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

JESUS IS THE WAY

..."I am the way..." John 14:6

Judaism sees salvation as a judgement day decision based on morality. Hindus anticipate multiple reincarnations in the soul's journey through the cosmos. Buddhism guides your life according to the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eight-fold Path. Muslims earn their way to Allah through the Five Pillars of Faith. Many philosophers deem life after death as hidden and unknown, 'a great leap in the dark.' Some people clump Christ with Moses, Mohammad, Confucius, and other spiritual leaders. 'Jesus said..."I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."' John 14:6 (NKJV). Many object, 'All roads lead to heaven.' But how can they? Buddhists look toward Nirvana, achieved after no less than 547 reincarnations. Christians believe in one life, one death, and an eternity of enjoying God. Humanists don't acknowledge a creator of life. Jesus claims to be the source of life. Spiritualists read your palms. Christians consult the Bible. Hindus perceive a plural and impersonal God. Christ-followers believe '...there is only one God' (1 Corinthians 8:4 NLT). Every non-Christian religion says, 'You can save you.' Jesus says: 'My death on the cross saves you.' All roads don't lead to London, all ships don't sail to Australia, and all flights don't land in Rome. Every path does not lead to God. Jesus blazed a stand-alone trail void of self-salvation. He cleared a one-of-a-kind passageway uncluttered by human effort. He offers us a unique invitation in which He works and we trust, He dies and we live, He invites and we believe. '..."The work God wants you to do is this: Believe the One he sent"' (John 6:29 NCV).

UCB WORD FOR TODAY 26DEC09

John 4:16 and Luke 12:6-7

...we have...believed the love that God has for us... 1 John 4:16
'I knew you before time began. I know how many hairs are on your head. Like parent, like child, you're created in My image. I have plans for you. I've also given you the 'gifts' needed to fulfil them; and what I give, nobody can take away. But don't neglect them; exercise them, and stir them up daily. Rest assured, I've started a good work in you and I'm going to finish it. I always complete what I begin. My Word concerning you is forever settled, and My commitment to you is unending. In this life you will have challenges, but cheer up; I've robbed satan of his power to control you and the world of its power to destroy you. When you're in trouble remember, I'm present to help. Give Me your burdens and I will sustain you. When you're stressed out and worn down by the pressures of life, lean on Me. I will be your rock, your fortress, your deliverer and your strength. Even though you fail from time to time, you won't be discarded because I am upholding you. But a word of caution: don't take advice from those who are spiritually blind and don't hang out with sceptics. Delight yourself in My Word and, like a big oak tree growing by a river, you'll prosper in all you do. PS I'd love to hear back from you.' 'And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him'.

UCB FOR TODAY-03DEC09