We all desire to have an effective and consistent prayer life. As we strive to do this, it’s good to remember that the heart motives behind our prayers matter to God. The posture in which we approach the Lord in prayer matters. Let us each embrace a posture of humility, As we reflect on the all-powerful God that we pray to. He is almighty, omnipotent, and omniscient, yet He bends His ear down to us and tells us that we can come boldly to His throne of grace to ask for help in our time of need. (Hebrews 4:16) So how can we be bold, yet humble? We can be bold because we are not only praying to an all powerful God, but to our “Abba Father.” Just as a child runs to his father for help with anything and everything, we too can run to our Heavenly Father in prayer. And we do not need to be fearful in calling out to Him. But even in this, we can be humble because we know that we don’t deserve such a Heavenly Father. Yet He is still that available and ever-present Help in time of need. (Psalm 46:1) We approach God in humility because we are in infinite and desperate need of Him. Not only does He takes time to listen to us, He loves us and demonstrated that amazing love on the cross.
"Also He spoke this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: "Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, 'God, I thank You that I am not like other men-extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess.' And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, 'God, be merciful to me a sinner!' I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."
Luke 18:9-14
Why should I pray in humility? Jesus' example in the parable above of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector teaches us the importance of humility. We need to be open and honest with God instead of trying to make ourselves look good. God already knows all our faults. He sees us to the core and even knows our thoughts. It's more effective to be honest with Him, and acknowledge our sin and failures openly, than to try to tell Him of our good deeds. Jesus is ready and willing to forgive those who are truly humble and repentant before Him. I don't know about you, but I'm pretty thankful for that!
Prayer Points - Pray over these requests:
For God's ever present love and peace to sustain those affected by Hurricane Helene.
For the Holy Spirit to have free rein in the hearts of all who are attending, watching or listening to Worship Services and messages.
We resist the enemy by the blood of Jesus Christ and we ask that God takes anything the enemy means for evil against us and use it for our good and God's glory.
Dear God,
I come before You in the healing Name of Jesus, and humbly ask You to work in our city, communities, and nation. There are many who are hurting, angry, and feel hopeless. Lord, we ask that You intervene as the Prince of Peace. We ask that You bring Your peace and healing balm into every place that is chaotic. freedom Lord, we ask that the Holy Spirit would be present in every service, and that the power of the Holy Spirit would have free reign in each heart as they attend or view Worship Services.
God, we ask for Your strong hand of protection to cover our entire church family in the Name of Jesus. We commit in boldness and humility to ask for you to work on Friend Day. We pray for those invited and for those who attend or watch online. We ask that you speak through Clayton Kind as he brings the message. We pray for souls and lives to be changed. We come against the enemy with the blood of Jesus and the Cross of Calvary, and ask You to take everything the enemy means for evil against us, and use it for our good and Your glory. We ask that You would use our church to honor You and to further Your kingdom. In the Mighty Name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
In Christ Alone,
Michelle Staubs
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