Weekend Words

 From Be Still and Know...

"And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son." - John 14:13

Today many people believe in pray who do not pray.  Some people pray but do not expect an answer.  They go through the ritual of "praying prayers", but do not pray from the heart in faith believing.

Prayer is defined in the Bible by such simple words as ask, cry, call.  "Ask, and it shall be given you" (Matthew 7:7).  This puts us in a position of dependence upon God.  Jesus told His disciples to ask the Father in His name and they would receive.  "IF YE ASK ... I will do it" (John 14:14).  God desires to answer prayer, and has given His promise that He will.

Two conditions are mentioned in today's Scripture verse for an effective prayer life.  First, we are to pray "in His name."  This is more than adding His name to the end of our prayer.  Asking in His name gives authority to our prayers.  As we come to Him, recognizing we have no merit of our own, He intercedes before the Father in our behalf.  It is asking in accordance with His will.  It is praying as He would pray.

The most important part of a cheque is the signature.  Is the person reliable?  Does he have an account in the bank?  Are there sufficient funds?  It is honored not because of the bearer, but because of the One who signed it.

All of God's resources are available to us.  A supply of "heavenly cheques" are issued from His "Bank of Heaven" to use in drawing upon Him for our needs.  Jesus' signature gives them authority before the Father.  Since His deposits are adequate, our cheques are honored.  God hears and answers our prayers not because we are deserving but because we have asked in the name of His son.

Another condition for answered prayer is that the Father be glorified in the Son.  Can we say of our prayer requests, "I am asking this in His name, that the Father be glorified?"  Or are we asking it for own desire?

What a great promise the Lord has given us: "Whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do."  This glorifies the Father.

From Our Daily Bread...

From Lament to Praise - Read Habakkuk 3:17-19

"I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Saviour." (Habakkuk 3:18)

Monica prayed feverishly for her son to return to God.  She wept over his wayward ways and even tracked him down in the various cities where he chose to live.  The situation seemed hopeless.  Then one day it happened: her son had a radical encounter with God.  He became one of the greatest theologians of the church.  We know him as Augustine, Bishop of Hippo.

"How long, Lord?" (Habakkuk 1:2).  The prophet Habakkuk lamented God's inaction regarding the people of power who perverted justice (v.4).  Think of the times we've turned to God in desperation - expressing our laments due to injustice, a seemingly hopeless medical journey, ongoing financial struggles, or children who've walked away from God.  

Each time Habakkuk lamented, God heard his cries.  As we wait in faith, we can learn from the prophet to turn our lament into praise, for he said, "I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Saviour" (3:18 italics added).  He didn't understand God's ways, but he trusted Him.  Both lament and praise are acts of faith, expressions of trust.  We lament as an appeal to God based on His character.  And our praise is based on who He is - our amazing, almighty God.  One day, by His grace, every lament will turn to praise. 

- Glenn Packiam

Prayer Changes Things

You heard, Lord, the cries of your children, in the bondage and slavery of old,

You saw the great courage of Daniel, who faithfully prayed there so bold.

While Hannah in sorrow was praying, You harkened and answered her plea,

When Peter was bound there in prison, an answer to prayer set him free.

So, Lord, we still know that You hear us, and in this assurance we rest,

For though we don't know how You'll answer, We know it will be for our best. 

- Amy Yoder