LEARNING TO PRAY

Learning to pray

...the Spirit...makes intercession for us... Romans 8:26

Prayer isn't natural to us. Our natural inclination is to depend on ourselves. Some of us haven't learned how to pray. Others don't pray enough to be comfortable with it. Still others don't understand enough of God's Word to pray biblically and get results. Whatever the case, we've no excuse not to pray. The Holy Spirit who lives within us can clarify, correct and change our prayer so that by the time it reaches God it's all sorted out. The Bible says, '...the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us...Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose' (Romans 8:26-28 NKJV). Who do 'all things work together for good' for? Just anybody and everybody who believes? No, those who 'love God.' And more importantly, those who have learned to allow the Holy Spirit within them to pray, because what He asks for will always be in line with God's will. Learning to pray is like learning a foreign language. The best way to learn it is to hang out in an environment where the language is spoken. So if you want to learn to pray you must a) take the time to do it b) spend time with those who know how to do it c) allow the Holy Spirit to lead and guide you.


UCB Word for Today - 23/Jan/10

How to overcome in troubled times - John 14:27

'...Let not your heart be troubled....' John 14:27
Jesus said, 'My peace I leave with you...Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid' (John 14:27 NKJV). Underline the words, 'Let not.' You can't control what goes on around you, but Jesus said you can control what goes on inside you. How? By doing two things:

1) Filling your mind with God's Word. Jesus said, 'These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world' (John 16:33 NKJV). Rearrange your priorities and take time to read God's Word each day. Process it, apply it to each circumstance, and stand on it in times of difficulty. You'll be amazed at the results!

2) Praying about the situation, then leaving it confidently in God's hands. Here's a prayer to help you do that: 'Lord, everything seems to be falling apart around me. Everybody wants a piece of me. There's far too much to do and never enough time to do it. My head is clogged with all kinds of junk and my heart is ready to break. Lord, where are You? I feel like the disciples in the storm, the waves are too big for me. My cry is the same as theirs, "Somebody go and get Jesus - I'm about to drown out here!" Prince of Peace I need you. Father, who never slumbers nor sleeps; take charge. Let me find in You a quiet place, a place where I can pillow my head on Your breast, hear Your loving heartbeat and feel secure knowing You'll work things out for me. This I pray, believing, in Jesus' name, amen.'

UCB WORD FOR TODAY 15Jan10