Prayer

by Jannie

Preface

A comedian said that prayer for him consisted of asking God to alter the governing laws of the universe for his convenience. But perhaps this is, ironically, a common perception and will some meditation reveal that most people need a paradigm shift in their understanding of prayer and in fact, of who or even what God really is?

It is a colossal error in reasoning to think God is there to serve us. Prayer is not a mechanism given to us with which to order God to see our plans and ideas through, or make our lives easy by instructing God to do for us what we are too inept or too lazy to do or organize, and then mostly for selfish reasons (Jm 4:3).

Ineffective prayer is certainly obviously prevalent. Understandably to those who pray to false gods; but also, for the “re-born Christian”, this can be true! This necessitates an honest and probing investigation (Hos 4:6; Jm 1:6-8). Note that Jesus said hypocrites love to pray (Mt 6:5)!

Real [effective] prayer is a communication with God and can therefore not be a rehearsed or repetitive reciting, chime or a monotonous chant. We’ll examine this as we progress through this meditation (for example, on page 8 addressing the ridiculous statement, “make us truly thankful”). But let’s consider some basics first, shall we?

We will get to Jm 4:3; Mk 11:24 and Jn 14:13 later, but note first the principle in Lk 19:17,26 (Lk 19:12-26). Yes, we know it’s probably about spiritual knowledge in Lk 8:18 but understand that spiritual knowledge has applications and real effects, and that God is therefore unlikely to give you what you want [at that instant] for He will rather give you what you will be able to manage and have proven to be plausible to manage well. For what you mismanage you will lose, whether it is money, a marriage or an occupation.

Some readers may be surprised to discover that the truly reborn Christian’s prayer flows from a real relationship, from obtaining peace in your sole by studying God’s word, the Bible with its 66 books, consistently and continuously with our whole heart. How else can we know God’s will for us and His nature and His gracious faithfulness to wretched creatures like me? Reading God’s word must not be done randomly and frivolously but must be done with deep meditation (Ps 119:148), faith (2 Tim 3:15-17; 1 Pet 2:2; 2 Pet 1:20,21 and most poignantly, Heb 4:2) and obedience (Jm 1:6-8). And not only for tremendous crises need we consult with God, but the most trifling ones as well.

Mk 11:23 is often misunderstood because the word “This” (mountain) is overlooked. Jesus, in Mk 11:23, was unlikely to have implied that we could (or should) pray for any/all physical mountains to literally remove themselves and be casted into the sea. No, that mountainous dilemma was probably an analogy for [false] religion and its fruitlessness (Mt 3:8; 7:15-23; 15:7-8; 21:43; Jn 15:1-5).  And don’t discount repetitive recitals even in the form of litany, here! Ponder carefully the words of Jesus in Mt 6:7-8, and perhaps cogitate the examination of religion vs a real relationship in the meditation “Church part 2”.

Bear in mind also, that we cannot control the weather and elements at our will, for instance, can we? Imagine the chaos that would ensue! If the charlatans of the “faith and prosperity” movement were able to control the weather as they claim, why don’t they prevent the many natural disasters and save thousands of lives and property?  When Jesus stilled the storm (Mt 8:23-27; Mk 4:37-41; Lk 8:22-25), Jesus had the opportunity to inform His disciples otherwise than their remark in Mt 8:27; Mk 4:41; Lk 8:25, yet He did not. Jesus had the opportunity to say that His statement in Jn 14:13 and Mk 11:23 means His stilling that storm was a demonstration of what we can do with His Spirit indwelling us, but Jesus did not say that. Jesus merely asked His disciples where their faith (trust and confidence) in His veracity and integrity was because He would not let them perish while He was resting in the boat with them.

Some make the assertion that God gave earth away to us to such an extent that He is not involved at all; as a matter of fact, according to this false idea, that God cannot interfere on earth and effectively needs our permission! For this Ps 115:3 is cited but what then, about Ps 135:6, or the flood (Gen 6:5-8), or the tower of Babel (Gen 11:6-9), or the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah? (Gen 13:13; 18:20-32; 19:4-13,24-25; 2 Pet 2:6; even 2 Pet 2:16; Jude 1:7); and ultimately, what about Jn 3:15-21? Oops. Yes, God remains supreme and sovereign; He will always be God [Triune].

Are you confounded by Jn 14:13-14? Well, if you don’t see results when praying “in Jesus’ name”, the prayer obviously was not “in His Name”, was it? Are you wondering why prayer seems to be ineffective, actually demanding an explanation from God as if He is neglecting in some way? How about, for a start, grasping that God is Holy (1 Pet 1:16) and a vital point Jesus taught about prayer in Mt 6:9 is that hallowed [kept holy] be His Name considering Ps 66:18; Prov 15:29; Is 1:15; Jn 9:31; 1 Pet 3:12 (Ps 34:12-16) and Jm 4:3? Why do we expect God to help where His Name, His holiness, is not revered? This will be examined as we progress through this meditation. (As far as a more accurate interpretation of the reference to “the law” in scriptures such as Prov 28:9 and 1 Jn 3:24 is concerned, refer to the meditation “The covenant and the Law”.)

In other words, no human can approach God Almighty unless through Jesus Christ (Jn 14:6,14; 15:16; 16:24; 1 Tim 2:5; Heb 4:16). On our own we have no authority or righteousness before God irrespective of our often very ascetic and pious titles and positions we think we might have (Ezekiel 21:27; Acts 10:34; Rom 3:23; Phil 2:9; 3:9) see the section further on in this meditation, under the heading “In Jesus’ name”.

Consider, for example, two sports teams, or more profound, opposing armies, often apparently each praying to the same god in the same confrontation to win. Exactly why, and how, will such prayers be expected to be fulfilled? Will the outcome of most situations not rather be determined by our [given] choices and actions [allowed] – or by leaders not knowing God, who make the decisions? Consider, also, a father who is subsidizing fully his son at university, praying for his success and a good future for him, while he is presumably writing an exam; but meanwhile the son is not even in class, not writing the exam.

Do we sometimes expect God to do for us that we should do? Why should or must He? How does God’s sovereignty work? The meditations “The will of man, the will of God” and “Healing” attempt to expand on this.  Read it as well?

A little anecdote. The little girl says her prayer and asks the Lord to make 7 x 6 = 48. Her mother asks why she would ask such a thing whereon she replies, “That’s what I wrote in my class test today and I want to be right”.

Do we mostly beg of God what He has already provided (Eph 1:3)? Some Christians are even regularly pretending to remind God of His promises and His words! Carefully ponder the very popular Jer 29:11 with Mt 6:5-8 (note carefully Mt 6:8 and Eph 3:20); Mt 6:33 (Lk 17:20-21). We ask God for riches (a raise, for more but guilty of Jm 4:3 and Ps 66:18-19. Note the thought life as in Mt 5:28. The meditation “Riches” refers as well) but fail to manage what we have (Mt 25:23-29; Lk 16:10) because we are blinded in self-pity and fail to re-arrange things and so be innovative [creative] to His image.

Let’s examine this, shall we?

Why some ask, ask God for wisdom (Jm 1:5)? Is it not an ability given as part of our DNA that we either do or don’t have? Is a miracle then required to give us wisdom? No, it is exactly the point. Godly wisdom requires a humble spirit and by asking for something you have first to acknowledge that you fall short (Rom 3:23). It is said that real education is a process by which you discover how little you know. Then, with a changed mind set (repentance), we can invite and accept God’s Holy Spirit to indwell us that opens up a completely new world to us and those we deal with (Jn 3:3; 14:26). Consider the following as well: Mt 7:17-19; 12:33; 13:8,33; Jn 15:1-8,16 (Jn 17:20); Gal 5:22; Eph 5:9; Col 1:6; Jm 4:1-4…

So then, may many ask questions such as whether prayer is relevant today, or why pray if God is sovereign? The misconception in such doubt is probably that God’s sovereignty means He does everything [predetermines every detail] as He wants anyway that would make our prayers [requests] futile and senseless.  This is a crucial understanding to get right. The sovereignty of God is examined in the meditation entitled “The will of man, the will of God” and essential to contemplate so the reader may do well to read it.  In a nutshell, God’s sovereignty does not mean He does everything – He is just supreme; but certainly not distant [apathetic, indifferent] – this should be clear by pondering even just Jn 3:16.

 Many a Christian recites Ps 23:1 but in perpetual destitute. Why is it so? Let’s earnestly contemplate Mt 6:5-8,33; Jm 1:6-8; 4:3; Eph 1:3; Heb 2:8-13; even Jn 17:15-26.  Let’s read this meditation to see if we can improve our understanding. We often hear Hos 4:6 but let’s see the context of Hos 4:4-11,15-16 (Jm 4:3-10).

To address God as our Father (Mt 6:8-9), we may use the word abba. In the OT we have references such as Dan 5:2,11,13,18 and in the NT, Mk 14:36; Rom 8:15 (Gen 1:27) and Gal 4:6. Observe however, that while abba is spoken confidently and securely, it is at the same time meant to be reverently and obediently. In the NT it is recorded as apparently only being used by Jesus and Paul but if we ponder Gen 1:27 with Jn 3:3 and Rom 8:9,14-17; we can all use abba to address God our Father but then not as a childish, even flippant expression in a spirit of unsavory familiarity or even show but more solemn in a responsible adult address to an Almighty Father that acknowledges God’s unparalleled majesty.

The crux of this matter is to grasp (1) the [nature and extent of the] authority God has given us on earth (even Jm 4:7); (2) that God cannot go back on His Word; (3) that God is Love and never manipulates; and (4) that prayer is an immense gift and privilege from God our Father whereby we can activate the supernatural and miracles through our Lord Jesus Christ (Mt 26:41; Mk 8:38; Lk 21:36; Jn 14:12-17; 15:7-8; Rom 8:26; 1 Cor 14:15; Col 1:9; 1 Thess 5:17) and that this is a personal relationship (Mt 6:5-6; 1 Tim 2:5; Heb 4:15-16).

In other words, prayer benefits us as we find that Mt 6:1-4 is about giving, Mt 6:5-15 about prayer and Mt 6:16-21 about fasting. Observe that Jesus here taught us how to defend against the enemy’s assaults on our spiritual lives through greed, pride and lust. Secretly giving counter greed, secret prayer counter pride and secret fasting counter lust.

We should also guard against becoming so religious that we buy into unhelpful, incoherent and irrational practices of “charismatic” preachers that speak to things (command them) that does not prove to have any sense of self-awareness.  It is popular in some circles to address things like bacteria, viruses or whatever name we have given something pathologic. Some are even talking to inanimate objects, blessing or cursing it. Instead of “blessing” your multimillion-dollar jet, sir, why not simply have it serviced and maintained and utilize it as it was designed to be operated? It is fully insured anyway, is it not; so, it’s not as if you speaking to it really changed its condition or fate, did it? Stewardship is a human task. Dead objects do not exercise control over itself. Despite the lacking results [irrefutable evidence] that should be telling, many followers seem to unfortunately still fall for the same show and false prophecies and false decrees of these fraudulent play-actors and charlatans time and again. It is doubtful that anything that has no self-awareness would directly react to our voice or speech. Therefore, beware of [internet] preachers with a shamelessly disproportionate and dubious affluence obtained from the poor, sick and needy contributing [paying?] to get the “blessing” their “spiritual leader” enjoys – yet someone who might very well one day discover what these charlatans and Mt 7:15-23 were about…

On the other hand, just take note that it is entirely possible and plausible that God has designed us with a self-healing ability and that this could very well be activated by faith and knowledge (Hos 4:4-11).  But let’s examine this, shall we?

Introduction

Look at Gen 1:26. It states that God made mankind (spiritual beings with a physical body and not from animals, refer to the meditation “Body, soul, spirit of man”), and said “Let them have complete authority over the fish in the sea, the birds of the air, the earth, and over anything that creeps upon the earth” (Emphasis mine). This implies that God (Num 23:19; Rom 3:3-4) cannot go back on His Word (Mk 13:31; Prov 30:5; Is 40:8; 1 Pet 1:23,25) and the authority He has given us means that we can/should comply with Jesus’ commanded in Mt 10:8 (with Mk 16:16-20; Jn 14:10-15; 17:20; Acts 10:34; 1 Pet 2:24). We abdicate [nullify] our authority on earth (Is 5:18; Hos 4:4-11) by begging God for what He has already provided [for us in Christ] (Eph 1:3; Is 61:1; 2 Pet 1:3-4; Heb 2:8).

 In the meditation “Who is Jesus Christ”, a short exploration is done on the authority given us (Gen 1:26; Ps 115:16) and how we (Adam) gave it away to Satan with the fall of mankind (Rom 5:12-21), but how it was legitimately won back for us and paid for [only] by the blood of Jesus Christ (Jesus as man sent not created but with a physical body formed in a woman’s womb, a woman that would be the nightmare for Satan – Gen 3:15; Gal 4:4-7, to really represent us and simultaneously Christ as God’s Spirit and anointing), even Mt 11:27; 28:18 with Phil 3:9 and Rom 8:2.  (“The Testimony” expands on this).

 Carefully ponder who we ought to be in Christ (Jn 1:1-4,14,17).  This is expanded on in the meditations such as “Intercession” and “Who is Jesus Christ”.

Only God can speak things into existence (create with His Word as in Gen 1); but observe that Jesus demonstrated God’s Spirit inside a human body and so commanded [not begged] as recorded in even just the book of Matthew: Mt 8:2-3,5-13,26,32; 9:2-7, 18-19,23-25,27-33; 12:10-13,22;14:19;15:28; 17:18. Observe how Jesus here in Mt 17:16-20 had to teach them that it is not a show (Jm 1:6-8) but that effective prayer requires a genuine intimate oneness [knowledge] with His Spirit inside of us that will empower us (Mk 11:22-25; even Phil 4:13). Mt 17:21 is discussed in the meditation “Fasting”. Suffice for now to say Mt 21:17 was added – thus shown in italics – and points rather to Mt 6:33; Mt 20:31-34 and not that you need to go through a ritual to drive any demon [wicked thoughts] out of the mind (2 Cor 10:5-6; Phil 4:6-9).

 Ponder then very carefully, God our Father that will not interfere without our obedience to Him and His commands [instructions] in our specific requests and commands in Jesus’ Name (Mt 10:8; Jn 1:12-13; 14:10-14) and the possibility that angels are waiting for instructions – Lk 12:8-9; 15:10 with Heb 1:14; 2:5-18; 12:22 (note here the “multitudes of angels!…”); Heb 13:2! Even Gen 28:12 with Jn 1:50-51 and Acts 7:56 (This is greatly significant and expanded on in the meditation “Rapture raptured”).  Also, consider Gen 32:1; Ex 23:23; 1 Cor 6:3; Mt 4:11;13:39; 18:10; Acts 5:19-20; 7:53; 12:7,23; 1 Tim 3:16; 1 Pet 1:12; Rev 1:20.

It should therefore be clear that there exists a spiritual realm and that we as mankind are supposed to function as spiritual beings [a spirit with a soul] inside a physical body, and then, to keep doing so (refer to the meditation “The Testimony” and “Body, soul, spirit of man”).

 So, forget the empty recipes, rituals, tradition (Mk 7:13-15;12:24), the ceremonial hype filled with emotion and show (Mt 6:1-8; 7:15-23; 15:6-9; Heb 4:2).  Jesus demonstrated that prayer is a personal conversation with God our Father. Also consider the meditation entitled “The Lord’s Prayer” on this website. The meditation “Healing” is of course very relevant to effective prayer.  Read it?

 

Discussion

What Prayer is and is not

 Real Christian prayer is: …

  • – a sincere pouring out of your heart, your soul, to God through Christ, guided by His Holy Spirit;
  • – in your own words;
  • – plain, straight to the point, direct, specific (naming objects or persons);
  • – rational, it must make sense and be within God’s will as led by His Spirit or His Word (Jn 14:16,17; 1 Cor 14:15; 1 Jn 2:5,20);
  • – to the glory of God triune, not to fulfil fleshly and selfish sensual pleasures (1 Thess 4:5; Jm 4:3);
  • – a longing for the precepts of Jesus Christ, God’s Word (Phil 3:9-10; 1 Jn 2:4);
  • – asking for things that God promised in His Word by submitting to His will (the meditation “The will of man, the will of God” refers; Mk 11:23-24; noting that the “mountain” in Mk 11:23 probably refers to moral obstacles; 1 Tim 2:8);
  • – expecting a real effect and good result to glorify God (1 Cor 4:20; 1 Thess 4:5; Heb 11:1,6);
  • – in trust in God’s Word and promises (Mk 11:24! 1 Jn 5:15; But note Mk 11:25,26; Mt 6:12,14,15!);
  • – in the Spirit (Jn 4:23,24; 6:63-65; Rom 8:26; 1 Cor 3:16, 6:17-20).

 

Real Christian prayer is not: …

  • – it is not a show of quotations, recitations or acts to impress fellow self-righteous human beings (Mt 6:5-8; 1 Cor 14:2);
  • – a monotonous recitation and repetition of memorized script used by or composed by someone else;
  • – not a nagging repeating the same request (Mt 6:7-8); Here discernment is required, for we also have Mt 26:44; Mk 14:39 and Lk 18:1-7 that seems to contradict Mt 6:7-8. But our beloved Lord Jesus Christ will never contradict Himself (Heb 13:8), it would then rather be a case of our poor understanding (1 Cor 13:9-12; 1 Jn 2:20 and 1 Jn 3:19-24).
  • – vague and generalized statements or non-specific requests (Phil 4:6).

Note at Mt 6:7. The following from paragraph 5.52 in the meditation “Apparent Controversies in the Bible”:

Use not vain repetitions. This warrants serious thought from all of us as God’s children.

We can safely assume that all disciples of Jesus Christ pray and naturally then, some like me, rather graceless at times. What Jesus pointed out was that the faults in prayer that the Scribes and Pharisees were guilty of were vain-glory and vain mechanical repetitions. Much talking in prayer is a method heathens use to their false gods and is still observed by Hindu and Mohammedan devotees. Jews apparently have a maxim that, “Everyone who multiplies prayer is heard.” Compare the hollow devotion of the rosary in which every bead is thought to be connected with a Pater Noster or Ave Maria and does but produce the 18 prayers of the Rabbis in senseless repetition by babbling them over. Jesus does not here condemn the occasional earnest using of the same words but condemns the characteristic feature of heathen babbling as an external act. The word used is μὴβατταλογήσητε that is probably onomatopoeic of stuttering or babbling in senseless repetitions as also found with hypocrites. This can be borne out by Jesus praying in Mt 26:44 and Mk 14:39 that certainly was perfect and not the empty repetition meant in Mt 6:7 (compare Jn 11:41,42). The question that can be asked is when the grace of God does not warrant begging, with the understanding that we do not need to nag Almighty God (Mt 6:8). But what is sought is our continuance of “daily bread” in our inner-man in faithfulness and commitment of continued dependency on God alone (Jn 15:1-10). The most powerful prayer and intercessions are made in the Spirit by groaning that cannot be uttered (Jn 4:23-24; Rom 8:26). A multiplicity of words without meaning would be like a stutter or foolish talk without reverence for God, sincerity or faith; and this is rather what would be vain. The priests of Baal cried from morning to noon (1 Ki 18:26-29; even Artemis at Ephesus in Acts 19:34) repeating the same request. What Jesus thus pointed out would possibly address hypocrites who used the manner of heathens that would be a denial of God’s power, knowledge and His goodness and would be culpable of an insult to Him.  We should therefore be extremely careful in our prayers to mean what we say and be sure of our desires to not disgrace it (Jn 9:31; Jm 4:3; also, Ps 66:18; Prov 15:29; 28:9; Is 1:15). But we can learn from Jesus’ examples (Mt 26:44; Mk 14:39) and especially His agony in Gethsemane (Mt 26:36,42,44; Mk 14:32,36,39,41). Repetition from a deep vehement desire of divine grace and the spiritual blessings flowing from it is what we should connect to. We therefore do not pray to God to inform Him, for He is omniscient, it is a fit disposition for us to humble ourselves to God through our sensible dependence on Him and acknowledge His willingness to give relief and blessings by His grace alone (Lk 12:32).

The conclusion can therefore be that the repetition of words of a specific prayer is internally vastly different between a heathen and a hypocrite than a child of our Creator-Father and a disciple of His beloved son Jesus Christ that in trust [faith] exercise patience, for our impatience dishonors God.

Purpose

To answer the question, what good is prayer? Again, our self-righteousness can be put to shame when we grasp how much there is to gain when we lose certain things. For instance, will the asking in prayer come from a realization of dependence and do we stand a better change to lose hindrances to our own happiness and well-being, things what we can do without, such as pride, arrogance, greed, lust, anger, the cowardice in “neutrality” (Rev 3:15-16; and who is first on the list in Rev 21:8!) and falsity, taste for what is wrong, impatience, despair and discouragement. We discover that God (Love) has suggested many humbling means to us to not gain avariciously for the fleshly self (Rom 8:6-8); but means by which we can first grow spiritually, and then have material needs met because we function closer to what we were designed to – by God (Mt 6:33). Prayer (not sycophantic reciting), in other words, rather brings you closer to God.

So, be cautious of books filled with steps “how to” and prescriptions of “prayer-worriers” with no or little real result to show (1 Cor 4:20). We must be open, humble, and honest before our omniscient Father.  He lives [is Life eternal] and the first important “lesson” is to actually hear His Voice – then act on it [have faith in Him and His precepts].  Take note of Jn 1:1-4,14,17; 14:6-14; 1 Jn 2:4 and for that matter, Gal 1:6-9.

It is crucial at this juncture to note at 1 Jn 2:4 that “My Commands” in Jn 14:15 or “His Commandments” in 1 Jn 2:4 are not the same as “The Ten Commandments” (The Law of Moses – Jn 1:17; Rom 10:1-12)! Jesus is referring to following His precepts and not our attempts at self-righteousness (Phil 3:9).  This is examined in the meditation “The Covenant and The Law”.

 The only real results on prayer are based on what Jesus demonstrated and taught of what He accomplished for us as a true representative of all mankind (Jn 1:1-4,14,17; Col 1:12-20). So, if we (Jn 17:20; Acts 2:39) want to understand Jesus correctly (Rom 10:1; Hos 4:4-11; Mk 4:23-25, and note that verse 25 is not insinuating money or materialism but our measure of thought and study we give to what we hear from God with its corresponding results), we must grasp the seed-principle Jesus informed us of in Mk 4:3-8. Hear Jesus’ stern warning in Mk 4:9,11-13.  Then carefully ponder Mk 4:14-20.  This meditation hopes to bring this principle home, even Heb 11:6. We hope to get to the immense meaning of Jn 1:14,17 (Jn 6:31-36, 48-51). It is us who must know and apply this crucial principle in God’s Kingdom of Him in us and us in Him, to be empowered by His Holy Spirit (Jn 3:3; Acts 19:1-6). The meditation “Baptism” and “The Gospel” expand on this. In essence, can we not expect any real and powerful results without first having His Word [Christ] embedded in us; hence Jn 14:23-26 after John learned Rev 21:3 (Ez 27:27; Is 60:14; Mt 5:13-15) from Jesus personally! Then  we can speak and command wholeness in Christ’s authority (Mt 6:33)

 The OT way of praying [approaching] God the Father today would be an insult to Jesus Christ!  David’s approach in Ps 51:10-12 is not valid today after what Jesus Christ overpaid for us all (Heb 8:13; 9:8-12,24-28,14; 10:1-26,35,38; Eph 1:3; 3:20; 4:24; 2 Cor 5:17 – hence Mt 9:17; Lk 9:62; Eph 4:11-25).  “If it be your will” is a false humility because it denies Jesus Christ (Jn 14:9-15; Mk 11:24) and who we are supposed to be (Gen 1:26-28; Heb 2:8; Phil 4:13).  Consider the logical absurdity of the statement “If it be your will”.

Contemplate the meditation “The Will of man, the will of God” on www.gospel-truth.co.za for a discussion on God’s will.  You should know God’s will if you comply with Rom 8:14; Jn 4:24; 14:26; Gal 5:18.  That is, if you know Jer 29:11; Is 5:18-21; 54:14-17 and 1 Jn 3:22; 5:14-15.  To say “If it be your will”, really says nothing.  If you mean to say (a) that God must only allow your request if it will not be bad [“against His will”], you’re stating the obvious and are not instructing God at all. (b) If you mean to say to God that He is free to allow only what He wants or even more than what you ask, or at a different time and place, if it is good, as He sees fit; you’re again stating the obvious superfluously and probably ignorant of the principles mentioned in Scriptures such as Mt 6:8; 8:10; Mk 11:24; Jn 14:12-15; Rom 5:5; Eph 1:3,4,19-21; 3:19-20; 1 Pet 2:24; 2 Pet 1:3; especially Jm 1:5-8.  If we’re in need, we can [may] be specific with God [in prayer], and as a matter of fact, should act on Mt 10:8 (Jn 17:20; 14:12-14).  We should stop begging God for what He already provided (Jn 19:30; 1 Pet 2:24; Eph 1:3-6 and so on)!  Why distrust God (His Word, promise fulfilled – Jn 19:30; Heb 8:13; Prov 18:21; Dt 19:30)?  Is it because of Mk 7:13; 12:24? Have you remotely contemplated Mt 8:26; 12:37 with 2 Tim 1:7 and Jn 4:24?  This should become clearer as we consider these thoughts in this meditation with 2 Cor 10:5 in mind.  Perhaps later “The Testimony” on this website as well, but do not skip the Scriptures!

Note the acknowledgement of Peter in Acts 9:34 with 1 Pet 2:24 in mind (Phil 3:9).

Note at Prov 18:21. Read it with Prov 4:23; 12:13,18; 26:28; Jer 23:36 and certainly James 3:1-18.  Beware of play-acting “charismatic” preachers and their followers who apparently think this means you can bless your material things.  Not so, this passage refers to the tongue as an exponent of the heart (mind) and can be used either in a good (wise) way with prudent speech or in an evil and sinful way to utter false and injurious talk. We should therefore guard against becoming so religious that we buy into unhelpful, incoherent and irrational practices of the “charismatic” that speak to inanimate things (command them) that have no sense of self-awareness.  Stewardship is a human task, dead objects do not exercise control over itself and can therefore not directly react to our voice or speech. Many of these showmen might very well one day discover what Mt 7:15-23 was about… But, as far as Prov 18:21 goes, before speaking to things that can’t hear you, perhaps rather ponder Mt 12:35-37?

Note at Mt 26:39.  People that pray “If it be your will”, probably (a) talk blindly after others without having contemplated this, and (b) totally misunderstand Jesus in Mt 26:26,39 and Lk 22:42.  Observe that in Lk 22:41 Jesus went only ‘a stone’s throw’ away (within hearing distance).  It is thus entirely possible that Jesus was not asking God the Father for a way out (Eph 1:2-23; Col 1:8-12-15), but made a point clear to them in Lk 22:41 – as well as us (Jn 17:20) – to remember, namely that there is no other way for mankind to be reconciled to God (Jn 14:6; Acts 4:12; 1 Tim 2:5; and Jn 10:9 with Rev 3:8; 4:1-2 with Heb 10:13-14).  If Jesus as Son of Man was looking for a way out he would probably rather have asked softly [in the spirit] than out loud contradicting Himself in Lk 14:27-35; Mt 20:22-23; 23:25-28; Jn 18:11! No, Jesus was giving a demonstration, a proof that becomes even more plausible when contemplating just Jn 11:41-42-45; 14:6; Acts 4:12; 1 Cor 1:23-2:2.  The fact that Jesus always gets what he asks (Jn 11:42; Jm 1:6-8; Mk 11:24; 1 Jn 2:1-2), even Mk 11:25-26 with Lk 23:34 (Heb 4:15; 9:14,26,28; 2 Cor 5:21; 1 Pet 2:21-24; 1 Jn 1:7; 3:5,8), shows that if God The Father had another way He would have heard Jesus’ “request” in Lk 22:42.  But this was not an attempted shunning or evasion by Jesus but Jesus demonstrating that Acts 4:12 is absolutely true.  Nowhere else can we hear Jesus pray vaguely “If it be Your will”.  Instead, we find only examples and demonstrations of Jesus and His followers performing miracles with authority such as stated in Acts 9:34.

Note (b) on Lk 22:41-42.  The agony (Lk 22:43-44) that Jesus went through is well beyond our grasp.  The wrath of God poured out on Jesus Christ – on our behalf for all times (1 Thess 5:9; Heb 10:14) – is totally beyond our complacent blind self-righteousness. So, what we can [should] learn from just this passage in Luke is likewise probably way over our self-inflated modern conceited heads. Not only Judas, or Peter, was traitors of Jesus Christ; for even those found asleep betrays Him!  Carefully contemplate here Lk 22:45-46 with Mt 25:1-12 (7:15-23) and Rev 3:12,20-21; 21:7 (Rom 8:14).  Oh God!  Indeed Prov 20:13 (Jn 6:48 with “The Testimony”). May we wake up from our hollow religious slumber!

God is a perfect Father and loves us genuinely, and wants us to love Him genuinely (1 Jn 4:8).  He hence wants a relationship.  He is a Person – He loves, can be grieved, and hates evil and falsity (Ps 101:3-8; Prov 8:13; 11:20,21; 16:5; Rom 12:9 with Rev 21:27!)…  To try and impress God, is not knowing Him at all.  To try and inform Him of offense we have taken and wrong done to us, is not knowing Him at all.  To only “talk” to Him when we want something, is not knowing Him at all!

Note at 1 Chron 4:10.  Many a Christian loves to quote Jabez, especially those fluent in Christianese. Perhaps then also consider Dt 5:21; Eph 5:5; Jn 3:3; Mt 6:33; Jm 4:2-3; Rom 8:28?  We should perhaps be careful with talking after other people without having accurate knowledge of the context or the One we are talking to (Rom 10:1-2; Mt 6:5-7).  The other meditations such as “The Gospel” on this website expand on this.

Note at Mt 6:5.  Jesus says hypocrites love to pray! Most church-goers speak of their “family” of believers, of their “brothers” and “sisters”, as one body in Christ with God as their Father. This however, will hardly be more than speaking Christianese when we observe a different result in practice where help is held back due to plain selfishness.  Take the example of a congregation’s family that gets into difficulty financially. Most will then go for the cop-out to religiously (Mt 6:4-8) “pray” for them without putting their money [help] where their mouths are (Mt 15:6-9).  It will be a cop-out because God will not do what we are supposed to do!  God is a perfect Father and will not rise up useless children.  Reconsider Jn 15:1-5, and bear fruit!  Note, with Mt 6:3, that the genuine unselfish deeds [that expect no selfish gain in any way], was unaware of when they – in effect – helped the Lord (Mt 25:32-40).  Ponder as well, Mt 25:41-44 with Mt 7:15-29.

In Jesus’ name

Here, we have to be careful to not be dull and imagine that we are reciting an “abracadabra” in parrot-like fashion!  “In Jesus’ name” probably comes from Scriptures like Jn 14:14,16; 16:23.  Consider that “in His name” very possibly means “in His authority” (Jn 1:12,13; 14:12-15,24; Rom 8:14-17; Eph 1:3); in other words, Who He is and what He stands for and what He has successfully accomplished [overpaid] for us today. A living image [memorial, mature son], speaking His Words, revealing His power, His Light, His Life right here on earth. Again, if you don’t see results when praying “in Jesus’ name”, the prayer obviously was not “in His Name”, was it?

So, “in Jesus’ name” does not mean you must necessarily repeat the words “In Jesus’ name”!  You often hear religious people recite rhymes, even ask “… if it be Your will… [to heal!]”, totally ignorant to the shocking fact that they are totally under law (is in self-righteousness) yet end the prayer with “In Jesus’ name”.  Often, they should actually have said “In my own name”, or “in Moses’ name” to be speaking the truth.  Amen?  The meditation called “Intercession” expands on this.

As mentioned at the beginning of this meditation, we must take cognisance of the fact that no human can approach God Almighty unless through Jesus Christ (Jn 14:6,14; 15:16; 16:24; 1 Tim 2:5; Heb 4:16).  On our own we have no authority or righteousness before God (Ezekiel 21:27; Rom 3:23; Phil 2:9; 3:9). As far as His Name goes, read at least Ps 72:17-20; Mt 10:22; Jn 20:31; Eph 1:19-23; Phil 2:9; Col 3:17; 1 Pet 4:14; 1 Jn 3:23; Rev 3:8; 14:1.

“Make us truly thankful” – A ridiculous statement, as a request or an instruction

Often, before a meal, people start a prayer with, “Thank You for the food we are about to receive”, then ends with “… and make us sincerely [truly] thankful for it, in Jesus’ name, Amen”!  Think about it, will you?  God [love that does not manipulate] must make you thankful (after you said you were and what is worse, are you in fact saying that unless God makes you thankful will you not be –truly [sincerely] – thankful.  Why else would He have to, still as you’re talking, make you thankful?)?  And then not only make you thankful, but make you sincerely thankful?  And this is in Jesus name???  You realize that to add the instruction to make you “sincerely” thankful implicates that you are the source of righteousness at that moment reminding God not to make you “insincerely thankful”.  Then, when we point this blasphemous absurdity out, the typical religious reaction is to mumble “but God knows what I mean” (again missing it; that God does – unfortunately for the religious play-actors – knows exactly what they mean!… Hear Jesus in Mt 6:5-8; 7:21-23; 12:31-37; 15:6-9…).  Equally ridiculous – especially from a preacher before his/her sermon – is the very pious request, “Make us receptive for Your Word…” It insinuates first, that you are not receptive and second, that you will not be receptive unless so forced by God.  Please, let’s be rational and real and realize Who we are talking to!  So, instead of reciting dull phrases such as the preposterous “make us truly thankful” or some monotonous repetitive rhyme; rather keep your eyes open (!) and from your heart remind yourself about the context of 1 Cor 10:31 and Jn 6:31-50,53-58.  Remind yourself about Jn 4:23-24; 14:26 and Rom 8:14 – remind yourself that just as food and drink is supposed to be nutritious to your body, should you not forget that God [Love, Holy Spirit] is the only One Who provides [provided] what is good (Eph 1:3-14,18-23) for your body, soul and spirit and acknowledge this fact.  Only in Christ are we blessed (Eph 1:3).  Amen?

Often also, during this prayer before a meal, we hear “We think of those less fortunate…” or something to that effect. Is this then an attempt to just inform God Almighty to note our empathy? Some even piously pray “Bless those who have less than us”; but please just think how senseless and ridiculous this instruction to God is. Hopefully then, will we remember this when we next stand at a cash register paying for a trolley load full of stuff with a poor person next in line shyly trying to buy a meagre something to eat with obviously too little change… Think of the difference it would make if every able person would help pay for the next “less fortunate” in line?  And, according to Mt 6:1-4…  So, don’t instruct God to pay for, or supply, their proviant… Remember  that Jesus pointed out how hypocrites love to pray (Mt 6:5)…

What was Jesus saying in Mt 6:13?  (Jm 1:13).  See # 5.26 but also examples # 5.22,23 in the meditation “Apparent Controversies in The Bible” by the same author, if you will. The daily Bread is Christ [Jn 1:4; 5:37-47;11:25-26] inside of us permanently (Jn 4:24; 6:27-63). If this Bread be in us continuously [“daily”], we will not have to be lead “in temptation” [out from it].  It is not God that will lead us astray; we must not wonder off when [spiritually thoughtless] on our own (Phil 3:9) and so it is prudent to ask Father for protection from the evil one (Jm 1:5, 6-8…4:7!)!  Consider here also “The Covenant and the Law” and “Mixing Old and New” by the same author.  Self-righteousness and the resultant unforgiveness is our [own mind] enemy.

In the meditation “Apparent controversies in the Bible”, at the end of paragraph 5.33, the following explanation is given: Mt 6:13 is not asking God to not do something mean by leading [coercing] us into temptation! No, it is but a cry for help for protection against the evil one to help us not fall in our weak self, it asks for God’s help against our temptation through our own unclean desires that would require God to lead us out from there (Jm 1:5-8;4:2; 1 Jn 5:15). This correlates with 2 Pet 2:9, does it not? Note, by the way, how demons cannot see ahead in Mt 8:31-32 like God does (Eph 2:10; 3:20). Carefully ponder Col 1:15-23… For that matter, at least Is 64:4; Mt 24:21; 2 Pet 3:3-9; 1 Jn 3:1; Rev 1:8,11; 21:6; 22:13; 19:12.

We won’t be so ignorant as to sit next to a car with a flat tyre asking God – in Jesus’ name (!) – to fix the wheel, would we?  Yes, all things are possible to God, but why would He as a perfect Father let us become utterly useless on earth by doing all for [lazy, pathetic] us?  There are many things we have to do on this earth that He gave us!… Fact is, God will not be an accomplice to us being self-centred and seeking pity as helpless beings.

A good relationship would at the very least have persons talking to each other [habitually, often] as if they are real.  And not only for selfish reasons, but to just share [acknowledge] something beautiful in your day. When you understand God’s Love, mercy and unconditional grace, you will serve Him better accidentally, than you would ever do intentionally.  When you understand that by talking with Him, you will, in His presence see more blessings [prosperity, protection], accidentally, than you would ever do intentionally.   By talking to Him, like you would to someone you have a good relationship with, will bring you more in His presence.  Talk to your Savior, your Lord, your Guide, your Teacher, your Friend, your Father.  Mostly, just talk to Him about this wonderful life, show some appreciation of the magnificent painting you are living in.  Don’t be blunt [obtuse, dull, haughty] – tell [admit to] Him how wonderful you see His beautiful Handiwork is!  We were created to pleasure Him, so stop trying to impress [act] but just reciprocate some of His Love for us (Rom 12:9?).  Be His child.  Enjoy your humour [joy, wit, sharp appreciative observation, peace, admiration]; your perseverance [faith, trust]; enjoy Gal 5:22-26; Phil 4:6-8; and so on.  Enjoy the everlasting Life He prepared and provided for us (2 Cor 5:14-21).  Show faith [trust, acceptance] in His Word and promises.  Read His letters, hear Him.

 Lengthy, “technical” prayer is likely to be artificial and most likely less effective than an honest “help”!  For a discussion on intercession, see the meditation entitled “Intercession” by the author.

For long, Mt 7:19-26 with Mt 12:31-32 was unresolved for me.  I have heard good-sounding messenges and preachers expounding and distorting and what not, still I knew in my spirit something around these scriptures was unexplained to me.  Lk 6:46; Mt 11:27-30; Prov 1:7; Jn 16:1-3!  Watch out for the religious!

Get in the presence of God, talk to Him, and enjoy a real relationship that sees results!

 In context, Mt 12:14-45 tells of the absurd phenomena [especially amongst the religious] of calling what is of God, as if it is of Satan (Is 5:18-21).  Father, Son and Spirit is not the destroyer!  You know this?  Do you think God teaches man something through sickness or death (Ex 15:26)?  But, there is a more subtle trap of falling for unscriptural teaching through ignorance, through basic lack of interest [love] for Him above all else.  Jesus gave Eph 4:11 to get v. 12-25…  When we passively get into the spot of Rom 10:17.  In other words, people cannot believe what they have not heard (read).  Who is to blame for this ignorance?

 To know His Voice (Jn 10, note v 4,27), means we should be able to discern (Jn 14:24-31).  This “know” is very intimate and personal (Gen 4:1; Mt 7:19-24; Jn 10:11-20; even 2 Pet 1:3-4; Jn 17:3…).  Amazing!

Have you memorized verses like Rom 8:28; Phil 4:13 but dare not say reality looks different?

Forget the theology and rassionalization, is there nothing you think would be better different?

Come up here (Rev 1:10-17), be real – your Father, your Brother (Heb 2) and Lord, Your Holy Spirit Who is your Wisdom, your Counsellor, your Teacher, your Guide; He is real!  Is 1:18-20.

Prayer is not nagging God!

 It is quite possible that we completely misunderstand how to pray more accurately, because of our indoctrination with religious concepts.  Three perceptions that are possibly misunderstood in church today, are supplication; persistency (Lk 18:1); and the will of God.  For the latter, perhaps consider the meditation entitled “The Will of man, the will of God” by the author.  We will do well to remember that we can never surprise God, so forget condemnation.  Be inspired, convinced and encouraged [in Christ, Rom 8:29-39;1 Jn 3:20-22; and note that “His commandments” in this context is specified in 1 Jn 3:23; it’s not the Law of Moses – Jn 1:17; 9:28. This is expanded on in the meditation “The covenant and the Law”], do not feel condemned (Phil 3:9; 1 Jn 3:20).  For God so loved the world, that He

Note at Col 4:2. This “prayer” actually refers to a prayer-life, as in habitual and multiple different prayers, and not a single prayer that is being repeated until we can get God to change His will to our [carnal, fleshly] lust and greed.  If you truly believe that you get what you ask (1 Jn 5:15) in earnest Godly desire to be useful in His Kingdom on earth, and that God hears you first time around – as a matter of fact, that He knew what you were about to ask before the foundation of the earth – we would never repeat the same request as heathens do by mere babbling but certainly can remain in the same conversation with God with the same request until we see results. It is not that God requires our nagging but is a matter of us remaining steadfast in trust that God is faithful when answer to prayer takes time [because God knows best when and how to supply] so that we might not wean as “of little faith” (short bursts of faith).  Col 4:2 and Phil 4:6 states that we can guard each individual request with thanksgiving.  Being thankful before the world sees results is the faith spoken of in Heb 11:1; 2 Cor 5:7. This is guarding against what Jm 1:6-8 warns us against.

Note therefore, that when we pray in affliction, that we are not asking God to reverse His decision to burden us with a “test” because it was highly unlikely that God caused the infliction in the first place. No, we rather ask God to intervene and any “turning around” would be from bad [that occurred for whatever reason other than God causing it], to good (Jm 1:13,17; 1 Cor 10:13). Note also the words of Jesus in Mt 6:7-8.  In faith we can show trust (Mt 6:8; Eph 3:20) and only ask once and then guard that request with thanksgiving… But every disciple of Jesus Christ knows that sometimes a desire burns so fervently in our hearts that we can for sure stay on that request until a result materializes, however long it takes.

So then, when Jesus said, “Give us this day our daily bread” (Mt 6:11), why would anyone want to try and change [the meaning of] His words to say “Give us today the same bread as yesterday and the day before”? “This day” means “daily” that is not repeating the same ad nausea and ad infinitum, but “Every new day its own fresh and life-giving”. And then in context, as said above, with the understanding that Christ in us is that Bread (Jn 1:14,17; 6:47-50,63).

So, back to the fact that you could not have said thanks [acknowledge, accept, appropriate] unless you thought you had already received!  This is showing at least three aspects in this faith:

  1. Your intellectual cognizance and acceptance of historically accurate facts about Jesus Christ
  2. Your reliance [trust] on God’s Word [promises, precepts, principles]
  3. Your personal relationship, continuously and habitually living your faith (Jm 2:15-26)
  4. But, this have to be enlightened with a full and accurate knowledge of Jesus Christ (1 Jn 2:4. Note that “His commandments” here refer to the teachings/precepts of Jesus Christ, not the 10 Commandments that Moses had to give to the Israelites to show them what Rom 3:20 (Gal 5:4,18) means – see the meditation “The Covenant and the Law” for a fuller exegesis on this subject and Gal 3:19)!

Unbelievers cannot say “thank you” prior to a visual manifestation.  Seeing is not believing, it is accepting what one would not believe.  The world has wishful thinking; we have faith in the one true [Triune] God.

Believers can give unlimited praise and thanks to God before physically seeing results, in faith (Rom 8:13!!).

A note on “Thank You” to God. Someone once said that the road to hell is paved with good intent. Good intent is related to merely saying “Thank you”; for real appreciation will manifest in our [altered, improved] thought-life that will manifest in our daily lives. Consider here even just Phil 4:6-9 and Rom 12:9?

Sometimes you hear someone asking God for something specific and when they get it, in effect, say “It’s alright God, never mind, I’m sorted”.  This is like asking someone for $100,000 dollars and just after that person has given it to you, saying they can now ignore your request for it’s not necessary anymore since you got the money anyway!

Of course believers will understand that we can never surprise our omniscient God.  Consider Heb 13:8; Jn 1:1-4.  There are no files or cases you have to re-open with God.  You simply believe God that, for instance, Gal 3:16,25-29; Eph 2:4-13; and Rom 8:17,29-39 is absolutely true.  Remember Heb 7:25; 1 Tim 2:5; 2 Cor 5:17-21.  We are not approaching an angry God in the NT – Rom 5:5!  Believe Heb 4:11,16; 9:24; 10:10-14; 11:6; 9; also 1 Thess 5:9.  We must be careful of the mindset (Mk 7:13) that the OT ways are applicable to us as NT believers in the finished [successfully completed] work of Jesus Christ (Heb 8:13; 9:8-15).

Some words [concepts, doctrines] that we can do well considering again, are the following:

Dedication” or “consecration”.  A request to hear His Voice – Mk 14:32-36; Jn 10:10,27,28 (1 Jn 2:4-6; Gal 1:6-9)

“Agreement”Two or more praying to the same God in unison is misconstrued by many.  Note at Mt 18:19, 20 that the context there is incorrectly interpreted by most institutions that claims it says we must pray with help from other people to have more power or effect. This is throwing your authority in Christ away (Gal 1:6-12; Mt 15:6-9)!  Where did Jesus ask for help in prayer?  What Jesus was teaching in Mt 18:19-20, in context, looks more like unity and harmony among believers (Eph 4:1-6; Jn 15:12,17; 1 Jn 3:7-11), to the extent of Mt 5:21-26 (Mt 6:12,14-15; 18:21-35!); hence Mt 15:6-9; Mt 7:14-23!!! Observe Jesus’ words about His [for them shortly] accomplished work on His cross in Jn 15:23-28 (Jn 14:10-15).  Agreement as help from other people in prayer just shows a frail faith and uncertainty [lack of authority and understanding (Jm 1:6-8!)].  Elijah was one in prayer against 950 prophets of Baal and Asherah (“who eat at Jezebel’s table”) at Mount Carmel (1 Ki 18:19-29. Compare then the NT re-born Christian in Heb 9:8-15; 10:9-23)…  Carefully and prayerfully combine Jm 5:16c, that says that tremendous power is released by the prayer of a [singular] righteous man, with 1 Jn 4:4 (Jn 14:17,23,26; Rev 21:3; 1 Jn 3:7; Rom 8:29-39 + Phil 3:9)!!!  If Jesus Christ is your righteousness, it is His prayer in agreement with you (Rom 8:26-39; 1 Jn 2:1-3); hence 1 Pet 2:24 (Jn 19:30; Rev 16:17; Eph 1:3)!!! Reconsider Mt 6:10 again with Jn 14:6; 15:5-7-12; 1 Tim 2:5…

“Petitioning” (“faith”).  When we know what we want, is already OK with God [even a promise of God] – 1 Joh 5:14,15; Mk 11:22-24; Heb 4:16.  We appropriate by accepting in faith (trust)

“Binding”Not people, but ungodliness, hardness of heart, unbelief – Mt 16:19; 18:18,19; 2 Cor 10:5.  It is rather a rebuking or admonishing or even declaration similar to 1 Jn 1:9-10, for we cannot remove anyone’s will and responsibility (Refer to the meditation “The will of man, the will of God”). Observe how play-actors “Binds the devil” or even things with no sense of self-awareness with big religious drama, seemingly without any question why these “bounded” pops up repeatedly somewhere else?…

“Loosing”. As with “binding”, rather understand this as the opposing of Satan’s strategies [depression, confusion, lies] – Mt 18:18; 2 Cor 10:4-6; Rev1:5.  i.e. Be free [loose] and distance yourself from carnal filth (Rom 1:16-32; 2 Tim 2:19-26; 2 Tim 3:1-17; Titus 2:12; Jm 4:1-8) and so be free in God’s love and providence, fellowship with Christ, and stop futile attempts of your own [human] self-righteous arguments! Remember that we are talking of [the] Jesus Christ of 1 Cor 1:18-31; 1 Cor 2:1-2; Col 2:15… hence Heb 10:14 and probably why the past tense is used in 1 Pet 2:24; but we must then follow Christ and not the filth of the world (Jm 1:6-8; 1 Jn 1:9-10)!

“Intercession”.  Remember the OT and NT way (1 Tim 2:5; Heb 7:25; 9:14,24; 2 Cor 5:17-21)

“Supplication”.  Not “nagging” (Mt 6:7), but as in “supply” of Holy Spirit.  Some refer to Lk 8:41, 49-56, saying it is repetitive asking of the same thing, but this contradicts Jesus’ teaching and example.  The continuous supply (Phil 1:19) of the omniscient Holy Spirit is far more powerful.

– “Interrogatory” prayer. Perhaps this is the most powerful. This is when we ask of God specific answers and insight and wisdom (Jm 1:5) and discernment (2 Sam 14:17; 1 Ki 3:9,11; Job 6:30; Ezek 44:23; Jonah 4:11; Malachi 3:18; Mt 16:3; Lk 12:56; Heb 5:14).

Jesus does not pray for us, He intercede so that we may pray effectively to God our Father (Jn 1:12-13,17; 14:6-15; 15:16-23; Jn 17:9; Rom 8:14,34; Heb 7:24,25). Jn 16: 26 means that it would be unnecessary for Jesus to ask on our behalf since we can approach God the Father directly in Christ (Jn 16:24; Heb 4:16; Rom 8:26,27; 1 Jn 2:1-2). This is what “In Jesus’ name” means (1 Tim 2:5; Jn 16:23-27; Gal 6:2.  Refer to the meditation “Prayer” and “Who is Jesus Christ” in www.gospel-truth.co.za).  Remember our Savior that also is our Parakletos, that sent us His Spirit as our Helper, Guide and Comforter (Jn 4:24; Rom 8:14,26,27). So, if Jesus does not pray [but do intercede] for us, why would we believe the teaching that a dead [departed] person, the saints and martyrs, do that? No, they don’t.

Ponder even just Phil 3:9 and Jn 14:6 with 1 Tim 2:5. The sufficiency of Jesus Christ is unquestionable. Christ needs no deceased person to assist Him by praying for those still on earth (Lk 16:26-31) and neither is there any requirement or scripture that states that we must pray through them (Jn 14:12-14; 15:4-8; Heb 4:14-16). As a matter of fact, refer to 1 Chron 10:13 and see that king Saul died for his trespass against the Lord (in sparing Amalek), for his unfaithfulness in not keeping God’s Word, and also for consulting [a medium with] a spirit of the dead to inquire pleadingly of it. It is verified an evil practice by 2 Chron 33:2-6; 2 Cor 6:14-16; 11:12-15 as well.

“In the Spirit”.  This is Rom 8:26-28; 1 Cor 14:2-4,16,39; Jude 20 (Jn 4:23,24).  The following thoughts on this with Paul’s warning of 2 Cor 10:5-8 in mind…

Note at Mt 16:19. This might often have been preached and quoted completely opposite to what is given us in context, by Jesus, even Is 22:22. The Amplified Bible helps make this concept clear. Note that if “bind” means to declare what is improper and wrong on earth it would be to line up to what is already done so in heaven (Mt 16:19; 18:18; referred to the meditation “homosexuality”, even 1 Jn 1:9-10, for example), and likewise does “loose” mean that we declare what is right and proper on earth to what is already done so in heaven. This is reiterated by Jesus in Mt 6:10 and correlates to Rom 12:9 (Ex 23:1; Ps 119:104,128; Jn 14:6; 2 Cor 11:3-4,7-20; Gal 1:6-9; even Ex 23:1; Prov 6:19; 12:17; 14:5; 16:19; Mt 17:15-23; 24:11,24;19:5,9). To preach a “blab it and then grab it” is unscriptural if it implies [falsely] heaven alters and [then] is “forced” to fall in with what we command on earth, spoken in ignorance to the true Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Another silly thing people ask God to do is to bless the hands that prepared the food they are about to receive. Why not bless the whole person? What about the mind, for instance, that has put the thought into preparing the meal? Why bless just the hands? It sounds so pious but really exposes a puerile and superficial reciting (mere religion – empty tradition, ceremony, rituals) instead of meaningful and effective prayer. And, is this blessing then only due to the food what will be offered and consumed and not what might be left over? Is this nit-picking or merely pointing out our embarrassing thoughtlessness? Remember that these questions are based on observation of [in reaction to] religious people who appear to be quite specific in certain things they instruct God to do, such as “Bless the hands…” And then God must bless them; we won’t in any way shape or form? In the meditation “The will of God, the will of man”, we examination the concept to bless and curse, in more detail and is perhaps worth pondering.

To speak a blessing to someone, therefore, seems at most thus a kind of congratulatory remark where you acknowledge that someone has ended up in a good place or a type of declaration that you grant someone (and those they love) every [improvement in] success and wholeness in spirit, soul and body.  They then have to [still] make their choices carefully on their own!  Opportunities may even be provided by God, but how we act to/upon it, will be entirely up to us (Jm 1:5-8; 4:1-10)!  We’ll look at this closer as we progress through this meditation. On p.9-11 we should hopefully make the right deduction from Rom13:14 with Mt 5:43-48 and Eph 1:3 (even Jn 10:9). This is expanded on in the meditation “The will of man, the will of God”, page 15 under the heading “To bless (or curse) someone”.

Ponder Num 22:12,38; 23:25-27; and Num 24:13 with Dt 23:5; Josh 24:9-10; Neh 13:2; and then consider again Mt 6:10 with Mt 18:18-19; 2 Pet 2:15-22 and Rev 2:14. It appears to be clear that you cannot remove the will of another person by “cursing” or “blessing” them thinking that your “curse” or “blessing” can place them involuntary under a type of spell.

Before we take a closer look at Rom 8:28, study diligently 1 Cor 14:1-40 and know at least this concerning the speaking in tongues:

  • If you still deny this as a reality, or want to reason it away, or choose to trust in powerless words of false teachers who steal your sonship – then for now, contemplate 1 Cor 14:2,4,14,22,39; Mk 16:17; and Jude 20. Then read on prayerfully through this discussion on Rom 8:28.  Also, know that Is 28:10-16 and 2 Cor 3 go hand in hand – you are either under the law [a covenant, law, idea of self-righteousness] or you accept [receive] the Testament that Jesus left you because He was buried.  Jn 14:1-2 leads to v. 23-26.  Is 60:14; Mt 5:14; Rev 21:2 – you are [a part, a place, a living stone] in that city on a hill of whom Christ is the cornerstone.  See the short meditation on “Gifts”. Note that this “tongue”, just as your “mother tongue”, cannot be the monotonous repetition of only a few similar [restricted] sounds on every different occasion… and, as mentioned in the short meditation “gifts”, nor is it a hysterical gibberish that attempts to fake a presence of God by hyping people [oneself] into a mere euphoric feeling or frenzy in a type of sentimentality that in fact only utilizes – misuses – emotions that is none else than eros in its broader sense, used often by heathens in an “erotic” [emotional and self-centered, self-pleasing show of false religion].  Study 1 Cor 14:1-40 carefully, even verses 4,5,39 (with Jm 1:5)… We are not to lose our reason in emotion [eros, self-centeredness]… Note from 1 Cor 14:13 that speaking in tongues should be explained and that prayer (1 Cor 14:15) should be done intelligently with mind and understanding; also the “decency and propriety and orderly fashion” mentioned in 1 Cor 14:40.
  • If you are content with just speaking in tongues, without application, be blessed by reading this revelation and then grasp the context of Rom 8:26 (v. 31-34) with Jn 11.

Jesus probably has prayed a specific prayer concerning Lazarus at an earlier stage, because of His reference thereto in Jn 11:41-42.  He did not repeat that prayer (Jn 11:41-42; Mt 6:7). When was it?  It is also clear that Jesus was teaching them (and us, Jn 17:20), and certainly Jesus has demonstrated Father’s glory, and by example, how to pray!  Jesus is the One Who sent us Holy Spirit (Jn 14:23-26; 16:7), and HE is mentioned in Rom 8:26.  The question is, when did Jesus pray this powerful prayer, and why does it seems to be hidden [to the natural]?  Remember also, prayer certainly can be immediate (whilst talking) – Jn 17:1-5,20-26…

2 Cor 4:2-6 (the god of “this world” is referring to “this world” of law, of self-righteousness, and those listening to the father of all lies mentioned in Jn 8:31-47; even 2 Cor 11:14-15).  Take note here that Jesus was talking to religious Jews who believed He was the Messiah.  Then 1 Cor 2:12-16.  And those still telling you “speaking in tongues” is unscriptural, read 1 Cor 14:39, and ask this false teacher to explain to you why Jesus would send Holy Spirit to indwell you, if not for being the only means of communicating directly with Him, especially when your relatively new language fails to verbalize, articulate, or accurately express spirit.  Just be sure to distinguish between the teachings of Jesus Christ and some “Charismatic” show (1 Tim 6:5,6)…

 Now then, when Jesus approached the grave of Lazarus, the Amplified Bible [John] says He was deeply moved in spirit and troubled (Jn 11:33).  This was very unlikely to be carnal emotion (self-centred). Verse 38 says, “Now Jesus, again sighing repeatedly deeply disquieted, approached the tomb…”.  Some manuscripts even use descriptions like “snorting”, or “deep groaning”.  In a natural way, this sounds strange.

Jn 11:41-42 could then refer to these utterances and groaning in the Spirit (Rom 8:26)!

Carefully read Rom 8:21-26 again.  Understand the Son of Man was in need often (Heb 5:7; Mt 6:11 – “give us today our daily bread…”).  Also know Jesus Christ is the First born[1] (Heb 2) that brings “many sons to glory” (v 10).  “Christ” = “Messiah” = “anointed”= glory= power of God.  Bare in mind Jesus’ words in Jn 4:10,14,19-24,31-34; 6:46-68.

 Carefully read John 5:28, and then together in parallel the following three parts of Scripture: Mt 27:50-53; Mk 15:37-39; Lk 23:45-46.  Now understand that “day(s) of His flesh” in Heb 5:6-7; points to the crucifix of Jesus Christ (Rom 8:3,4; Heb 10:19-21; even Jn 1:14 with 1 Cor 2:8).  Rom 8:3 leads to vs. 26-28, 29-39, does it not?  Then see Ezek 9:6; and realize that Is 42:6-14 also leads to Is 53:11-12!  Note that “travail” here refers to [a woman, bride] giving birth.  Jesus Christ interceded for us, His Body, His Zion, His Israel (people), His Bride.  Powerful!  Jesus on that cross, uttered in a [very] loud voice what He could not utter in articulated [known] speech, and He so gave “birth” to the salvation of all of mankind who is wise enough to take Him seriously in trust [faith], believing Him – Jesus Christ, Son of Man, Son of God (Jn 1:13).  Jesus gave thanks to our Father for that broken Bread – His Body broken for us on His cross!  See Jn 4:24…

Apparently Charles Finney has attended only a few prayer meetings in his congregation, when he proclaimed that they are either praying to a dead god (in repetition), or he hears them not, or they have only empty and powerless rituals [no results].  He then apparently went deep into the woods and said, “God, if you exist, show yourself to me”.  Next he describes being overwhelmed with indescribable waves [awareness] of love and started to groan and moan and make load noises because he had no words to articulate this prayer that was birthed in him.  Finney is said to have deeply felt for the iniquity and prevailing sin in his hometown.  This prayer in the Spirit was told to have a remarkable effect.  Apparently, when he appeared hours later, people were falling out in the Spirit and felt convicted as he entered the town.  Revival broke out.  Later the same pattern was said to be observable whenever Charles Finney would pray in the Spirit (only noises audible) outside a town or city, and father Nash (his assistant) would stay inside this place until he would see the results, then went to call Finney who would enter and harvest souls!

 InterruptionA quick question by this author, a little sceptic about this very religious-sounding narrative about Charles Finney: why did “father Nash” have to call Charles Finney? The story is none the less given as a testimony told for the working of a prayer in Spirit [tongues]… and your discernment is required as stated above…

 Remember that God initiated all good, not any human.  Again consider NT intercession… (Refer to that meditation?)

So, perhaps we would do well to re-examine our prayers:  are we moaning, or are we groaning?  God is moved by faith, not “prayer”.  See Ps 5:1; 2 Cor 5:2,4; Acts 7:34…   Allow me to interrupt here by pointing back to this supposed testimony about Charles Finney.  I believe it to be very dangerous ground to be asking, “God, if You are there, reveal Yourself…”  This question could be the wrong departure point and a precarious line of reasoning, considering Jesus in Jn 14:9-15,23-26. Especially since, as we have seen in the second and third paragraph of this meditation, Jesus has most certainly successfully revealed the Father throughout His ministry [His whole earthly life], but especially on His cross, even His ministry and teaching – as we have seen with the explanation Jesus gave in Mk 4 (page 1 above). So for Charles Finney to apparently have made the statement “If you exist, show yourself” sounds in fact ridiculous and contrary to the principles Jesus taught namely that you have to be filled with His Spirit and His Word (knowledge of Truth in Christ Jesus) first before any powerful result will – and indeed can – follow (Rom 8:14-17,26-27; Mk 4:11,13,28).

Jesus was not angry, but obviously displeased with the fact that His disciples did not recognize Him in Lk 24:15 [although He was with them – for Josh 1:5; Heb 13:5c is for those knowing Him, Jn 10:26-29].  But did you note why they failed to recognize [perceive, see, experience] Him?  They reasoned (Lk 24:15), not the Godly way, but seemingly trying to utilize their intellects only.  This is what educated fools do as well (Ps 24:1; 53:1; Rom 1:18-20).  Have you noticed the connection (of Lk 24:15, 25-27,32) to Jer 20:9 and Heb 12:29?

Let’s be sure to always open up our hearts to His Word, not reasoning [resisting with flesh, Rom 8:6-8).  A good example is the Jewish religionists who reasoned (from Scripture!) that the Messiah would come from Bethlehem, not Nazareth, and so rejected Jesus from Nazareth.  But we know their reasoning (from Scripture) was incorrect.  Jesus was born in Bethlehem, but grew up in Nazareth.  Amazing that facts so plain can become such a big obstacle.  And why?  Apparently by reasoning in ignorance and self-righteous pride (Rom 1:21-22; 1 Cor 1:18-21; 1 Tim 6:20; Col 2:3,8; Prov 14:6; 3:5; Rev 22:11-15; and so on…) Refer to the meditation “Ignorance about ignorance”?)

This reply Jesus gave those who did not recognize Him, although they have been with Him for how long prior to His resurrection (Lk 24:25), is significant.  Well over three hundred prophecies were fulfilled by Jesus Christ, so Lk 24:27 could have taken hours.  Still, only when He eventually broke bread with them (v 30), did they wake up (v 31), and then He vanished (v 31)!  Have you had that experience?  Consider Jn 6:63 with 2 Cor 11:14 here.  Remembering Heb 11:6, we will see that we can set ourselves up for deceiving spirits when asking, “God, if you are there, show Yourself…”!  Why?  Well, look again at Lk 16:29-31.  People that are perpetually asking for God to give them revelation and to reveal Himself [spectacularly so that the senses – and unbelieving brain – can be convinced], just reveal the place they are:  They want God to give what He has already provided perfectly – His Word, the Truth and Way, Jesus Christ.

 Professing Christians in despair or depression, weighs an emotional [self-centred] state up to the glory of God (2 Cor 4:14-18; Heb 12:1; principle in Phil 3:18-19)!   Jesus never lowered Himself to carnal mindedness of despair and depression, hugging them and expressing sympathy – He always was above, not below, showing how to exercise dominion in compassion [that acts Godly, lifting people up, rebuking that spirit and that unbelief and distrust and emotional blindness, not helping them to wallow in “self”].  This is very much the case with false feelings of being devoid of God.  He has already revealed Himself, but our choice – yes our choice – to be ignorant about His Truth [Word], caused us to end up with a sudden shocking realization:  “Hey, I can’t recognize Jesus!”  This is a time to be careful that we don’t also need a Judas to reveal Him by a betraying kiss.  So then we start with Rom 8:11 and rethink Heb 11:6 and go from there, or wherever, as long as we start in HIS WORD (Jn 1:14).  Oh, how feeble we can be in our educated, carnally blinded minds!  How impossible to accept everlasting Life when we can’t get our feeble minds past afterlife!

So this is the point:  take care to examine the own heart first before challenging God, or setting “desperate” queries before Him, all while we were plain too lazy and blind [unbelieving and unfaithful and non-committed] to recognize [even honestly study] His Word!  He has been there all along.  It is not He that must reveal Himself, the peels are likely to be over our own eyes.  Beware of minds [ideas, books] of other men.

 Num 23:19; Gen 12:3; 22:17; Gal 3:29 (Heb 13:5).

 Consider momentarily the manifestation of Jesus Christ (on earth):

 First, the Son of Man (through Mary) at ‘the fullness of time’ (Heb 9:11-28) and at ‘the end of the world’ (Heb 9:26). The fact that the prophet Simeon openly addressed Mary in Joseph’s presence while the father in a Jewish family had strong pre-eminence, also reveals the virgin birth Holy Spirit [God] was the Father, not Joseph (Lk 1:35). But Jesus was born from a woman (mankind, “man”) to legally enter the natural realm in order to represent man and simultaneously present God to man.  He was to be called the Son of God later, when He had Himself baptized.  Although no repentance of sin was required (Baptizo of repentance) by Jesus – but from law-teachings, He was to be made all sin on that cross!  No Jesus on a cross, is just a cross (Jn 3:14; 8:28; 12:34; 1 Cor 1:23-2:2).  Not a dove, not nothing, but JESUS CHRIST on the cross!  Know what happened THERE!

Then, the Son of law (Lk 2:42, bar-mitsvâh = “son-of-law”) – Heb 2:7-8; Col 3:1-4; Eph 1:6.  He had to overcome the law (figtree-rulers) without eating of that tree, to redeem us, to be the legally perfect Son of God, the perfect Son of Man, demonstrated. Hear Jesus in Mt 13:11-13,36-43; 18:6

Then, Son of God – Mt 3:16,17. Man could not kill Jesus the Christ anymore, He had to lay down His Life (Jn 14:6; 15:13; 1 Jn 3:16).  Prior to this Jesus was apparently liable to die (Mt 2:13-15; 19-23; but now, despite numerous attempts where the religious rulers seeked to kill Jesus, they failed.  He just “walked away”.  So on the cross, Jesus committed His soul to the Father so it could not die in hell where it descended into – 1 Pet 3:18-20; Ps 25:20; 86:13 (Jm 5:10; Acts 10:43; 3:18; 1 Sam 16:13), His Spirit went to heaven, and His body [only] died (Heb 9:16-18).  Only His body was in the tomb.  When the Spirit re-united His body with His Spirit and soul, He walked out of the tomb.  This is remarkably similar to Gen 2:7.  Also Gen 2:15 – Jesus was placed there, the Last Adam (1 Cor 15:45; Rom 5:12-15).  Also the second Adam [no other in between].  From one garden to a next, one dooming, another saving, yes, Jn 3:14-21! In offense man fell, in everlasting Love Jesus won.  Note that His body had to be buried for us to inherit a New Testament (Heb 8:13; 9:16-18) – hence only in Him (Acts 4:12)!  Rom 8:2,11 is expanded on in the meditation “The Testimony” – consider and contemplate it for probably the biggest revelation you can get…

Then, Jesus Christ the Lord, after His resurrection, maximum authority, Giver of eternal Life (Mt 28:18; Jn 11:26; 12:50; Also, Jn 16:9!…); and our Intercessor (1 Jn 2:1; Jn 16:24; Heb 9:24)…

So when Jesus was approaching the grave of Lazarus, He was probably praying in the Spirit.  And He is our First born [resurrected], our Brother, our First Fruit, our example that we must re-present.

So, is there immense power in praying in the Spirit?  Is Mt 6:6-8 perhaps a little more fresh? Try 1 Cor 14;  Mk 16:17; and Jude 20 again for size.  Grasp Heb 12:2; 4:1-2.  Glory to God!  Thank You Jesus!

He is One God [is God], but for the purpose of understanding better, perhaps consider the following picture:

First, His Spirit, deep calls unto deep (Ps 42:7); then we must know His Voice (Jn 8:42-52; 10:10,27-28) and trust Him [believe, Jn 11:15] and expect Him to be the Rewarder of those who diligently seek Him[2].  Then His Spirit takes this to our Intercessor (Rom 8:27; Heb 7-9), Who prays for us perfectly before the Father.  Christ Jesus is our Intercessor, not accuser!  Then Father so becomes a Partner in our labor (as in birth, not “works” of self-righteousness) – Rom 8:28.  Then we start to fulfil [manifest] Rom 8:19 ( v 29-30), and v 31-37 is true!!  Then, after submitting to God, can we exercise our authority here on earth (Gen 1:26-28; Jn 11:42-44).  Jesus Christ demonstrated first oneness (Mt 5:16; Jn 5:19-47; 10:27-30; 14:7-27), then the authority as a Son of God on earth (Heb 2:8-13; Rom 8:13-23). Examples are His miracles, signs and wonders and here in Jn 14:43 and also Lk 7:11-17; 8:52-55 His authority as Son of Man. In Jn 14:28 Jesus possibly reiterated that first we need oneness with God the Father (Jm 1:5-8) and then via Him (Jn 14:6; 15:1-8), believing what He for us as NT believers, has accomplished on His cross so that we now may also demonstrate our authority as sons of God on earth (Jn 14:6-15-26; Eph 4:12-15; Rom 8:29-39; Heb 13:5…).

 Do you see it?  Jesus demonstrated this clearly, if you read the context.  Also Jn 10:10; 16:33.

God sent you this Aid so man can stop trying to pray in their own corrupted wisdom, and with empty rituals, rhymes, and tradition thinking they have to move God into action.  He is I AM, Jesus understands (Heb 4:13-16). Does 1 Cor 14 (especially v 2,4,14) make more sense?  Talk to Him, and with Him in Spirit (Jn 4:24)!

Different [kinds of] tongues (1 Cor 12:28) possibly are:

  • You speak in a language that exists (as a foreign language), but it is not your mother tongue, neither have you learned to speak it prior to uttering it. You don’t know what you are saying, but they understand you (Acts 2:4-18).  Many testimonies of missionaries are similar.  Note, however, that virtually all people in that time could speak Greek[3], including Romans.  This was one sure sign Holy Spirit was operating through these Spirit-filled men of God.  This is not the only “kind of tongues”.
  • You speak a tongue that neither you nor any one else understands literally (1 Cor 14:2,4,14,22. This has an element of trust (to speak out the spiritually real but yet unknown to you), and it builds yourself up (Jude 20).  Note that this “tongue”, just as your “mother tongue”, can not be the monotonous repetition of only a few similar [restricted] sounds on every different occasion… and, as mentioned in the short meditation “gifts”, nor is it a hysterical gibberish that attempts to fake a presence of God by hyping people [oneself] into a mere euphoric feeling or frenzy in a type of sentimentality that in fact only utilizes – misuses – emotions that is none else than eros in its broader sense, used often by heathens in an “erotic” [emotional and self-centered, self-pleasing show of false religion].  Study 1 Cor 14 carefully, even verses 4,5,39 (with Jm 1:5)… We are not to lose our reason in emotion [eros, self-centeredness]… We touched on this earlier on and it basically means that we must be careful to fake a presence of God with fabricated emotional hypes…
  • You speak number 2 [that is no known worldly language] above, and someone else supernaturally interprets it (1 Cor 12:10; 14:13-19,26-33). Explain 1 Cor 14:22,39 (Mt 12:30-37) intelligently…

 Jesus was the only perfect Man, Who controlled His tongue, so His Spirit inside you, will certainly be able to change your tongue (Jm 3), as long as you mix His Word [precepts, teachings] with faith [absolute trust].

Note that the diversity in 1 Cor 12 is not saying you cannot have all these gifts, it is saying you will hardly have all at once!  It is like not being able to handle all the water of a huge dam in your house at once, therefore rather you would be using a tap.  Likewise, a pharmacist will only give you the medicine you need then, not the whole pharmacy’s stock at once, although all is available to you (some requiring prescription).  With God’s Spirit inside of you [you in Christ, and He in you], you will have moved from a fleeting glory to a lasting one (2 Cor 3:18); at once, not from one step to a next to a next in multitudes!  You now don’t only have singular gifts, but His Spirit indwelling you permanently to bring Him glory as and when His need therefore arises.  In the OT His anointing was for specific purposes for a specific time only, but in the N.T. it is continuously available as you heed and obey and humble yourself before His teaching and His Voice (2 Cor 10:5-7; 1 Pet 5:5; Rom 8:14).  This when you move from the one glory to the other, when you follow the teaching of Jesus Christ Who ended the law (Rom 10:4; Acts 21:21,28; Heb 8:13; 9:8; Jn 14:6).

 How about reading Colossians 2:1-3:4 again, this time slowly?  Continue with Rom 8:14 and be abundantly blessed (Mt 6:33)!

To better understand the statement, “prayer is not a substitute for planting the Seed of God’s Word in your heart”, we will consider Jesus’ words [prayer] in Jn 17.  Remember that prayer without His Word is religious at best and complaining at its worst.  Remember also, Eph 1:3-12; 2 Pet 1:3-4-11.

Note at Jn 17:3.  Jn 17:9 is not contradicting Jn 3:16.  See Jn 17:20.  Jesus was saying that He made it known through teaching and demonstration [living God’s word of Jn 12:50], that He is about life, and then – more specifically – everlasting Life. Know this about God, and you really know Him [His will] better.

Note how He spoiled a very emotional funeral (Lk 7:11-17; Mt 10:8).  Jesus is about Life lasting, the church today is still very much about death and life hereafter.  Read the meditation entitled “The Testimony”, if you will.

Looking At Jn 17:1,5,22, it seems as if Jesus was “transcending” through a prayer heard and answered by His Father whilst talking to His Father (Jn 11:41,42).  So then, consider talking to your Father as a Person.

Prayer – talking to God the Person

Remember that Jesus pointed out that hypocrites love to pray! (Mt 6:5).  Many religions have millions of religious people that regularly – quite visibly – pray.  But what results are they seeing?  Status with man?

Even amongst humans, a bad relationship would be the one where you only talk with someone at certain times.  Think about it.  Friends, children and parents, family, they all should have continuous and free access and boldness to talk at any time.  The ultimate boldness is mentioned in Heb 4:12-16; 7-9.  Consider Eph 1:6 and Gal 5:6.  Fear for God is not a fear of being rejected by God!  It is about awe and loving respect [appreciation] for His Person.  Talk to Him as a Person, to know Him more accurately, not as if to a “force” in a religious tone of voice and with words you don’t normally use.  Talk to your Father, Friend, Guide…

Try and “translate” Num 23:19 and 1 Pet 1:14-16 as “I AM genuine, so you be genuine…”; “I AM real, so you be real…”; “I AM dedicated, faithful, true to you; so you be dedicated, faithful and true to Me…”  Be His star (Phil 2:15-16; Jn 11:26; 1 Thess 5:23), know that Jesus Christ is your righteousness (Rom 3:24-28; 8:11,14,29-39), not your self

Hebrews 4:14 – 16  (Vs 16): So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it. Some things in life we complicate. It often seems that the simple things in life become so complicated that we simply don’t do them. Prayer is one of those things. For many reasons we complicate the issue of prayer. The result is that we end up excluding prayer from our lives, when in effect it is a very simple and vital element of any Christian’s life. It seems that God meant for prayer to be a simple, spontaneous outflow of our relationship with Him, a conversation. People often ask for prayers that they can pray (written for them so that they can pray them in the morning or for some special event. They perhaps think there is some formula or words that are effective in communicating with God. Well, perhaps try “I love You”, or “Wow, that is magnificent, Father!”.  The truth is that prayer is talking to God. God is looking at our hearts and He wants us to come and talk to Him and hear Him talk to us and lead us and guide us in the journey of an everlasting [victorious] life – on earth!

So yes, prayer is simply just talking to God. Many people pray more than they realise, but because we have complicated [defined] prayer and turned it into a formal religious endeavour, we step back from prayer. God just wants us to talk to [acknowledge] Him! Prayer is the communication process between us and the Lord.
Isaiah 65:24
I will answer them before they even call to Me. While they are still talking to Me about their needs, I will go ahead and answer their prayers!  Christianity is a living relationship with a living God. This relationship is built on communication. We need to talk to God (Pray) and let Him respond – often by confirmation on prophecy (saying His words) with His signs, miracles, and wonders[4], and often softly just for you.  But mostly by first having allowed God’s communication (Jn 1:14,17) to enter our hearts…

Perhaps contemplate here “The Bible” by this author, as well.

Our Father
God is our Father. As with our earthly fathers, we should be able to communicate with ease. Just like with our own children, it may many times be just small talk, but if we can give them our full attention and listen intently, how much more our perfect heavenly Father? If children tell their parents that they love them, God wants us to do just the same. He wants us to come and talk to Him and He is waiting just to listen to us speaking to Him – always. Jesus taught us to pray to Our Father.  That is, His Father, and our Father…
(Mt 6:9).  Our Father is always ready to listen when we talk to Him! How do we speak to our fathers? You don’t go to your father and say,  “Be thou…” in Elizabethan English, you just speak to him and in the same way God wants us to speak to Him. God is ‘our Father’ and hear your thoughts as well… talk to Him!  But remember that Jesus Christ is God, so talking to Him is just fine (Jn 14:6).  He was Man for the specific mission to represent all mankind and to make a legit exchange once for all on His cross (Heb 10).  This Jesus did successfully, it is an accomplished [done] deal!

So much of our lives are consumed with our thoughts and our thought life. We think about things, worry about things, concern ourselves over things, get distressed and fearful and we even get stressed out and anxious. We can begin to turn our thought lives into a prayer life and begin to turn those aspects into prayer. Instead of fretting or attacking yourself with anxiety [unbelief, distrust and fear], turn it into prayer and begin to talk to your Father. In that moment the burden lifts and you will forget about it (Heb 12:2).

God is not too busy to listen to you. He is ready and able to give you His full attention (Jer 18:1; Ps 102:17).  Remember prayer is a dialogue with God. We must not do all the talking but we must give God the opportunity to speak to us in return.  Be sensitive [open, humble, receptive, believing] to His Voice. (The meditation “Hearing God’s Voice” refers)

When we talk to God we can ask Him for those things that we may need (Jm 4:2,3; Mt 6:6; Lk 11:9,10).
Why don’t you approach God for those issues and circumstances that are a concern to you today? Just talk to God about them and let’s begin to trust Him. Ask [trust] Him for wisdom and clear perception (Jm 1:5).

Expecting God for good results
God wants to come through for us.  All we can ask for, have already been provided at Jesus’ cross (Mk 11:24; Eph 1:3; 2 Pet 1:3-4; Jer 29:11-14).  We must believe God in at least three areas:
Believe in the character of God. He is faithful and He does care for us, and only gives what is good.
We must believe in the integrity of God. If He said He will do something – HE WILL [and did!].
We must believe that He is able. We must believe that nothing is too hard for Him (Mt 19:26; Is 65:24).

And remember that God is not our slave to do things for us that we should do ourselves as if we are useless!

Note at Mk 11:24. There is an obvious provision to getting [all] you ask for – it must not be in the flesh and not for selfish materialistic reasons (Jm 4:3) and it must bring God the Father honour (Jn 14:13; 1 Cor 6:20; 10:31); and that is why Jesus stipulated “in My Name” (Jn 14:13). It is possible that Jesus, by saying “… what things so-ever ye desire (KJV)…”, [also] implied that God as a perfect Father needs no eloquent and impressive verbal [religious] begging from us to supply whatever we want (Mt 6:5-7), but that sometimes conversing with Him in thoughts [Spirit] will do (Jn 4:23-24)!  Clothing, food and shelter [survival and basic needs] is nothing to fret about (Mt 6:33).  In His presence we can enjoy His covering without any toiling (Ps 127:2).  Jm 4:2 can also mean that we often rather covet, strife, and fight because we suspect God of favouritism; and so don’t even attempt to ask our Provider [acknowledge Him]; and even if we ask, do we ask God for the wrong reasons [evil purposes, selfish motives], and therefore [as a result of our stupidity and self-righteous ignorance] do we not receive (Gal 6:7-8; Jm 1:6-8; 4:3.  Do we think our omniscient God does not know our thoughts (1 Sam 16:7b; Dt 6:5)?  Do we have a real relationship with a real Person, or with a religious idea that we think only makes us look good?  Do we, in the simplest sense, also know that [because God is no manipulator] we can get [do] whatever we want? But here in Mk 11:24 Jesus said [confirmed and proved through example] that we can get anything in prayer!… that brings God honour (Rom 12:9; remember that Jn 14:15 and 15:14 refers to His commands/precepts/teachings, not to Moses – Jn 1:17).

Compare also Jm 4:2-7 with Mt 15:6-8; Eph 5:5-7; 1 Pet 3:7 and Jm 1:5-8 and Phil 3:9…

For that matter, read around Job 21:15; Ps 102:17; 122:6; Prov 15:8,29; Is 56:7; Dan 9:3; Mt 5:44; 17:21; 23:14; 26:41; Lk 6:12; 11:1; 21:36; Jn 17:9; Acts 1:14; 6:4; 10:9; 12:5; Rom 12:12; 1 Cor 7:5; 14:15; Phil 4:6; Col 1:9; 4:2; 1 Thess 5:17; 1 Tim 2:8; 4:5; Jm 5:13,16; 1 Pet 4:7?…

 

A big gap exists where professing Christians believe an inanimate object – a mirror – showing them a reflection of their faces [who they are]; yet distrusts, even scoffs and rejects the image that God gives us in His Living Word of who we are supposed to be in the spirit [with His Spirit inside of us].  Contemplate Jm 1:21-24; 2 Cor 3:17-18; Heb 11:40; 2:8-13; and so on.  God’s Word [Jesus Christ, and the Bible] is His “mirror”.  Do you believe who He says you are in Christ?  Pause, and calmly think about it thoroughly – in Jesus’ name!  We are supposed to enjoy – and live [see] – lasting glory, not fleeting [OT] glimpses!  Selah!

Observe here that homosexuality is certainly not God’s idea for man, but man revolting against God’s design hence as far as prayer to God is concerned, Ps 66:18; Prov 15:29; 28:9; Is 1:15; Jn 9:31; 1 Pet 3:12 (Ps 34:12-16) and Jm 4:3.  The meditation named “Homosexuality” expands on this.  Remember, “political correctness” is morally wrong!…

Conclusion

No man is [a] God. God alone is omniscient, omnipresent and omnipotent. We have to humble ourselves to God, but then only the one true God Triune. We can only approach God the Father through His beloved son Jesus Christ (Jn 14:6; 15:1-10; Phil 3:9; Heb 4:12-16) and then in faith (Mk 11:24; Heb 11:6) by His grace alone. Our Father wants a continuous, constant and real personal relationship with us in spirit and in truth, not external religious acts that is none other than attempts at self-righteousness. Only Christianity has a true God that have approached mankind first for this relationship through His beloved son Jesus Christ and the guidance of His Holy Spirit (Jn 3:3,15-21). Through our beloved Christ, in prayer and conversation with God the Father, do we learn more about His will for us and can we live closer to Him.

Can we pray together?

Father, thank You for Your awesome Love, your grace and Your righteousness that endures forever.  Thank You for Your finished work in Jesus Christ on that cross at Golgotha and our New Testament in which we can follow your Holy Spirit’s guidance and teaching to the end until Jesus returns and then only will our salvation be complete [successful or not in Christ]. Thank You for Your Spirit-Word.  What a mirror!  What a redeeming Spirit-Word that gives [offers] everlasting life!  We need Your wisdom to speak Your Word, please help us with discernment, wisdom, boldness and Truth.  Thank You for Your wonderful gifts of love, peace and joy, and Your power for signs and miracles in Jesus’ wonderful name.  We agree to speak Your Name, to do what You said we can do; and to love one another perfectly… in Your Name, dear Jesus.

Thank You for Your blessing for all people hearing these words.

I love You Jesus, [and all of you hearers of Truth]

Amen.

[1] Do not think “the only begotten Son” in Jn 3:16 means you are not a true son [child] of God as Jesus partly was, you are (Jn1:12; Heb 4:12-16; Jn 14:6-15) when you are in Him (Rom 13:11-14; 5; 8; and so on)!  Note that the “commandments” in Jn 14:15, are actually the teachings, precepts and Words of Jesus Chris, not “the law”. “The only begotten” refers to Jesus’ arrival as Man, but to all who is reborn, Jesus is the FIRST BORN (Heb 1-2), you are one of the “many sons” in Heb 2:10, and are also a son of God (Jn 1:12; 1 Jn 3).  Live it!

[2] Rom 12:3 and Eph 2:8  teaches that all received the same measure of faith.  Heb 11:6 says this ability is thus given by God and we have nothing to boast about.  HE is God.  He is the Author and finisher of our faith (Heb 12:2), but we must look away from that what distracts from HIM, and trust in Him, rely on HIM, then act on HIS words (teachings)!  What was Jesus teaching in Mt 12:15-27?  Note v. 28.  Think about it carefully!  This faith, however, can increase (2 Cor 10:15) as growth is from the Lord and you fully accept Him as your Head! Eph 4:12-25.

[3] Jesus gave the disciples Greek names.  Simon became Petros, Thomas was called Didymus meaning “twin”, or “in two minds”, and so on.  The one reason the time was in “fullness” for the gospel was that all spoke Greek.  Many had three names (Hebrew, Greek, Aramaic), for example was Simon also Peter and also Cephas.  This implies “other tongues” was not necessary for preaching the gospel, but as a sign following re-birth (Mk 16:17; Jn 3:3).

[4] Signs are miraculous authority over nature that authenticates God’s message; Miracles are works of God that demonstrates His love for people (Acts 10:38); Wonders are demonstrations of God’s unlimited power.