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
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:
Great reminders! Thank you, Cheryl! :)
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