Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Testimonies
One of the main goals of "LIFE GROUPS" is establishing relationships! A good way to do this is to allow each couple a chance to share how they met each other, fell in love, and ended up getting married. There will probably only be time for two or three couples to share each week, so it may take several weeks to complete this facet. After each couple has shared you can allow each member within the group to share how they came to the Lord and excepted Him as their personal savior. If this begins to seem monotonous then you might only have one or two testimonies each week following it with a word from the Bible.
Monday, January 7, 2008
LET GO OF WHATEVER MAKES YOU STOP
Provided below are questions that can be asked within your group. You may print a copy for your members to read from simultaneously. You might also inform each of them to choose one or two of the questions for discussion after they have all been read.
If someone were to pay you ten dollars for each kind word you spoke and collect five dollars for each unkind word, would you be rich or poor?
“What progress are you standing in the way of?” (Tim Redmond)
Are you a creature of circumstance or a creator of circumstance?
Are you ready for opportunity when it comes?
Do you make others feel bigger or smaller when they are around you?
Are you spending your life to answer questions nobody is asking?
Ten years from today, what will you wish you had done now?
If you have God’s promise for something, isn't it good enough?
Why worry when you can pray?
How old is your attitude?
Are you ready?
Do you acquire the doubts of others?
Are you willing to follow the truth no matter where it leads?
Do you share your hurts or memorize them?
How much has it cost you to worry about things that never happened?
Do you go through a problem or try to go around it and never get past it?
Do you say, “There ought to be a better way and do it,” or do you say, “That’s the way it’s always been done?”
Are you deliberately planning to be less than you are capable of being?
Are you willing to give up what you have in order to become what you can be?
"If not you, then who? If not now, then when?" (Hillell)
What do you believe in the depth of your being?
How can you get from here to wherever it is you want to be?
What is the first, small step you can take to get moving?
Are you thinking of security or opportunity?
Are you being transformed, or do you think you have arrived?
“If you don’t have a dream, how are you going to make a dream come true?”
(Oscar Hammerstein)
Do you look at a horizon and see an opportunity, or do you look into the distance and fear a problem?
Do you put off until tomorrow the things You’ve already put off until today?
Has failure gone to your head?
Does your reach exceed your grasp?
Do you see difficulties in every opportunity, or do you see opportunities in every difficulty?
Do you spend the first six days of each week sewing wild oats, then go to church on Sunday and pray for a crop failure?
Are you traveling or going somewhere?
Are you always ready to live but never living?
How many people of great potential have you known? Where on earth did they all go?
Are you content with failure?
If someone were to pay you ten dollars for each kind word you spoke and collect five dollars for each unkind word, would you be rich or poor?
“What progress are you standing in the way of?” (Tim Redmond)
Are you a creature of circumstance or a creator of circumstance?
Are you ready for opportunity when it comes?
Do you make others feel bigger or smaller when they are around you?
Are you spending your life to answer questions nobody is asking?
Ten years from today, what will you wish you had done now?
If you have God’s promise for something, isn't it good enough?
Why worry when you can pray?
How old is your attitude?
Are you ready?
Do you acquire the doubts of others?
Are you willing to follow the truth no matter where it leads?
Do you share your hurts or memorize them?
How much has it cost you to worry about things that never happened?
Do you go through a problem or try to go around it and never get past it?
Do you say, “There ought to be a better way and do it,” or do you say, “That’s the way it’s always been done?”
Are you deliberately planning to be less than you are capable of being?
Are you willing to give up what you have in order to become what you can be?
"If not you, then who? If not now, then when?" (Hillell)
What do you believe in the depth of your being?
How can you get from here to wherever it is you want to be?
What is the first, small step you can take to get moving?
Are you thinking of security or opportunity?
Are you being transformed, or do you think you have arrived?
“If you don’t have a dream, how are you going to make a dream come true?”
(Oscar Hammerstein)
Do you look at a horizon and see an opportunity, or do you look into the distance and fear a problem?
Do you put off until tomorrow the things You’ve already put off until today?
Has failure gone to your head?
Does your reach exceed your grasp?
Do you see difficulties in every opportunity, or do you see opportunities in every difficulty?
Do you spend the first six days of each week sewing wild oats, then go to church on Sunday and pray for a crop failure?
Are you traveling or going somewhere?
Are you always ready to live but never living?
How many people of great potential have you known? Where on earth did they all go?
Are you content with failure?
BE INSTANT IN PRAYER
After your group has had quality time to fellowship, and after you open up with prayer, but before you open up the Word of God, whisper something in the persons ear next to you. Be sure everyone’s attention is on you, and just say something nice about someone in your group, but make sure no one hears what you say other than the person you whisper to. Then look to your group members and ask them, “Did anyone hear what I just said?” Of course they will all say, “No,” so tell them what you said and then ask them, “Why couldn't you hear me?” You will probably get several answers, but the one you are looking for is, “Because, we weren’t close enough!” The point to make is that the primary reason people don’t hear what God is saying is because they aren’t close enough.
This is a short message, so after it has been presented you might consider spending some quality time praying for each member, one at a time, that they would be more sensitive and attentive to the quiet voice of our Lord.
How do we get close enough to God to hear Him?
A primary key to hearing God is drawing near!
James 4:8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners;
and purify your hearts, ye double minded.
Romans 12:12 is a power verse for drawing near!
Romans 12:12 Rejoice in hope, be patient through tribulations, and continue instant in
prayer.
Points to make about being instant in prayer
Thayer Definition: Of Instant proskartereo pros-kar-ter-eh'-o
1) to adhere to one, be his adherent, to be devoted or constant to one
2) to be steadfastly attentive unto, to give unremitting care to a thing
3) to continue all the time in a place
4) to persevere and not to faint
5) to show one’s self courageous for
6) to be in constant readiness for one, wait on constantly
Strong’s Definition: Of Instant proskartereo pros-kar-ter-eh'-o
to be earnest towards, that is, (to a thing) to persevere, be constantly diligent, or (in a place) to attend assiduously all the exercises, or (to a person) to adhere closely to (as a servitor): - attend (give self) continually (upon), continue (in, instant in, with), wait on (continually).
To be instant in prayer is to listen and follow through with those quiet promptings from the Lord. To listen and respond to those quiet whispers from God when we hear him say, “Come into your prayer closet, I have something to tell you.” Or those times that he tries to inspire us to respond to reading his word, or even those special invitations to be a witness for Him. Basically, any time we receive a word of direction from Him we should respond immediately.
Hebrews 2:1 is a support verse for Romans 12:12
Hebrews 2:1 “Take the most earnest heed to those things which you hear lest they slip away.
One of the most beneficial things that this verse tells us that there is no better time to receive from God than during an invitation; consequently, one of the most beneficial things that is received through heading earnestly to those quiet promptings is faith.
Consider these verses:
John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was
God.
John 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory,
the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
Obviously, from these verses, we recognize that Christ is the word, so obviously when we refer
to the word of God we are not just speaking of the biblical word.
Now consider these verses:
Romans 10:17 So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
James 1:22 “Be doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.”
So, when we hear those promptings we are to adhere to them immediately, otherwise we deprive our selves of something that is available at that time. We may not experience the fulfillment of the blessings during our response, but we will experience the blessing at just the right time.
Being instant in prayer requires sacrifice. The Lord will often call one into the closet
during family time, during a movie, or when one really doesn’t want to respond.
There is nothing more comforting, during trials and tribulations, than the sweet voice
of Jehovah. His voice gives hope and helps us in our efforts to be patient. Warriors that
are instant in prayer learn to recognize the sound of God’s voice and ultimately are more
apt to hear from Him during those desperate and trying times when they really need to
hear from Him.
Of course, we should always begin each day with prayer, (Proverbs 8:17 I love them that
love me; and those that seek me early shall find me) and we should never end a day
without prayer (Revelation 1:11 I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last) ; however,
if we are not careful those prayers can become ritualistic. Those prayers are the times that
He requires, but they are the times that we set. Those quiet promptings we receive from
Him are the times He sets. That is why it is so important to respond immediately to those
quiet promptings. They are special invitations from the Holy One.
This is a short message, so after it has been presented you might consider spending some quality time praying for each member, one at a time, that they would be more sensitive and attentive to the quiet voice of our Lord.
How do we get close enough to God to hear Him?
A primary key to hearing God is drawing near!
James 4:8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners;
and purify your hearts, ye double minded.
Romans 12:12 is a power verse for drawing near!
Romans 12:12 Rejoice in hope, be patient through tribulations, and continue instant in
prayer.
Points to make about being instant in prayer
Thayer Definition: Of Instant proskartereo pros-kar-ter-eh'-o
1) to adhere to one, be his adherent, to be devoted or constant to one
2) to be steadfastly attentive unto, to give unremitting care to a thing
3) to continue all the time in a place
4) to persevere and not to faint
5) to show one’s self courageous for
6) to be in constant readiness for one, wait on constantly
Strong’s Definition: Of Instant proskartereo pros-kar-ter-eh'-o
to be earnest towards, that is, (to a thing) to persevere, be constantly diligent, or (in a place) to attend assiduously all the exercises, or (to a person) to adhere closely to (as a servitor): - attend (give self) continually (upon), continue (in, instant in, with), wait on (continually).
To be instant in prayer is to listen and follow through with those quiet promptings from the Lord. To listen and respond to those quiet whispers from God when we hear him say, “Come into your prayer closet, I have something to tell you.” Or those times that he tries to inspire us to respond to reading his word, or even those special invitations to be a witness for Him. Basically, any time we receive a word of direction from Him we should respond immediately.
Hebrews 2:1 is a support verse for Romans 12:12
Hebrews 2:1 “Take the most earnest heed to those things which you hear lest they slip away.
One of the most beneficial things that this verse tells us that there is no better time to receive from God than during an invitation; consequently, one of the most beneficial things that is received through heading earnestly to those quiet promptings is faith.
Consider these verses:
John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was
God.
John 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory,
the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
Obviously, from these verses, we recognize that Christ is the word, so obviously when we refer
to the word of God we are not just speaking of the biblical word.
Now consider these verses:
Romans 10:17 So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
James 1:22 “Be doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.”
So, when we hear those promptings we are to adhere to them immediately, otherwise we deprive our selves of something that is available at that time. We may not experience the fulfillment of the blessings during our response, but we will experience the blessing at just the right time.
Being instant in prayer requires sacrifice. The Lord will often call one into the closet
during family time, during a movie, or when one really doesn’t want to respond.
There is nothing more comforting, during trials and tribulations, than the sweet voice
of Jehovah. His voice gives hope and helps us in our efforts to be patient. Warriors that
are instant in prayer learn to recognize the sound of God’s voice and ultimately are more
apt to hear from Him during those desperate and trying times when they really need to
hear from Him.
Of course, we should always begin each day with prayer, (Proverbs 8:17 I love them that
love me; and those that seek me early shall find me) and we should never end a day
without prayer (Revelation 1:11 I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last) ; however,
if we are not careful those prayers can become ritualistic. Those prayers are the times that
He requires, but they are the times that we set. Those quiet promptings we receive from
Him are the times He sets. That is why it is so important to respond immediately to those
quiet promptings. They are special invitations from the Holy One.
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Effectual Fervent Prayer
This lesson is a good study on fervent prayer, but it is one that does not allow a lot of interaction.
If you choose to present this message you may want to inform your group that you will be doing most of the speaking but that it will be worth it. It is of great importance that every Christian realize the necessity of this message; therefore, it is highly recommended that each group receive this presentation at least once.
James 5:16 (KJV) Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye
may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
What is effectual fervent prayer?
Strong’s Definition: Of Effectual
Energio
1)Energy wrought by God
2)Divinely Energized
3) It is used of the “Power” of God
Thayer Definition: Of Effectual
Energio
1) working, efficiency
2) in the NT used only of superhuman power, whether of God or of the Devil.
Adam Clarke’s commentary on the Bible in reference to energio
The word energio signifies energetic supplication, or such a prayer as is suggested to
the soul and wrought in it by a Divine energy.
The Holy Spirit is the one that supplies Devine Energy, or super human power to
Christians. He is the source of all Devine impartations. We can not produce Divine
energy, nor can we Divinely energize our prayers.
1Co 12:7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.
Manifestations of the Holy Spirit are His exhibitions, expressions, or bestowments and
do not refer only to His gifts that are mentioned in 1st Corinthians 12:8-10 but to every
one of His endowments, or shared attributes.
Biblical Examples of energio
Philippians 2:13 translates the word energio into the word, work, that God continually
performs in us to make us willing and able to obey His purposes:
Philippians 2:13 because God is always at work in you to make you willing and able to
obey his own purpose.
In Colossians 1:29 we see the word energio translated into the word, worketh, which
Paul declares that he has been given the favor to “strive” in spirit for his converts, so
far only as Christ works in him and by him:
Colossians 1:29 whereunto I labor also, striving according to his working, which
worketh in me mightily.
1 Corinthians 12:11 also translates the word energio into the word, worketh, where Paul
testifies that all of the gifts that are made available to him and others are produced by
the Holy Spirit and are given according to God‘s will:
1Corinthians 12:11 But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to
every man severally as he will.
The Energio, or Devine energy, that one experiences during prayer can and should become an expression of the Holy Spirit that is experienced on a regular basis.
How does one experience the energio?
Answer Through fervent prayers of a righteous man!
Strong’s Definition: Of fervent
zeo and is pronounced dzeh'-o
A primary verb; to be hot ,boil, glow, to be earnest
Thayer Definition: Of fervent
zeo and is pronounced dzeh'-o
1) to boil with heat, be hot
1a) used of water
1b) metaphorically
1b1) used of boiling anger, love, zeal, for what is good or bad etc.
1b2) fervent in spirit, said of zeal for what is good.
Examples of Fervent prayers that bring forth effectual prayers
Jas 5:17 Elijah was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that
it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six
months.
Matthew Henry’s Commentary on James 5:17
It is not enough to say a prayer, but we must pray in prayer. Our thoughts must be fixed, our desires firm and ardent, and our graces in exercise; and, when we thus pray in prayer, we shall speed in prayer. Elijah prayed that it might not rain; and God heard him in his pleading against an idolatrous persecuting country, so that it rained not on the earth for the space of three years and six months. Again he prayed, and the heaven gave rain.
Luke 22:40 And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into
temptation.
Luke 22:41 And he was parted from them about a stone's cast; and he kneeled down and
prayed,
Luke 22:42 saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not
my will, but thine, be done.
Luke 22:43 And there appeared unto him an angel from heaven, strengthening him.
Luke 22:44 And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became as it
were great drops of blood falling down upon the ground.
Heb 5:7 Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications
with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was
heard in that he feared:
Thayer Definition: Of Feared (eulabeia)
(1) reverence toward God, godly fear, piety
“And He was heard for that he had God in reverence”
PRAYER has to do with the entire man. Prayer takes in man in his whole being, mind, soul and body. It takes the whole man to pray, and prayer affects the entire man in its gracious results. As the whole nature of man enters into prayer, so also all that belongs to man is the beneficiary of prayer. All of man receives benefits in prayer. The whole man must be given to God in praying. The largest results in praying come to him who gives himself, all of himself, all that belongs to himself, to God. This is the secret of full consecration, and this is a condition of successful praying, and the sort of praying which brings the largest fruits.
The entire man must pray. The whole man, life, heart, temper, mind, are in it. Each and all join in the prayer exercise. Doubt, double-mindedness, division of the affections, are all foreign to the closet character and conduct, undefiled, made whiter than snow, are mighty potencies, and are the most seemly beauties for the closet hour, and for the struggles of prayer.
Mat 22:35 And one of them, a lawyer, asked him a question, trying him:
Mat 22:36 Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?
Mat 22:37 And he said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart,
and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
Mat 22:38 This is the great and first commandment.
Psalms 119:2 “Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the
whole heart.”
Because it requires the whole man to pray, praying is no easy task. Praying is far more than simply bending the knee and saying a few words by rote.
“’Tis not enough to bend the knee,
And words of prayer to say;
The heart must with the lips agree,
Or else we do not pray.”
Paul was acquainted with this kind of praying. In writing to the Roman Christians, he urges them to pray with him after this fashion:
Roman‘s 15:30 “Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ’s sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me.”
The words, “strive together with me,” tells of Paul’s praying, and how much he put into it. It is not a docile request, not a little thing, this sort of praying, this “striving with me.” It is of the nature of a great battle, a conflict to win, a great battle to be fought. The praying Christian, as the soldier, fights a life-and-death struggle. His honor, his immortality, and eternal life are all in it. This is praying as the athlete struggles for the mastery, and for the crown, and as he wrestles or runs a race. Everything depends on the strength he puts in it. Energy, ardor, swiftness, every power of his nature is in it. Every power is quickened and strained to its very utmost. Littleness, half-heartedness, weakness, and laziness are all absent.
Through fervent prayers one will experience Devine Energy flowing through their entire body. At times they will be so physical that they will sweat profusely. At times they will sweat without being physical at all. At times they will laugh when nothing seems funny. At times they will weep, even though they really have nothing to cry about. At times they will sence the presence of God so intensely that they will tremble even though they have nothing to be afraid of. The presence of God will be so strong at times that they will ask, what is God going to do next? Is He going to breath on me? Is He going to touch me? Is He going to say something? These are the prayers of warriors that reach and connect with God! These are prayers that avail much!
Compare these two verses
Genesis 3:19 In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken; for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.'
John 6:35 And Jesus said unto them, "I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst."
Are you hungry for Jesus?
If you choose to present this message you may want to inform your group that you will be doing most of the speaking but that it will be worth it. It is of great importance that every Christian realize the necessity of this message; therefore, it is highly recommended that each group receive this presentation at least once.
James 5:16 (KJV) Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye
may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
What is effectual fervent prayer?
Strong’s Definition: Of Effectual
Energio
1)Energy wrought by God
2)Divinely Energized
3) It is used of the “Power” of God
Thayer Definition: Of Effectual
Energio
1) working, efficiency
2) in the NT used only of superhuman power, whether of God or of the Devil.
Adam Clarke’s commentary on the Bible in reference to energio
The word energio signifies energetic supplication, or such a prayer as is suggested to
the soul and wrought in it by a Divine energy.
The Holy Spirit is the one that supplies Devine Energy, or super human power to
Christians. He is the source of all Devine impartations. We can not produce Divine
energy, nor can we Divinely energize our prayers.
1Co 12:7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.
Manifestations of the Holy Spirit are His exhibitions, expressions, or bestowments and
do not refer only to His gifts that are mentioned in 1st Corinthians 12:8-10 but to every
one of His endowments, or shared attributes.
Biblical Examples of energio
Philippians 2:13 translates the word energio into the word, work, that God continually
performs in us to make us willing and able to obey His purposes:
Philippians 2:13 because God is always at work in you to make you willing and able to
obey his own purpose.
In Colossians 1:29 we see the word energio translated into the word, worketh, which
Paul declares that he has been given the favor to “strive” in spirit for his converts, so
far only as Christ works in him and by him:
Colossians 1:29 whereunto I labor also, striving according to his working, which
worketh in me mightily.
1 Corinthians 12:11 also translates the word energio into the word, worketh, where Paul
testifies that all of the gifts that are made available to him and others are produced by
the Holy Spirit and are given according to God‘s will:
1Corinthians 12:11 But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to
every man severally as he will.
The Energio, or Devine energy, that one experiences during prayer can and should become an expression of the Holy Spirit that is experienced on a regular basis.
How does one experience the energio?
Answer Through fervent prayers of a righteous man!
Strong’s Definition: Of fervent
zeo and is pronounced dzeh'-o
A primary verb; to be hot ,boil, glow, to be earnest
Thayer Definition: Of fervent
zeo and is pronounced dzeh'-o
1) to boil with heat, be hot
1a) used of water
1b) metaphorically
1b1) used of boiling anger, love, zeal, for what is good or bad etc.
1b2) fervent in spirit, said of zeal for what is good.
Examples of Fervent prayers that bring forth effectual prayers
Jas 5:17 Elijah was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that
it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six
months.
Matthew Henry’s Commentary on James 5:17
It is not enough to say a prayer, but we must pray in prayer. Our thoughts must be fixed, our desires firm and ardent, and our graces in exercise; and, when we thus pray in prayer, we shall speed in prayer. Elijah prayed that it might not rain; and God heard him in his pleading against an idolatrous persecuting country, so that it rained not on the earth for the space of three years and six months. Again he prayed, and the heaven gave rain.
Luke 22:40 And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into
temptation.
Luke 22:41 And he was parted from them about a stone's cast; and he kneeled down and
prayed,
Luke 22:42 saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not
my will, but thine, be done.
Luke 22:43 And there appeared unto him an angel from heaven, strengthening him.
Luke 22:44 And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became as it
were great drops of blood falling down upon the ground.
Heb 5:7 Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications
with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was
heard in that he feared:
Thayer Definition: Of Feared (eulabeia)
(1) reverence toward God, godly fear, piety
“And He was heard for that he had God in reverence”
PRAYER has to do with the entire man. Prayer takes in man in his whole being, mind, soul and body. It takes the whole man to pray, and prayer affects the entire man in its gracious results. As the whole nature of man enters into prayer, so also all that belongs to man is the beneficiary of prayer. All of man receives benefits in prayer. The whole man must be given to God in praying. The largest results in praying come to him who gives himself, all of himself, all that belongs to himself, to God. This is the secret of full consecration, and this is a condition of successful praying, and the sort of praying which brings the largest fruits.
The entire man must pray. The whole man, life, heart, temper, mind, are in it. Each and all join in the prayer exercise. Doubt, double-mindedness, division of the affections, are all foreign to the closet character and conduct, undefiled, made whiter than snow, are mighty potencies, and are the most seemly beauties for the closet hour, and for the struggles of prayer.
Mat 22:35 And one of them, a lawyer, asked him a question, trying him:
Mat 22:36 Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?
Mat 22:37 And he said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart,
and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
Mat 22:38 This is the great and first commandment.
Psalms 119:2 “Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the
whole heart.”
Because it requires the whole man to pray, praying is no easy task. Praying is far more than simply bending the knee and saying a few words by rote.
“’Tis not enough to bend the knee,
And words of prayer to say;
The heart must with the lips agree,
Or else we do not pray.”
Paul was acquainted with this kind of praying. In writing to the Roman Christians, he urges them to pray with him after this fashion:
Roman‘s 15:30 “Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ’s sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me.”
The words, “strive together with me,” tells of Paul’s praying, and how much he put into it. It is not a docile request, not a little thing, this sort of praying, this “striving with me.” It is of the nature of a great battle, a conflict to win, a great battle to be fought. The praying Christian, as the soldier, fights a life-and-death struggle. His honor, his immortality, and eternal life are all in it. This is praying as the athlete struggles for the mastery, and for the crown, and as he wrestles or runs a race. Everything depends on the strength he puts in it. Energy, ardor, swiftness, every power of his nature is in it. Every power is quickened and strained to its very utmost. Littleness, half-heartedness, weakness, and laziness are all absent.
Through fervent prayers one will experience Devine Energy flowing through their entire body. At times they will be so physical that they will sweat profusely. At times they will sweat without being physical at all. At times they will laugh when nothing seems funny. At times they will weep, even though they really have nothing to cry about. At times they will sence the presence of God so intensely that they will tremble even though they have nothing to be afraid of. The presence of God will be so strong at times that they will ask, what is God going to do next? Is He going to breath on me? Is He going to touch me? Is He going to say something? These are the prayers of warriors that reach and connect with God! These are prayers that avail much!
Compare these two verses
Genesis 3:19 In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken; for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.'
John 6:35 And Jesus said unto them, "I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst."
Are you hungry for Jesus?
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