 |
2007-10-28 - Daniel
Chapter 9: Part 6 ~ Installment 74
The components of this prayer and prayer in general include, first and foremost,
a recognition of the attributes of God. It is only as we understand God Himself,
that we have any hope of praying consistently with His will. And just as
important as an understanding of the Father, we must also have an accurate
view of ourselves. This means that repentance must be included in our prayer.
And just as was the case with Daniel, it isn't enough to confess we have
sinned, but we must be willing to be specific and repent of each particular
sin.
Prayer includes petition, but again the primary reason we see for seeking
our needs from the Lord is so that He will be glorified. We need to pray
for the "success" of the church body we belong to, not because it is something
we demand so we will be lifted up, but because whatever is accomplished only
occurs because God is working. The extent to which we can stand for the Lord
is the extent to which He will receive the glory.
We can pray for the Lord's blessing of a church body, in a paraphrase of
Daniel as we say,
"Now our God, hear the prayers and petitions of your servants.
For your sake, O Lord, look with favor on this body. Give ear, O God, and
hear; open your eyes and see the weakness of this body which bears your Name.
We do not make requests of you because we are righteous, but because of your
great mercy. O Lord, listen! O Lord, forgive! O Lord, hear and act! For your
sake, O our God, do not delay, because your body and your people bear your
Name" (Daniel 9; 17-19 modified!)
To be continued.
Comments or Questions?
Geoff
GKragen@aol.com
http://www.cfdevotionals.org
Additional studies
by Geoff
Podcasts of Studies in Matthew can be found at
www.GKragen.com |
 |