Tuesday, February 4, 2014

Prayer – Our First Line of Defense! By Cheryl Sidler, Ministry Assistant


Jesus calls His disciples “friends” in John 15, where He is talking with them about the Vine and the branches. Although this chapter is full of so much for us, it was my iPod shuffle playing the hymn “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” that brought me to it recently. This song is a rich reminder to bring everything to God in prayer. Read the lyrics (below)…think about them.

 

It seems like a big task to bring everything to God in prayer but we are told to do this in His Word so it must be possible.

·         Have you asked Him to show you how? 

·         How is your prayer life? How can you pray continuously?

·         Why does God want us to pray?

·         Is prayer your first line of defense or your last resort?

·         Do you believe God? Do you believe His Word?

·         Are you spending time in His Word so you become more familiar with His voice and character?

·         What are your thoughts on abiding as you read John 15?

 

These questions are not meant to cause guilt…they are meant to challenge and inspire.

As the hymn says, “O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear, all because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.”

Don’t complicate it…just do it!     

 

526. What a Friend We Have in Jesus

Text: Joseph M. Scriven, 1820-1886
Music: Charles C. Converse, 1832-1918
Tune: CONVERSE, Meter: 87.87 D

 

1.What a friend we have in Jesus,

   all our sins and griefs to bear!

   What a privilege to carry

   everything to God in prayer!

   O what peace we often forfeit,

   O what needless pain we bear,

   all because we do not carry

   everything to God in prayer.

 

2.Have we trials and temptations?

   Is there trouble anywhere?

   We should never be discouraged;

   take it to the Lord in prayer.

   Can we find a friend so faithful

   who will all our sorrows share?

   Jesus knows our every weakness;

   take it to the Lord in prayer.

 

3.Are we weak and heavy laden,

   cumbered with a load of care?

   Precious Savior, still our refuge;

   take it to the Lord in prayer.

   Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?

   Take it to the Lord in prayer!

   In his arms he'll take and shield thee;

   thou wilt find a solace there.

1 comment:

Shell said...

Great reminders! Thank you, Cheryl! :)