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A call to prayer: Bishop's Prayer Pilgrimage
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Photo One Small Barking Dog |
A personal storyPrayer is a condition of the mind and an attitude of heart - O Halliday PhDPrayer is a loving relationship with the Father through Jesus who moves me to pray by the Holy Spirit. Ephesians 6:18, Luke 18:1 It is not my prayer that moves the heart of God, I believe it is the result of Jesus knocking at my heart's door; it is there He desires to gain access to my needs, my longings, my hurts, my attitudes, my failures, my heart's longing for the World, the Church, family and friends. I realise how impotent I am by nature, and that without faith, which is His gift there can be no answered prayer. Matt. 21:21,22; Matt. 8:13, James 1:6-8, Hebrews 11:6 I have found that helplessness united with faith produces prayer. The essence of faith and prayer is to come to Jesus with all my sinful nature believing that if I come to Him, He will no way cast me out. It does not mean that my faith helps Jesus to answer my prayer. He doesn't need my help, all He needs is access to my heart. Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. Sometimes I do not know how to pray, what to pray or what to say. Romans 8:26, Jesus helps me with my weaknesses. Prayer is so much more than my selfish wants or having a lengthy list that I fail to get through. Yet, lists are useful if I use it aright, for from that list each day, the Lord will lead me to those who need special prayer. I believe prayer is following the pattern that Jesus taught in Matt. 6:9-13 beginning with hallowing, worshipping and adoring the beloved Father for who He is and what He has done. I believe prayer is giving glory to Jesus, for His life, death and resurrection, for the efficacy and power of His cleansing, redeeming, healing blood. I find that prayers of praise and thanksgiving, meld together, both giving Glory to God. Eph. 1:6, 2 Cor. 9:15 Prayer to me is also conversation with the Father, speaking to Him and telling Him about the things that make up my daily life. I tell Him as it is. I can ask for forgiveness when I have been mean or hurtful, I try to keep short accounts 1 John 1:7,9 There are prayers for which I can find no words, and tears may come from deep within Rom. 8:26. The Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. I can praise and worship with the Spirit 1 Cor. 12:10 Luther advises, end your prayers with a bold and fervent Amen. God's signature over all creation is His Son, because by Him all things were created Col. 1:16, John 1:3. Jesus indeed is God's Divine Amen and it is in His name I pray. Amen.
Pat Jones is a member of St Aidan's Parish Church, East Launceston |
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