by Jonas Harley |
February 6, 2010
When I saw this picture I was reminded of this awesome short story about my personal prayer life and walk with God.
Early African converts learned the importance of spending time in daily prayer. Each Christian would find a solitary place in the thicket where he could share his heart in privacy with the Heavenly Father. As time passed the pathway to their prayer place in the thicket would become worn. If a Christian neglected his prayer life others would soon notice by the fresh greenery growing on their pathway. A gentle rebuke and reminder was often used among them by tactfully saying, “Brother, there is grass growing on your path.”
No doubt, one of the most neglected privileges and powers of Christians today is prayer. When grass has grown over the paths of Christians, their lives become paltry [unimportant] and powerless; families become dysfunctional and divided; churches become insignificant and impotent; and the nation becomes profane and perverted.
Now its my turn to ask you, “Is there grass growing on your path?”
by Jonas Harley |
January 26, 2010
Have you ever started praying for someone and have no idea what to pray for?
Here are some common ways we “pray” for others…
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“Lord, just be with Joe today…”
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“Lord, help Sally have a good day…”
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“God, I just pray for Rob today…”
Have you ever prayed like that for someone else? I certainly have. Take a few minutes and turn to Philippians 1:9-11 and learn how to specifically and biblically pray for the spiritual growth in others.
1) Pray for Abounding Love (v.9) – Pray that fellow Christians will have an abounding (overflowing, endless) and increasing love for God, Scripture, and others. Remember, you are always faithful to that which you love.
2) Pray for Excellent Choices (v.10a) – Begin praying that other Christians will mirror God in an excellent way in every decision they make. Pray that they will carefully study, passionately investigate, and wisely determine how each decision will best obey and please the Lord. No one is exempted from the mistake zone.
3) Pray for Internal Integrity (v.10b)– Diligently pray that others will live a Christ-like life that is pure (sincere) and blameless (without offense). Christians who are the real deal! A life that is genuine not only speaks volumes to others, but brings much glory the God!
4) Pray for Fruitful Living (v.11a) – Vigorously pray that other believers will depend on the Holy Spirit to produce a fruitful Christian life. Also see John 15:5 and Galatians 5:22-23.
The purpose in fervently praying for others’ spiritual growth is for “…the glory and praise of God” (v.11b). The chief purpose in life is to glorify God (1 Cor. 6:20; 1 Cor. 10:31) so let’s stop the aimless prayers and start upholding each other in prayer the Bible way.
Now that you know how to specifically and biblically pray for the spiritual growth in others…go do it!
