The Power of Prayer

[Anne]

Hey guys, it's been quite a while since I posted one of my Bible studies on here. However, given the worlds current turmoil, I thought i'd pop this one in. There is much to rejoice for this week, yet there is much to be prayed for, the problems in Israel, hurricane Katrina that hit New Orleans and surrounding areas leaving devastation in her path, and one of the members here who is seeking the face of Jesus. Indeed, there is much to pray for, but unless we learn, as christians united in prayer, that includes myself, to pray unceasingly, with every ounce of our heart, with all the strength we can muster from our bodies, until the tears run dry. Unless we pray united with everything we have, and then some more, can we expect our prayers to be acceptable unto God?

I think we could all learn a lesson from the following verses, God Bless you as you read, and may the Holy Spirit rest on your hearts and mine, and convict us of what is required. Amen

Luke Chapter 1

Verse 5

There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judaea, a certain Priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia: and his wife was of the daughter Araon, and her name was Elisabeth.

Verse 6

And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.

Verse 7

And they had no child, because that Elisabeth was barren, and they both were now well stricken in years.

Verse 8

And it came to pass, that while he executed the Priest's office before God in the order of his course,

Verse 9

According to the custom of the Priest's office, his lot was to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord.

Verse 10

And the whole multitude of the people were praying without at the time of incense.

Verse 11

And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense.

Verse 12

And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him.

Verse 13

But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias, for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John.

Zacharias executed the priest's office; it was his week of waiting, and he was upon duty. Though we have not the desired mercies, yet we must keep close to enjoined services; and in diligent and constant attendance on them, we can hope mercy and comfort will come at last.

While Zacharias was burning incense in the temple, and the whole multitude of the people were praying without. These all addressed themselves to their devotions, in mental prayer, when the priest was gone in to burn incense. The true Israel of God, were a praying people; prayer is the great and principal piece of service by which we honour God, and keep up our communion with Him. It is not enough for us to be where God is worshipped, if our hearts do not join in the worship, and go with the minister in all parts of it. If he burn the incense ever so well in the most lively prayer, if we are not at the same time praying in concurrence with him, what will it avail us? All the prayers we offer up to God here in his courts, are acceptable and successful only in virtue of the incense of Christ's intercession in the temple of God above. We cannot expect an interest in Christ's intercession, if we do not pray, and pray with our spirits, and continue instant in prayer. Nor can we expect that the best of our prayers should gain acceptance, and bring an answer of peace, but through the mediation of Christ, who ever lives making intercession on our behalf.

When thus employed, there appeared unto Zacharias an angel of the Lord. It was a surprise to him, even terrified him, as it would have done us, I suspect. Though he was righteous before God, and blameless in his conversation, yet he could not be without some apprehensions at the sight of one, whose visage, and surrounding lustre, spoke him more than human. Ever since man sinned he has been unable to bear the glory of such revelations, and his conscience is afraid that evil tidings will be brought by them.

The prayers Zacharias has offten made, now receive an answer of peace.

Prayers of faith are filed in heaven, and are not forgotten. Prayers made when we were young and entering into the world, may be answered when we are old and going out of the world. The prayers thou now makest, and all thy prayers, are accepted of God, and come up for a memorial before Him; and shall be a sign that you are accepted of God. Mercies, long awaited for, when they come at last, are most acceptable. Many parents, if they could foresee what their children will become, instead of rejoicing of their birth, would wish they had never been!

The mighty and affluent of our world are indeed mean and obscure, when compared with a poor prophet such as this, who is filled with wisdom and zeal, who wants not the pleasures of this world, who's work and joy it is to bring sinners to repentance, to turn the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to call men to believe in Christ, and to prepare for his coming to judge the world.

Yet, it is true to be said of myself and others, even though we are true believers, it does bare us shame that there are times when we doubt God, and if truth be known in our hearts, we must then know how this dishonours God.

May we be like the true children of God, humble and faithful in our devotions to Him.

God Bless you

your Sister in Christ Jesus

Anne

[Guest Thomas I believe]

Right on my dear sister !!!! Thank You so much for this study. Its exactly what i needed tonite.....

[yomotalking]

Right on my dear sister !!!!      Thank You so much for this study. Its exactly what i needed tonite.....

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

It's been AGES since you've been on here, TIB!

WB!!!

(welcome back!)

[Anne]

Thanks guys, love you all

Hey, 5 more people saved at church last night, that's a grand total so far of 22, that's 22 new souls going home!