit has rejoiced in God m saviour.

When she heard how the Lord was going to use her, her heart turned to God who is mighty to worship him.

Read Reflect Renew

2006-12-17T17:35:00.000Z

It is nearly that time of year again. Time when people have a wee bit more time to read reflect and renew. Again prayer is a theme we need to remind ourselves of and to re- understand prayer.

One of the books that I have set aside (if I have the time!!) to read is this book on prayer [RE] UNDERSTANDING PRAYER writing by Kyle Lake. Reading the following link for a review of the book click here. Look forward to gleaning fresh insights from prayer on this book. More to follow on this one!

Phil

prepare your heart

2006-12-10T22:43:00.000Z

This advent my heart and prayer is that I would be lost in wonder, lost in worship. It is therefore important that I prepare my heart!

The following speak about preparing the way of the Lord:

Isaiah 40:3-5
"Listen! I hear the voice of someone shouting, Make a Highway for our the LORD through the wilderness. Make a straight smooth road through the desert for our God. Fill the valleys and level the hills. Straighten out the curves and the rough spots. Then the glory of the LORD will be revealed and all the people will see it together. The Lord has spoken"

Old Testament prophets often prophesied about this Messiah. They were living in the anticipation of this messiah coming. There was really something to Look forward to. John the Baptist preached about message of repentance and forgiveness but he was not even worthy to tie the straps of Jesus' shoes, the gospel Mark tells us. Why was John the Baptist preaching? To prepare the hearts to welcome the new born King!

My prayer would be that many hearts would be prepared to hear this message. I would pray that this message of Jesus would always burn in my heart.

Gods purposes seen throughout Advent

2006-12-09T20:31:00.000Z

In number times in this blog, I have reflected that God's purposes work out! Long time before Jesus was born, he was being prohesied about. People were living in real anticipation a messiah who was coming. He came and in new Testament we often see OT scripture quoted to show that God's purposes were being revealed in their midst.
Hopeful Imagination has a post on this theme:

"How good are you at planning ahead? I am not a last minute person. I like to be organised but I have learnedthat carefully laid plans can be altered in a minute by unforeseen circumstances or pressure of work.

This isn't true of God, however, His plans have been laid since before the beginning of the world. His plans are eternal and will come to pass. " to read more click here

An Advent blog

2006-12-04T20:56:00.000Z

I dsicovered this blog this evening which we will be bringing reflections as we move through this time of advent!
HopefulImagination

Stuart Blythe from The Word at the Baricades will be contributing a couple of times.

Advent is Coming!

2006-12-01T10:17:00.000Z

Well December has come and that is not the only thing: Advent has come invite us to remember the arrival of Jesus who came into the world to live and move amongst us. It invites us to remember not only the first coming but the fact that Jesus is coming again.
So easy to get lost in the tinsel, shopping, eating, presents etc that we do not get lost in wonder, lost in worship! The wise men said that they desired to worship the new born king! We want to come back to basics!

Thomas Kinkade Quote

2006-11-29T09:44:00.000Z

"Rather than set aside daily time for prayer, I pray constantly and spontaneously about everything I encounter on a daily basis. When someone shares something with me, I'll often simply say, 'let's pray about this right now.' "

Oswald Chambers Quote

2006-11-28T23:45:00.000Z

"We have to pray with our eyes on God, not on the
difficulties"

Prayer & Faith

2006-11-27T12:03:00.000Z

Yesterday the sermon at church was on Faith looking at the classic chapter on faith and being encouraged to look forward in faith and to tell our story of faith.

Hebrews 11:1
Now Faith is the assurance of the thing hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.

Faith needs to be exercised in prayer and as we feel led to take action we exercise faith again. But yet in both it is the fear of the unknown as accrostix points out: "Forsaking all, I trust him". Praying Lord, I do not know every single detail but I do trust you.

James 1: 6
But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind.

"God opens the door"

2006-11-27T11:53:00.000Z

Colossians 4 tells us that it is God that would open this door of opportunity! While God uses men and women it is God that causes anything to Grow as Corinthians points out. What does this mean we keep trusting the Lord to open the right doors of opportunity to present his word.

Prayer, Vision, Action!

2006-11-24T14:22:00.000Z

Just finished reading the book entitled An Irregular Candidate: Jackie Ross of Blythswood written by Irene Howat. It tells the story of Jackie Ross who founded Blythswood 40 years ago and also involved in church ministry and community work in Locharron. Irene took to speak to Jackie, his family and friends and many others he worked alongside. While staying locally I did not meet Jackie Ross. Reading the book Mr Ross was an inspiration too many. He was man who saw a need and carried it out to completion. He had what many in the book might call "Tunnel vision". If he was envisioned to do something he had the perserverence to carry it on to completion. Many found encouragement from the fact that he wasnt just a visionary but was prepared to work alongside others in getting their hands dirty for the sake of sharing the gospel in a practical way.
I was reminded of Nehemiah who begun out with prayer then a vision then action and this is how it should be
Prayer>Vision>Action (All the way seasoned with prayer!)

Keeping Alert in Prayer

2006-11-24T11:33:00.000Z

Having been kept on drawn to these first couple of verses in colossians 4. Praying for opportunities is a daily exercise but how do we keep alert in praying? Colossian 4 tells us that it is by coming with a attitude of thankfulness.

Wrong Motives (James)

2006-11-21T09:52:00.000Z

What are our motives in prayer?
This is what James speaks:
James 4:3
When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.

What does this verse say? It says that we should pray according to his will and not in order to fuflfil our own selfish desires. This is a struggle as this world tells us to be independent and professional.

Lord we pray that you would help us to pray "let your will be done!"

Prayer for Opportunities.

2006-11-12T23:49:00.000Z

Paul the apostle was not stand alone apostle attempting to do things on his own strength. Paul needed prayer too. He needed prayer that there would be doors open to share the gospel message and not only that he would present the message of Christ clearly. As we go about activities that we normally go about we should be praying for open doors to present Christ clearly. Sometimes this might be by the way we live our lives.

Colossians 4:3-4
praying at the same time for us as well, that God may open up to us a door for the word, so that we may speak forth the mystery of Christ, for which I have also been imprisoned; in order that I may make it clear in the way I ought to speak.

James & Prayer

2006-11-08T15:42:00.000Z

Having spoken about James & camel knees - what does James have to say about prayer? There is a few things which speak prayer:

James 1:5-6
If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.

James 4:3
When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures

James 5:13-18
Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise. Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops.
_____________________
Other posts on James:
James & his camel knees
No Resentment!

James & his camel knees!

2006-11-07T17:47:00.000Z

You are maybe wondering what this post is going to be about with a title like that. James is a book in the Bible. According to tradition, James had camel knees . Camels (dessert animals) are said to have thick calluses on knees from all the kneeling that they do. According to traditions, James was constantly kneeling before the Lord in prayer. Tommorrow night, our church homegroup will begin looking at this wee book of James. It is amazing that there is many a pearl of wisdom in this wee book. Lots of things for us to chew over, think over and ultimatley hope that we are changed by the reading and studying of this book.

God's purposes and answered prayer

2006-11-06T18:09:00.000Z

Proverbs 16:9 (New International Version)
In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.

Since June I keep being drawn back to these verses in proverbs which speak about God's purpose. Not only that I know it as a reality as God works out his purpose in my life. In June my wife, accepted a post and I have now during this past week accepted a postition which will mean my wife will be staying at home and I will be going back to work.
In the answered prayer (you will see a link to post below) I noted that we continued to seek to keep our ears open to what the Lord would say to us. We do not want to be in the path of least resistance but hopefully trying to actively hear what the Lord has to say to us.
____________________
Brian Robertson has a post on the theme of The path of least resistance

Other posts on purposes:
Purposes, Purposes, Purposes (October 24th)
God's purpose will prevail (June 30th) details the verses in Proverbs about God's purpose.
Answered Prayer (June 22nd)

Worth more than sparrows!

2006-11-01T11:43:00.000Z

Matthew 10:29-31
Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrow.

The insignificant detail shows us how God cares for the world intimately. The two sparrows were sold for a penny. Not very valuable! But only if it be God's will - will these sparrows fall to the ground. If God cares so much how can we say thay God doesnt care. How can we say we are not valuable. We are worth more than many sparrows! As we come to him we need to remember that he is an intimate God who is in control.

How many hairs are on your head?

2006-10-30T13:38:00.000Z

Estimation is that there is on average about 100,000 to 200,000 hairs on each humans head. But I guess this is not something that we go about counting. To us, it is probably useless piece of information that we dont spend too much time thinking about. I was thinking about the following verses from Matthew:

Matthew 10:29-31
Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

Your heavenly father knows how many hairs are on the top of your head. To him it is not a useless piece of trivia. It shows us that he knows us inside out and back to front.

So, are you afraid?

You Father knows you intimately and desires to hear you come with your requests.

Flooding

2006-10-26T15:52:00.000+01:00

It has been quite a wet couple of weeks here in Dingwall and some areas of Dingwall have hit the news with flooding with no trains running to the north or to kyle of Lochalsch. Dave has a clip on this over on his blog
*Update* More footage is on Dave's blog regarding the flood here in Dingwall (These clips have made its way to BBC. )

You can see the BBC article on the floods here

Thank God for Creation

2006-10-25T15:13:00.000+01:00

Picture taken from Limone, Lake Garda, Italy (Friday 6th October)

Being Honest with God

2006-10-24T17:07:00.000+01:00

Heard a few sermons recently looking at being honest with God. When used we say we argue with God - this doesn't sit well when we speak about promises and purposes of God. The Psalms often start out arguing with God. But then remember God or realise that they are blessed to find themselves in God. It is amazing to see the turnaround in Psalm. The Change of outlook. Piper has a sermon on this theme on "How to Argue with God" from Psalm 143 and can follow it here
_________________
To view more on this theme you can view a previous post entitled Just be yoursel in Prayer

Purposes, Purposes Purposes!

2006-10-24T16:48:00.000+01:00

As well as knowing about the promises of God - we need to know that we have a purpose. Esther was told in Esther 4:14:

For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father's family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?"

Esther is told that she is here for a purpose - such a time as this. She was used in the position of queen. When we come to Him in prayer we need to remember that we too are here for a purpose - such a time as this.

________________________________
Speaking on Esther, Just discovered that there is a movie to come out speaking about the story of Esther entitled One Night with the King . Does anybody know if there is a showing in the UK? Has anybody reading this seen the film?

Promises, Promises, Promises!!

2006-10-22T21:13:00.000+01:00

Promises, Promises, Promises...we are always making promises. We settle down to do something or have our dinner then the phone rings. Somebody phones promising you a deal that in their eyes is not worth missing! Only problem with some of them is that the deal is only available today during the phone call. They want you to make an instant decision and you want time to see how their changes will affect you and indeed whether there is any small print to these deals.
Politicians make promises. It is so easy to make these in a lead up to some election or in opposition. But what happens when they come to the reality of governing. They may find that they have to break promises but hope we will not notice.

Why all this talk about Promises? We need this sure confidence of knowing that as we speak to God that is promises are indeed true. I know for sure that I can come to God trusting his promises because I have not known him to break them I have just posted these verses as verses for this week.

2 Corinthians 1:20-22
"For no matter how many promises God has made, they are "Yes" in Christ. And so through him the "Amen" is spoken by us to the glory of God. Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come."

We are still learning about his promises and comprehend them but never the less it is good daily to remind ourselves of these promises. It is interesting that the Hymnwriter of the tradtional hymn "Standing on The Promises" actually had these verses in mind as he came to write the hymn.
It says to us that the God of the Old Testament is the God of the new testament. As Gods Son Jesus Christ was revealed, we see that the promises God made were yes and amen in him. Then we see the work of the Holy Spirit. He serves as your guarantee of what is to come. The Holy Spirit lives, moves and breathes in us giving us a glimpse of what is to come.

Christianity Todays Interview with Philip Yancey on his book on Prayer

2006-10-21T22:38:00.000+01:00

"Philip Yancey is known for asking hard questions about the Christian life. Bestselling classics like Disappointment with God, The Jesus I Never Knew, and What's So Amazing About Grace? have made him one of the contemporary church's most compelling voices. In his new book, Prayer: Does It Make Any Difference? (Zondervan), Yancey once again explores a profound subject from the perspective of a curious and candid observer. Today's Christian recently chatted with the author about Prayer and his journey as a writer."
To see this written Interview on the Christanity today site click here

Come Holy people!

2006-10-18T10:19:00.000+01:00

I have been reading this book Red Moon Rising (Story of 24-7 prayer) Written by Peter Greig and Dave Roberts. I have really enjoyed the passion for prayer and desire to follow in God's ways of those who have written the book. The story is told by Peter Greig who in obedience to what God was saying to him answered his call. He tells the story of setting up prayer rooms in the unlikely of places over the world. They marvel at how God has put things together and put people in place. But it isnt without the difficulties even Peter, the founder went through a difficult time when they had discovered that his wife had brain tumour. At that time a number of the other members were going through difficulties of a great scale. But they kept going!
What struck me? It has been known to pray "Come Holy Spirit" or even Lord will you bless my plans? Have ever asked God what are you doing and how can I be a part of it? Peter reckoned that as they moved forward it is the Holy Spirit saying "Come Holy People". It is so true we dont want to miss what the Lord has for us. So when hear the call lets obey the gracious invitation.

No resentment!

2006-10-14T11:32:00.000+01:00

A new verse for this week has been posted:

If you need wisdom - if you want to know what God really wants you to do - ask him he will gladly tell you. He will not resent you asking - James 1:5, New Living Translation

Chose the new living translation as it mentions the fact that God does not resent us coming into his presence and asking. I feel this came over well in Philip Yancey's book.

Philip Yancey & Prayer: Does it make a difference?

2006-10-12T12:39:00.000+01:00

Yip I have completed the book and really enjoyed this devotional and challenging book. The book is birthed from feedback of readers of his previous books that have struggled with this issue of prayer. In fact in this book contains various letters about readers who have wrestled with prayer.
Philip does not set out to be an expert in prayer. In fact probably finds himself in the same boat as the reader. He too struggles with prayer. He doesnt have all the answers. So often we want these straight answers and quick fixes.
I feel that Philip definiely makes us think about these things we dont understand about prayer.
He even talks about unanswered prayerand reminds us that Jesus were seemingly not answered - Jesus had asked that if it be his will the cup be removed from him if it were to be the Fathers will. The biggest impression was that it is okay to be honest or even wrestle in prayer. I didnt just feel like I was reading a dry book on prayer but a book that spoke and gave me a fresh perspective on prayer..

Soren Kierkegaard on Prayer

2006-10-09T18:38:00.000+01:00

Well as I read Philip Yancey's books on prayer I discovered a quote from the philosopher Soren A Kirkegaard about Prayer:

"Prayer does not change God, but it changes him who prays" (Soren A Keirkegard) for more info on Kierkegard check out Brian's blog on Kierkegaard here

This is one of points that Philip Yancey brings out well in his book. We should never expect to be changed but we can expect as the pray-er to be changed. For me just coming to him really changes the focus of the pray-er.

Batteries Recharged!

2006-10-08T22:08:00.000+01:00

There is nothing like a holiday to recharge your batteries. Morven, Catriona & I have enjoyed our time in italy in the cliffs as we have explored some of the towns of Lake Garda & Verona & there will be more of that on our italy blog.
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I had the opportunity to complete Philip Yancey's book on prayer and will be saying more on that over the course 0f the next couple of days as I find my feet again! Suffice to say that I really enjoyed considering the various thoughts on prayer.
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Another book which I have mentioned I was hoping to read - I have now started Red Moon Rising (story of 24-7 prayer) and am enjoying the passion with which it is written!
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More to follow soon ----- watch this space!!!!

In Christ alone..

2006-09-30T12:02:00.000+01:00

A couple of years back I brought a new song worship CD. Rather than rush to put on the CD, I thought I would take a wee look a the words to see if any of the songs stuck me as one I wanted to learn. At this point I had never heard of the song In Christ Alone but the words of the song struck me. It speaks to us about Christ, his life and death and ressurection. It has spoken to many folks as they have gone through difficulty. In recent iraq war, it spoke to a soldier who was going through the pain, emotion of the war. As I have written these posts over these past days, the final verse of this song kept coming to mind. I have underlined a phrase here.

No guilt in life, no fear in death,
This is the power of Christ in me;
From life's first cry to final breath,
Jesus commands my destiny.
No power of hell, No scheme of man,
Can ever pluck me from his hand;
Til he returns or calls me home.
Here in the power of Christ I'll stand!

Stuart Townend & Keith Getty, 2001

Wow these are amazing words and worth remembering! Lets turn back to praise!

A Beautiful Transformation is coming soon!

2006-09-29T10:57:00.000+01:00

This headline from a interflora junk email subject line! They had emailed to let me know that they were under going a beautiful transformation in their range of gifts etc and that they would keep me informed in a hope that I might order!!!!!!!!!
Anyway when we come to God, boldy approaching that throne room - I know that I am under construction - I am being changed being made ready for glory - God is working a beautiful transformation.

Romans 8:28
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Thank God for Creation

2006-09-28T21:51:00.000+01:00

A way back we had a wee series of pictures entitled God's creation. What can we Jot down as a promise? Our God is the creator God and if you look out and around at all creation God is the creater. This time the picture is from Italy and it is the Dolomites which are in the North Italy. Morven, Catriona & I will be somewhere near when we go to Italy in October. There will probably be more pictures from italy later on in October so you will have to wait a wee while.

Isaiah 40:27-31
Why do you say, O Jacob, and complain, O Israel, "My way is hidden from the LORD; my cause is disregarded by my God"? Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall;
but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

JOT-A-PROMISE

2006-09-28T14:29:00.000+01:00

Just as I posted the last post - I had a thought - Why not JOT-A-PROMISE? What do I mean by this? Write down on a "sticky" or a scribble pad something about who God is and stick it somewhere you might see it! So whenever you see this promise you can turn back to praise......

Has God Forgotten You?

2006-09-28T13:34:00.000+01:00

Sometimes we get that feeling when we come to him in prayer. The young women in Philip yancey quote had a wee niggle I wonder if God is really hearing me? She was resassured that God hadnt forgotten. Came across these couples of verses:

Isaiah 49:14-16
But Zion said, "The LORD has forsaken me, the Lord has forgotten me." "Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me.

The baby is so dependent on her mother for that loving care in those early days. NO matter where that mother is she cannot forget him/her even long after the baby begins to get independent and having to make their own choices. They call it "mother instinct". For some this verse is difficult to handle for they know that their own mother has seemed to forget about them and neglected them. But take encouragement from this verse Gods compassion for you remains the same! He will never forget about you!
Did you ever get in trouble for writing on your hand? Well it is still something I do. For some it serves as a reminder. Again we see that zions name is engraven on his hands. It cannot be removed.

In the difficult times remind yourself afresh God is interested in you. He is a good and faithful God. Lets turn back to praise...........

Just be yoursel in prayer

2006-09-27T11:51:00.000+01:00

Are you yourself in your daily communication with God? A couple of things have reminded me about this recently. Heard a sermon recently on Psalm 42. Preacher suggested that it was important that we are honest with God - if we are feeling good we should say we are feeling good and if we are feeling bad again we should Lord I'm feeling bad about a particular situation. I have been reading Philip Yancey's Prayer Does it make any difference?

Philip Yancey brings to us a story about a young women and honesty:

"I was teaching a class at a church in chicago when a young woman raised her hand witha question. I knew her as a shy, conscientious student who attended faithfully but never spoke. The rest of the class seemed surprised as well, and listened attentively. ' I'm not always sincere when I pray,' She began. 'Sometimes it seems forced more like a ritual. I'm just repeating words. Does God repeat those prayers? Should I keep going even though I have no confidence I have no confidence I'm doing right?'
I let the silence hang around the room for a moment before attempting an answer. 'Do you notice how quiet around it is in here?' I said. 'We all sense your honestly. It took courage for you to be vulnerable and you touched a nerve with the others of us in the room. You seemed sincere, unlike a salesman, say who gets paid to give a spiel. We tuned in, listening, respectful, becuase you are authentic. And I imagine it's the same with God God wants your authentic self'"
Taken from Philip Yancey Prayer: Does it make a difference, chapter 3, p31

William Sinclair's Baptists

2006-09-20T11:59:00.000+01:00

At the end of the last month had a post entitled Small beginnings and on there was a picture of Keiss Baptist Church. This work was started by the landowner William Sinclair and Brian has posted a post on Sir William Sinclair on Highland Praise. You can also view more pictures on http://www.caithness.org/atoz/churches/photogallery/thumbs.htm?0?0 (copy & paste into browser)

Nooma's "Noise"

2006-09-12T13:58:00.000+01:00

Hi guys,
have been aware of this series entitled Nooma for a while but not had the opportunity to see one. It is a ten minute devotional presentation whichs speaks into a particular life issue. The speaker on each is Rob Bell, the founding pastor of Mars Hill Bible Church. About three months ago I had a post which was entitled God Speaks Through Silence . The Nooma entitled Noise addresses this issue precisely. At beginning of the presentation you get a short talk on Noise and how it is a part of our everyday life. Silence isnt something we can easily deal with but this is where God speaks often. Rob appeals to Elijah - God didnt speak to him through the things he expected but God was in the silence - He spoke through the silence. The rest of time, there is no sound and the message comes up on type on the screen. I thought it helped teach on silence but not only that with it being demonstrated on the DVD, I felt it would help to put it into action.

The Assurance ~ 1 John 5:14-15

2006-09-05T15:04:00.000+01:00

This is a new verses for this week or so. What does these verses say to you? what do they mean for your daily communication with God.

1 John 5:14-15

This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us-- whatever we ask-- we know that we have what we asked of him.

Pray for Scotland's connecting Scotland

2006-09-05T14:50:00.000+01:00

Scotland as ever needs prayer! Pray for Scotland, a national prayer network are planning a National prayer walk in 2007 running from the 8th April to the 27th April. They have just recently launched their website & have entitled this initative "Connecting Scotland"
To find out more about it & how you can get involved click here

PrayerFirst

2006-09-05T14:43:00.000+01:00

A new blog started in June 2006 which has an emphasis on prayer hence the name Prayer First. To discover for yourself click here

What are the wicked & evil man to do?

2006-09-02T11:54:00.000+01:00

What does the following verse say to you?

Isaiah 55:7
Let the wicked forsake his way and the evil man his thoughts. Let him turn to the LORD and he will have mercy on him, and to our God for he will freely pardon.

Seeking & Calling

2006-09-02T11:47:00.000+01:00

What does the following Verse say to you? (please reply with your comments)

Isaiah 55:6
Seek the LORD while he may be found; call on him while he is near.

Small beginnings

2006-08-30T14:29:00.000+01:00

This is a picture of the oldest organised baptist Church in Scotland - Keiss Baptist Church in Caithness, the North of Scotland (taken by my wife).
I think it is amazing to think that a land laird started a Baptist Church in this small corner of Scotland over 250 years ago.
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It is good to know that when we come to God in prayer he can do far more than we think. Lets be expectant as we look to see what He will do!

Book on Prayer I will read!

2006-08-29T10:37:00.000+01:00

Over the next month or so I am hoping to read the following books and will let you know about them when I get through them!
1)
Philip Yancey Does it make any difference?

2) Peter Greig/Dave Roberts Red Moon Rising (The Story of 24-7 Prayer)

New Verses for the week ~ Isaiah 55:6-7

2006-08-21T14:29:00.000+01:00

"Seek the LORD while he may be found; call on him while he is near. Let the wicked forsake his way and the evil man his thoughts. Let him turn to the LORD, and he will have mercy on him, and to our God, for he will freely pardon"

Praying through the news!

2006-08-21T14:18:00.000+01:00

We often wonder how we can pray so often without being informed. But away of beginning to pray is listening to/watching the news. One of the countries that is coming alot at the moment is Lebannon.
Operational World has a focus on them...here

Morning is coming!

2006-08-18T15:18:00.000+01:00

Psalm 130:6
My soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning, more than watchmen wait for the morning.

We often wrestle with this thing called waiting. It is a British thing to do! Waiting is something the watchman has to do. The night time can be a long time but one thing that is certain is that the morning will come.
Our soul waits for the Lord and yearns for it more than the watchmen waits for the morning! There is a certainty that the Lord will meet with you!

Out of the depths ~ Psalm 130

2006-08-15T11:25:00.000+01:00

Do you ever come to the Lord in prayer feeling just out of the depths. We can feel out of the depths for many reasons: Illness, depression, homesickness, guilt etc. David, the psalm writer often writes out of these depths. Yesterday I posted psalm 130:5-6 as the verses for this week. In this Psalm, again David is writing out of the depths and this time it is from guilt. As he comes to wait upon the Lord, he has assurance there is forgiveness in him and he also had the hope of the Word.

Verses for the week ~ Psalm 130:5-6

2006-08-14T11:55:00.000+01:00

"I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope. My soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning, more than watchmen wait for the morning."

Open & Honest Prayer

2006-08-10T13:38:00.000+01:00

2 Chronicles 7:14-15, the verses I have chosen for this past week are often used to encourage us to pray. There is a real condition here... If my people will do xyz then I will hear from heaven etc! The writer speaks about about a people who are called out by his name.

But what are these people to do?

1) humble themselves (to neither have high view or a low view but
a modest one!)

2) Pray & seek his face!

3) turn from wicked ways : Psalm 66: 18 says If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened . This really speaks about then importance about confessing our sins in prayer. But not only that to have a real life change.
Prayer is about a conversation. This means for us too we need to listen and allow the Lord to mould and shape our lives and the lives of those around.

So what happen as The Lords people turn to him in prayer. He will forgive them! Not only that but Lord will be attentively listen to their prayer and be prepared to act upon it!

Prayer quote from Billy Graham

2006-08-07T18:44:00.000+01:00

“To get nations back on their feet, we must first get down on our knees.”
Billly Graham

New verse for the week: 2 Chronicles 7:14-15

2006-08-04T12:00:00.000+01:00

If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place.

New Move of Prayer for A new Move of God!

2006-08-04T11:53:00.000+01:00

Our churches are dying - even for all that we try new ideas etc! We need to wait upon God to seek his will - in fact we need to get on our knees! Then once we have conversed with Him, we need to converse with one another and be prepared to submit to God and one another.

Prayer in the Good and the bad times

2006-08-01T15:53:00.000+01:00

Another hymn which speaks about prayer is Father hear the prayer we offer; written by Love Marie Willis. I like the fact that the hymn writer acknowleges that there is up times and down times. Here is one of the verses:

Let our path be bright or dreary,
storm or sunshine be our share;
may our souls , in hope unweary,
make thy work our ceaseless prayer.

Love Marie Willis (1824-1908)

Prayer is the Soul's Sincere Desire

2006-07-22T12:16:00.000+01:00

This is a name of a hymn written by a Moravian James Montgomery. James was a poet writer and again like "What a friend in Jesus" was later put to Music. In this classic hymn, there is about 7 or 8 verses in that describes what prayer means. I like the following verse which tells us that prayer is very much a neccessary part of the Christian:

"Prayer is the Christian's vital breath,
The Christians native air,
His watchword at the gates of death;
He enters heaven with prayer."
Prayer is the Soul's Sincere Desire, James Montgomery (1771-1854)

Pray without Ceasing

2006-07-20T10:25:00.000+01:00

The Hymn "What a friend in Jesus" was originally written by Joseph Scriven as poem which was entitled "Pray without ceasing". It wasnt until he was on his deathbed that his carer discovered the the poem and was later put to music by Charles Converse (1832-1918) . Joseph knew trials and tradegy as he was nearly married twice but the twice the bride died a day or so before the wedding. This hymns is a real encouragement for us to bring all to such a faithful friend:

What a Friend We have in Jesus
All our Sins and griefs to bear!
What a privelege to carry
Everything to God in prayer
O what peace we often forfeit,
O what needless pain we bear
All because we do carry
Everything to God in prayer!

Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be disocuraged:
Take it to the Lord in prayer!
Can we find a friend so faithful,
Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus Knows our every weakness
-Take it to the Lord in Prayer!

Are we weak and heavy laden,
cumbered with a load of care?
Precious saviour still our refuge!
Take it to the Lord in prayer!
Do thy friends despise forsake thee?
Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In His arms he' ll take and shield thee
Thou wilt find a solace
there!

Joseph Scriven (1819-86)

Remember Your Encouragements!

2006-07-12T12:28:00.000+01:00

Came accross this post from Brian Ingraham, leader of RE:HOPE in Glasgow about need to remember our encouragments when we go through down times. To view it click here

Vision by Prayer: Remember to Pray on The Dot When You See The Spot!

2006-07-11T09:31:00.000+01:00

Vision by Prayer: Remember to pray on the dot when you see the spot!

Remember to pray on the dot when you see the spot!

2006-07-10T18:57:00.000+01:00

mmm... What is all this about, I hear you say! We have different ways of remembering things like tie a knot in a hankerchief. Yesterday's sermon at church was on prayer & action. We were given a gimmick to remind us to pray! We were all given sticky spots to stick somewhere that we would see and then it would remind us to pray for folks from our prayer list. You can stick it on your watch or your thumb. So hence the title of this post - Remember to pray on the dot when you see the spot!

Take My Life and Let it Be!

2006-07-10T16:24:00.000+01:00

This is the title of the Hymn written by a lady by the name of Frances Harvergal. Looked up the background of this hymn the other day. The hymn writer is offering all that she was unto the Lord whom she loved. She had been through trials, tribulation and pain. Even long after she had written the hymn, she still prayed through each line in this hymn seeking to make it a reality in her life. I want to bring your attention to verse 4:

Take my silver & my gold,
not a mite, I would I withold;
take my intellect and use
every power as thou shalt choose.

As Frances wrote & indeed Prayed "Take my silver & my gold" she was I'm sure seeking God to see how she could take action. She did take action. She took her 50 fine pieces of Jewellry and gave them to the Womens Missionary Society.

Lets give all that we are unto God but be prepared to take action.

Listening & Speaking

2006-07-07T10:03:00.000+01:00

I came accross this quote from Mother Theresa and for me speaks profoundly about prayer...

"The beginning of Prayer is silence...God speaking to the silence of the heart.
And then we start talking from the fulness of the heart. And God listens.

The beginning of prayer is scripture...we listen to God speaking again
from the fullness of our heart. And God listens.

That is really prayer.
Both sides listening and both sides speaking."

________________

To view another recent post on God speaking through the silence click here

God's Purpose Will Prevail!

2006-06-30T08:03:00.000+01:00

Over the past wee while I have been drawn to Proverbs. Moving from chapter 16 and a couple of the chapters that follows it says of how regardless of the x amount of plans we make God's purpose will prevail.

Proverbs 16:9
In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.

Proverbs 19:21
Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails.

Proverbs 20:24
A man's steps are directed by the LORD. How then can anyone understand his own way?

God Speaks Through the Silence

2006-06-28T14:59:00.000+01:00

God doesnt always speak in a loud voice - often he speaks through the silence. These words from the hymn writer John Greenleaf Whittler who writes Dear Lord and Father of Mankind have often struck a chord with me:

With that deep hush subduing all
our words and works that drown
The tender whisper of thy call,
as noiseless let thy blessing fall
as fell thy manna down

Dear Lord and Father of Mankind, John Greenleaf Whittler 1807-1882

Does God Hear?

2006-06-28T14:41:00.000+01:00

We have prayed and we say sometimes God hasnt really heard what we are saying or the answer seems to be a long time in coming! If you feel this then these words are appropiate from Exodus!

Exodus 2:23-25
During that long period, the king of Egypt died. The Israelites groaned in their slavery and cried out, and their cry for help because of their slavery went up to God.
24 God heard their groaning and he remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac and with Jacob.
25 So God looked on the Israelites and was concerned about them.

The Israelites may have well been seen to be putting their complaints and groans before God for a long time but note God did take action. There is indication of an active God.

God hears

God remembers

God looks

God is concerned!

These verses appear at the end of chapter two but as you move on God is going to act on their behalf. He sends Moses to be their leader. God demonstrates his power through signs and miracles which ultimatlety point to their freedom/salvation.

The First Step

2006-06-27T11:37:00.000+01:00

Well congratulations to our little daughter, Catriona who took her first steps towards mummy yesterday with me looking on! It has taken a long time in coming. I was discussing this with someone recently. It must be something for a little one like Catriona to take her first step. It feels for us like a long time coming but we have waited paitently. We suspect that for a while she has known what she has got to do but yet gradually we have seen her putting it altogether like moving from holding with two hands to one then none! For us who have been walking it becomes a part of our normal life but for a little one it is the first big step!

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Without being too spiritual about it, we often pray for things but yet we know sometimes what we are meant to do and just need to take that first step of faith. God is always there granting us the strength to carry out what we have been called to do. While this blog is entitled a "Prayer Blog" - prayer should never be an excuse for no action.

Answered Prayer

2006-06-22T13:24:00.000+01:00

So easy to say what the bible says about prayer - isnt it exciting when you see answered prayer! Everyday, I guess you see evidence of God at work. We are thankful as a family for providing a job for us this past week after a number of months applying for stuff and waiting on God to provide! This doesnt mean that we are going to stop praying for his will. But rather how much more do we day by day need to know his will for us as a family.

Praying For your Town or City

2006-06-19T11:14:00.000+01:00

Througout this post you will see pictures I recently took of the town I live in:

Do you ever sit back and pray for the town/village/city etc that you stay in? What effect would it have on our towns etc someone signifcant in the life of that community were to make a decison to follow Christ?
It is good to pray for our towns and many do this individually or as a couple. Many have prayed in the old tried and tested idea of prayer triplets. There is also other ways of praying such as Christians getting together to pray for their town /street /workplace.

Newham is a borough on the edge of London and stands to benefit from development as result of the olympics coming to London. Christians there are encouraged to pray for their street or block. These are entitled Neighbourhood Lighthouses and Workplace lighthouses. To view more about the Transform Newham click here

Obstacles Crowding the View?

2006-06-17T20:58:00.000+01:00

Well today, I took up painting today after a number of years - I attended a local watercolour class. In watercolour and any kind of painting, it is important that we have a focal point and to have just one thing as the main focal point. Otherwise the person looking on to the painting which has many focal points trying to compete to catch the viewers eye. And often we can be distracted from the thing which is realy meant to be the main focal point.
How does this all relate to prayer? We are part of busy lives and we have to make sure that we keep Jesus as our main focal point.

Colossians 3:1-2
Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.

Lord's prayer

2006-06-10T21:14:00.000+01:00

This now comes to the end of postings on the Lord's prayer. There is 11 postings with it beginning on the 19th May and ending yesterday (9th June). It is so easy to pray this prayer so rigidly. It is a prayer that looks forward to being united with the Heavenly Father.

Temptation

2006-06-09T21:34:00.000+01:00

Matthew 6:13

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. '

Does God lead us into temptation? By no means what so ever! Why does the author pray such prayer? Please note that when it is speaking about temptation here it is referring to testing.
Jesus who is teaching them to pray has experienced testing. Before he went into the ministry he was tested in the wilderness but yet he did not give into it. Jesus brings up the matter of temptation in the wilderness. Jesus knows that these disciples will not go through their Christian lives with facing testing and temptation. But yet Jesus knew no sin! What are we saying when we pray this prayer? We are asking Jesus to be Lord over every situation that we come accross.
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To view a post on the theme of temptation click here

Forgiveness From God and Forgiveness From Others

2006-06-06T10:14:00.000+01:00

Matthew 6:12
Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.

Verses later expand upon this

Matthew 6:14-15

For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.

Does this mean that we have to work for our Forgiveness by forgiving others? No but having said that it important that we come before God right with our fellow man. In the incident, God forgives us and what amazing lengths he has gone to forgive us. He sent his only son to die for us. That is his mercy for us. Should we not follow his example and be a merciful people? Looking at it another way does God limit his forgiveness to one and not the other.

Matthew actually encourages us to be right before our brother. He says that if we have come to place of worship to offer and are not right with our brother, we should first go to our brother and make things right.

Our Daily Bread

2006-06-05T09:12:00.000+01:00

Matthew 6:11
Give us today our daily bread

Today we get paid monthly and possibly weekly or fortnightly but it is very rare that we might earn daily. Essentially, in those times they worked today for tomorrow's keep! Praying this petition means that we have to trust the Lord for his provision.
All these recent phrases about Lord's kingdom coming in and His will to be done are looking forward to the future and in a sense this is too. Psalm 23, the Shepherd Psalm, we see how our shepherd and companion prepares for us a banquet in the presence of our enemies. By recieving today's daily bread we get a foretaste of that final day in glory when the King of Kings will prepare a feast for us.

The Father's Will to be Done!

2006-06-04T20:46:00.000+01:00

Matthew 6:10
your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven

Having prayed for His Kingdom to come, he now prays that the father's will would be done. The Father's perfect will for us is modeled in heaven as the Father, Son and Holy Spirit relate to one another. As we see the trinity relating to one another so perfectly, so we want to pray that this would be modeled on earth.

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to view a previous post on the father's will click here

Looking Forward to the Kingdom!

2006-06-03T21:09:00.000+01:00

Matthew 6:10
your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

The next phrase prayed in the Lord's prayer is to pray that the Lord's Kingdom would come. The coming of the Kingdom was something which was often prophesied about in the Old Testament. John the Baptist preached about it and was looking forward to its coming.

Matthew 3:2
In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the Desert of Judea and saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near."

As Lord was teaching the disciples to pray, the idea of the kingdom was something that the disciples were still coming to grip with. Jesus later on teaches in parables (matthew 13) so that those who are able to hear will hear what he has to say on the kingdom. Those who are spiritually hard of hearing will be closed to what he is saying. To those who were receptive and accepted the message which Jesus brought they will begin to live in the Kingdom, where Jesus is the messianic King. But yet there is a future element which we will never truly know or experience til we are reunited with the Lord in glory. So we pray Father let your kingdom come!

I Will Honour the Father's Name

2006-05-30T13:10:00.000+01:00

The phrase I want to look at within this post is "hallowed be your name" in the Lord's Prayer. Hallowed means to honour his name - recognising that the heavenly Father we have addressed in prayer is holy. This means we do not take his name in vain (like the 10 commandments speak about) but lift his name on high. From day to day to we see demonstration of His Lordship and in return, we should turn and honour his name. A couple of verses from Ezekiel, demonstrate this:

Ezekiel 36:22-23

"Therefore say to the house of Israel, 'This is what the Sovereign LORD says: It is not for your sake, O house of Israel, that I am going to do these things, but for the sake of my holy name, which you have profaned among the nations where you have gone. I will show the holiness of my great name, which has been profaned among the nations, the name you have profaned among them. Then the nations will know that I am the LORD, declares the Sovereign LORD, when I show myself holy through you before their eyes.

Abba Father

2006-05-28T15:28:00.000+01:00

Do you know the Father? The one which the Lord's prayer is addressed to? If you look at Matthew 6, you will find if you tally it all up that the Word "father" is mentioned 10 times from v1-18 0f this chapter. Notice that He is our Father in heaven and indeed, he is reffered to as Heavenly father in verses throughout Matthew.

The prayer addresses Abba Father. It is probably either translated to best fit our language as "Daddy" or "Papa". It speaks to us of Father who we have a close intimate relationship with yet we respect/fear him. Those who have respect for their heavenly Father will not want to try and manipulate him or seek their own way/glory.
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Ephesians 3 is another prayer which addresses the father, there is a posting on this to view click here

Will I be Heard Because of my Many Words?

2006-05-26T21:44:00.000+01:00

Simple answer is not neccessary but lets read further into this passage of the Lords prayer to see the answer to the proposed question.

Matthew 6:7-8
"And when you are praying, do not use meaningless repetition, as the Gentiles do, for they suppose that they will be heard for their many words. "Therefore do not be like them; for your Father knows what you need, before you ask Him.

Pagans and Jews alike thought they could be heard because of their many words. To do this they used what the prayer describes as "meaningless repetition". We need to hold on to this thought that it is not requirement for us to pray long lengthy prayers in order for us to be heard.

The encouraging thing is that before you come to him surrendering yourself in prayer, the Father in Heaven knows what you need. So it is not even the case we need to pray long in order to inform him of the full story. It is good to know that the Father is waiting for us to surrender ourselves in prayer to him.

In prayer, we do not look for praise from others nor are we trying to manipulate God so that we get our own way. This is why we pray Father, let your will be done in the Lord's prayer!