PRAYER LIFE

Jesus' Model Prayer

Time with Jesus - 23 July 2013

Hi all,

Praying Jesus' model Prayer

The topic today is Prayer. It’s a topic with which we all should be thoroughly familiar, but so often fail to carry it out; it’s one of the areas in most of our lives where we can be accused of not “doing” His Word. Eugene Peterson in the Message quotes James as follows: ²² “Don't fool yourself into thinking that you are a listener when you are anything but, letting the Word go in one ear and out the other. Act on what you hear!” James 1:22 MSG

Prayer in a Small Group

Prayer is seldom spoken about in most churches. Furthermore, we are informed that statistically, only 3% of “church members” participate in prayer groups or meetings. There must be reasons for this. Here’s one or two:

1.     In most churches, the Pastor, Minister, Priest or whoever, have made it very easy for congregants to be passive observers. Pew mentality has “spilled over” to the point where saying something, even in prayer, doesn’t happen.

2.     Gossiping or talking things over with others! It’s easier to chat about things than to dialog with God. Friends will answer you directly and immediately. God answers prayer. Sadly many people are unfamiliar with listening for His voice. In any case, listening for His voice is perceived to be hard work. So why not talk about it with a “professional”. In this regard I’m reminded of a comment made some 20 years ago in Worcester. When we asked this individual to pray or get involved with something, the comment was, “We pay you to do that”.

3.     Those who have participated in prayer groups discontinue. Typically we have heard:

a.     The occasion is used to try and correct someone’s doctrine

b.     The same person praying the same prayer every time we meet.

c.     Long passages read from the Bible for no apparent reason.

d.     Long-winded and religious prayers.

e.     People shouting at anything and everything.

Small Group Prayer

f.      People praying in tongues while “stomping” up and down and round and round indefinitely.

g.     Lack of mutual submission to the leading of the Holy Spirit.

h.     Unnecessary and over control of the prayer meeting by those in charge.

i.      Aimless and unfocussed prayers.

j.      People using the meeting to follow their own agenda.

Now I’m the first to admit that I’ve been guilty of all of these difficulties now and then; more so when I was new to Christianity. But Phyllida & I have come up with a couple of guidelines to make prayer meetings more meaningful.

1)     Don’t be afraid of silence

2)     Don’t come with an agenda for the meeting. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you what to pray for.

3)     A maximum of 5 verses only to be read at one time by one person.

4)     Prayers to be limited to that which can be said with one

breath.

5)     Go round the circle of prayers. Ask them to pray something. (Even if it’s God bless granny)

6)     Always have a scribe to write down what is prayed and God’s reply!

7)     At the end of the meeting, go round the circle and ask everyone what they heard in the meeting. (a Nugget)

8)     Don’t compel anyone to pray or give a nugget. Encourage them all to come again. They probably will!

9)     At the next meeting have a time of feedback from the previous meeting.

10)  Meet at a convenient time for all and limit the prayer time. Perhaps 1 hour?

11)  Try not to have young children or babies in the meeting. They can be a distraction.

We may never be an “expert” when it comes to prayer. But following these guidelines may help others become people of prayer

Shalom,

Jim & Phyllida Strickland

Matt 10:8 Freely you received, Freely give		Time with Jesus – 23 July 2013			Matt 10:8 Freely you received, Freely give
©	These devotionals are the intellectual property of Jim Strickland and copyright protected. You are welcome to copy and distribute them to anyone provided it is for non-commercial Christian purposes					©
	INTRODUCTION		DAILY LIGHT EVENING SCRIPTURES	PRAYER LIFE
If there is one aspect about Christianity that is the most spoken about and the least done, that aspect is surely prayer. How many Christians actually pray? Speaking personally I must confess that my prayer life is not what it could be. Not even what it should be. If you were to ask why, the answer must be a lack of commitment to prayer. Another reason is because so much of it is artificial. It is so easy for prayer to become an unprofitable habit. As a schoolboy in a Roman Catholic School, there was prayer every hour on the hour. The bell would ring and we would all stand and recite the same old prayer every time except at lunch time, when a couple of prayers were added to the routine. It became so stereotyped that it was meaningless. At least it became meaningless to me. This was exacerbated by seeing my classmates going through their rosary beads. If they could have done it any faster, I’m sure they would have done. Incidentally, during our time in Syria 13 years ago, we found that the Muslims there had their own “rosary beads”. As a child and later as a father, the idea of talking to no one, as it were, seemed ridiculous. When I spoke to my dad or when my children spoke to me, there had to be an answer. Even if the answer was, “Not now!” It would have been an answer. Much later when Phyllida and I became part of the Charismatic, Pentecostal move of God, prayer still seemed artificial. Walking up and down, waving arms round, shouting and quoting Scripture with such a loud voice, we would think that God was deaf. We quickly realised that many think that this was a good way to pray. Perhaps it is. But it all seems so far away from Jesus’ simple model prayer and so unlike the Scripture which states. 6 But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private. Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you. Matthew 6:6 NLT I have difficulty reconciling current practice with what Jesus clearly taught. It was not until the late 1980’s that I came to the conclusion that prayer was meant to be a dialogue with God. Rather like a discussion between two close friends. It came as something of a revelation to discover that we could pray anywhere and everywhere. We didn’t have to find a special place or posture. We could pray at any time. That’s when Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians began to make sense. 16 Be joyful always; 17 pray continually; 18 give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV Paul indicated that this sort of prayer was God’s will for us. Here was the essence of simplicity. That’s when we changed from prayer in accordance with a religious formula to dialogue prayer. Praying and expecting God to answer. We call it “Hearing from God”. We quickly found that He wanted to speak to us more than we wanted to speak with Him. Out of all this came the accompanying poem, “Prayer Life”. Phyllida and I have tried to follow this as best we can. We still make mistakes. We still get puzzled by what He says to us. But not quite as badly as it was at first. As a “method” for prayer, we use this model in corporate prayer meetings. When we are alone together, we do our best to do the same. Our challenge to you today is to put aside anything “religious”. Then go to Him quietly and expectantly. Hopefully it will revolutionise your prayer lifestyle! Jim & Phyllida Strickland			25 Dear brothers and sisters, pray for us. 1 Thessalonians 5:25 NLT	"My child, you know I love you. Put away your fear. The fact is, it's your attitude that stops Me drawing near. You must walk in obedience, and do the things I say. There isn't an alternative. That is the only way. I've called you to a holy life, and one of constant prayer; To leading many people, and teaching them to share; Of leading by example, and not by word alone. Therefore, take the time to hear the things which I have shown." "You must start to talk with Me, whenever there's a chance; Never mind the circumstance; Never mind the glance Other men may give you; Their thoughts do not matter. You must follow after Me, not men's idle chatter. Son, there's no occasion that's special for a chat. We can be in fellowship, regardless where you're at. Driving in your motorcar; Lying on your bed; Everywhere you go, or are, I'm right inside your head!" "Praying is so easy. It's done naturally. All you have to do is think and you're in touch with Me! It isn't a position, nor any special time; To limit Me to intervals, that is the greatest crime! I bid you therefore, do it; Start communicating, With Me every chance you get. It's Me you're keeping waiting! Do it son, and tell those with whom you minister, This is the kind of prayer life, I want them all to share; Being in My presence is what they will enjoy; They have had a sample now, and I will employ All of them in teaching that prayer's a way of life; As natural as speaking between a man and wife. It isn't being pompous, nor turgid liturgy; Instead, it's a relationship that's personal, and free, With Me! Their Lord and Master. It's being closely knit, In deep communication with Me, as I see fit." "So teach this to the people; Tell them that there's more To praying to their Maker, than kneeling on the floor, Or prone before the altar. For, though that has its place, The purpose of the exercise is being face to face! Certainly I'm awesome, and I require respect. But for My sons and daughters, the way I will perfect Is intimate, communion; Not distant recognition; They're members of My family, and so their right position Is here beside My Father; where actually, I'm seated. They don't have to grovel, as though they've been defeated!" "Give them all encouragement to get to know Me more; Talk with Me whenever; Not only from the floor. That's how I desire it; A life of constant prayer, With Me, their God and Saviour, whose presence is right there." Jim Strickland Written 1988
			14 Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. 16 Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. 17 Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth. 18 Then he prayed again, and heaven gave rain, and the earth bore its fruit. James 5:14-18 ESV
			18 Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere. Ephesians 6:18 NLT
			9 God knows how often I pray for you. Day and night I bring you and your needs in prayer to God, whom I serve with all my heart by spreading the Good News about His Son. Romans 1:9 NLT
			12 Epaphras sends greetings. He is one of you. He serves Christ Jesus. He is always praying hard for you. He prays that you will stand firm in holding to all that God has in mind for us. He prays that you will continue to grow in your knowledge of what God wants you to do. He also prays you will be completely sure about it. Colossians 4:12 NIrV

JIMMETS - GOD’S ABIDING LOVE

Time with Jesus - 22 July 2013

Hi all,

I am the True Vine

A day or so ago we looked at the script-writing talent of Allan Simpson and Ray Galton. In that era there were other script-writers who were the power behind the comedians. Frank Muir and Denis Norden were known for “Take it from Here” staring Jimmy Edwards, Dick Bently and, for a while, June Whitfield. 

L-R Michael Stanton (Barman)
Pa Glum (Jimmy Edwards)

You may remember “The Glums” from that series. Another “team” of script-writers was Barry Took and Marty Feldman. They wrote the “Around the Horn” series. Perhaps the best remembered character from that series is Kenneth Williams, the “star” of all the “Carry on” movies.

Frank Muir & Denis Norden

It was in the 1960’s when I first came across the brilliance of Frank Muir and Denis Norden. They featured in “My Word” and “My Music”, two radio programmes that were also popular in South Africa. Radio comedy continued to be popular in UK and RSA through the 1970’s and into the 80’s. Radio tailed off in popularity in the 1980’s for several reasons. Partly was the popularity of TV. Another reason was the demise of many of the stars of those days.

Frank Muir & Denis Norden in
My Word

Many radio and TV stars of that era “cut their teeth” in broadcasting during and just after WW2. In wartime Britton, radio comedy was something which kept up the “spirit” of the people. Most of Europe was devastated and ablaze from the bombs of the Nazi’s and later of the Allied forces. Furthermore, when the people were not sure if their families would survive another night, comedy was one of their few “escapes from reality” into the world of laughter. I was too young to understand what was happening. I’m told that my parents and grandparents gathered round the radio to hear BBC News and to listen to the likes of ITMA, George Formby, Vera Lynn and Gracie Fields.

ITMA
Tommy Handley

We have a proverb in English which states, “Every cloud has a silver lining”. There was even a song composed about this, “Look for the silver lining, whenever clouds appear in the blue”. These words may not be an actual quotation from Scripture. Nevertheless, they echo down through time from as far back as the fall. Perhaps a better way to put it is to say, “God is in control”. Things may appear to be blacker than black. It could seem as if there is no reason, even to hope! But God still has everything in hand.

What is useful for Christians at such times is knowing we can rely on Him. Job said, ¹⁵ though he slays me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him. Job 13:15 KJV. This hasn’t changed, in spite of the stunts of Satan to make us believe otherwise.

Jesus continues to be fully aware that for you and me, beginning is easy. It’s not starting that presents us with a problem. It’s to keep going and to finish the course! There are literally dozens of examples of this. Stopping smoking; weight loss programmes; attending the gym, are only three. How many of us keep our new year’s resolutions? I’ve cheated on this a little. My new year’s resolution made in 1976 remains unbroken. It was easy. I resolved that I wouldn’t make any more New Year’s resolutions!

This lack of “stick-ability” in His followers prompted Him to speak, on several occasions, about our “keeping on”. John quotes Him as having said: ⁶ anyone who does not remain in Me is thrown away like a useless branch and withers. Such branches are gathered into a pile to be burned. John 15:6 NLT

Remain in Jesus

It seems clear He is telling Christians, if they quit actively following Him and asking Him for His strength to continue living a “Christian Life”, they will be thrown away. I understand He is insisting that we remain faithful to Him. We need to gather round Him like the people did in WW2 listening to the “radio”! He may not bring us laughter. He will bring us joy! Jesus is not a comedian. He’s God’s Son. His words bring abundant life in this world and the next.

Abiding means Staying the Course

Today’s meditation comprises two Jimmets. They are, “Abide in the Vine” and “Keep your-self in God’s Love” The first focuses on Jesus’ teaching about the vine. The second is a quotation from Jude’s epistle. He points out that Jesus will be faithful to us. Our responsibility is to keep ourselves in Jesus’ love.

Shalom,

Jim & Phyllida Strickland

Matt 10:8 Freely you received, Freely give		Time with Jesus 22 July 2013			Matt 10:8 Freely you received, Freely give
©	These devotionals are the intellectual property of Jim Strickland and copyright protected. You are welcome to copy and distribute them to anyone provided it is for non-commercial Christian purposes					©
	INTRODUCTION		DAILY LIGHT EVENING SCRIPTURES	JIMMETS - GOD’S ABIDING LOVE
Hanging on my wall there are three certificates. They required time and effort on my behalf to obtain. On occasions I’ve wondered how accurate someone’s qualifications really are. I’ve thought, “How do I know that the examination was written by that person?” Much depends on the integrity of the individual and the vigilance of the examiners. Is it possible that a “professional exam writer” wrote the exam on the person’s behalf? Do such things happen? Occasionally, I’ve felt the “expert’s” qualifications were found in a lucky packet! Integrity is a strange “thing”. There was a time when people were as good as their word. Agreements were settled with a handshake. Not today. We employ lawyers to check every clause, including the fine print, before we sign on the dotted line. Lawyers have profited from this. Has anyone else? As a schoolboy “weighing machines” were found on almost every street corner. For one penny it would “spit out” a piece of paper with your weight on it. A later refinement was to select a question on the dial. The machine would give you your weight and the answer. I remember one that asked, “Where will I find happiness?” The answer was, “Under ‘H’ in the dictionary. Today I find if I asked the question, “Where will I find integrity?” The answer would be, “Under “I” in the dictionary”. It grieves me this is true, even among Christians. Jesus Christ and his half-brother, Jude, commented on this some 2000 years ago. Jesus said, “Abide in Me and I in You”. This surely indicates the possibility that His followers would not do so. They would be tempted away and lose their connection with Him. They would be “cut off from the vine”; and perish. He added that without Him, we can do nothing. But surely, if we lose our integrity as Christians, we have lost everything? You may well be forgiven, but others will not trust you again. Jude made it clear we are to keep ourselves in God’s love. This suggests we are free not to do so. Whether this refers to our eternal salvation is not the issue. What’s important is to see you and I have a responsibility for doing so. He won’t do it for us. His love is available to everyone. But He does not force His love on anyone. If you don’t want it, you can quit or say, “No thanks!” Staying in His love is our responsibility. We must do it. How? The answer is by living a life that follows His lifestyle. Integrity is an example of this. It could be equated to keeping our word. Better still, it’s a question of keeping His Word. Do we? Or is integrity still only found in the dictionary. Jim & Phyllida Strickland			21 Keep yourselves in God's love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life. Jude 21 NIV	ABIDE IN THE VINE Those who are abiding in the vine, Their fruit will always be the very best. This is His intention and design, Helps us see how much we have been blessed. The sap is always flowing from the root, And spreading to each branch’s outer tip. To bring it’s juicy richness to the fruit, And luscious flavour to its very pip. There’s no other way for fruit to grow. The sap must rise to bring the nourishment. If you ever interrupt the flow, The fruit will wither, for its life is spent. Abide in Him. United to the vine. You’ll be fruitful, ‘til the end of time. Jim Strickland  22nd July 2012 KEEP YOURSELF IN GOD’S LOVE Jude said “Keep Yourselves within God’s love; Wait for Christ, eternal life to bring. It is not the task of God above. We’re responsible to do this “thing”. There are some tasks Jesus will not do. They’re for our accountability. God is never going to do for you, That which He’s commanded you and me. Loving others isn’t idleness. It’s involvement, not just standing by. Seeking opportunities to bless, Other folk and never asking “Why?” This was Jesus’ lifestyle to the hilt! It’s no wonder that His blood was spilt. Jim Strickland  22nd July 2012
			4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. 5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bear much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:4-5 ESV
			22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23 ESV
			8 When you bear a lot of fruit, it brings glory to my Father. It shows that you are my disciples. 9 "Just as the Father has loved me, I have loved you. Now remain in my love. 10 If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love. In the same way, I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love. John 15:8-10 NIrV
			5 But whoever obeys what Christ says is the kind of person in whom God's love is perfected. That's how we know we are in Christ. 1 John 2:5 GW
			12 This is my command: Love one another the way I loved you. John 15:12 MSG
			8 But God showed His great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. Romans 5:8 NLT
			16 So we know that God loves us. We depend on it. God is love. Anyone who leads a life of love shows that he is joined to God. And God is joined to him. 1 John 4:16 NIrV