Lesson6-Day 2 Shake Us Again Until We Pray Bolder Prayers
Oh, the timidity of my prayers. I was so convicted by the sarcastic prayer that was offered in this lesson by the early Jerusalem church. Prayers for what I desire, how I understand the situation, safeness of my surroundings - pleasant, comfortable and well-planned.
I was struck by the prayer in Acts 4:29-30:
"Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. Stretch out your hand to heal and perform miraculous signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus."
Stretch out your hand. . . They asked God to move. Not in a timid safe way. They asked for healing, miraculous signs and wonders. They wanted God to act. In the language of this week they wanted God to act in such a way that people would be "shaken." Another aspect of this that it was not just expecting God to do it. Rather it was the faith and expectation that God would do it through them . . . enable your servants. . .
Whoa! It's ok for God to do it but to use me to do it. Where did I sign-up for that? I signed-up for that when I said yes to the Gospel. By the Gospel meaning to follow Jesus. Jesus lived in perfect obedience to the Father. Caring out willfully the Father's will. I too must be obedient.
God, teach me to pray bold prayers and ask you to stretch out your hand.
posted by Bill @ 9:11 AM
1 Comments:
I promise not to go a another diatribe about "Him or Us"
I think you know how I feel.
When was the last time you heard someone pray boldly, Bill?
I wonder why we fail so miserably at this. Could it be that Jesus Christ isn't the Lord of our life? Maybe He is our Savior. But can we say boldly, He is Lord?
I submit if I am truly submitted to His Lordship I will be able to pray boldly, powerfully , and expectantly. Why? Because I know Him and He is my Lord. I believe the Apostles were able to because they knew Him. When they passed to heaven that abilty didn't end, did it Bill? Because of Christ we are also heirs to the throne,and Christ is our big Bro. I say lets keep our identity in Christ as Lord and Savior. Armed with this certainty let's shake our world with bold prayers. Let it be so, Lord Jesus.
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