Love on its knees

I was reading an old book called Prayers for Busy People, written by Rita Snowden, in 1978. She mentions in the opening pages, a quote from Dr Harry Fosdick, who speaks about Intercessory prayer as 'love on its knees.' 

Don't you love that? Love on its knees.

When we pray for other people, we are offering a form of love on our knees. The posture is humility, and we are showing our concern and love for people who desperately need our prayers. 

The next time you start to intercede for someone, think about this beautiful gift. You are offering other people your love (and God's love), while on your knees.

Living in Grace

D3LM3

A prayer for a friend

Have you ever wondered what prayer you could offer up for a friend going through a tough time. Well, you don't have to wonder any more :)

Here are some beautiful, life-giving words, that would be appreciated by anyone needing some encouragement. They are from Ephesians 3:16-17: 

"I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong."

Isn't this fantastic? We are asking God to share from his bountiful, unlimited resources, empowering our loved ones with the Holy Spirit. And that Christ would make his home in their hearts, as they trust in God to guide them through these challenges. 

Lastly, we are asking that all of our roots would settle into God's great love and keep us strong in the midst of the storms.

Action: Why don't you pray this prayer for a loved one or friend today?

Living in Grace

D3LM3

What pleases God

Hidden away in a verse in Timothy we catch a glimpse of something interesting. Paul suggests that we can please God with the way we pray about issues and people. See what you think:

1 Timothy 2:1-3 – “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— ² for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. ³ This is good, and pleases God our Saviour…”

The first thing I notice in these words is that we can present our requests to God in many different forms:

Petitions, Prayers, Intercession, Thanksgiving...

Which one of these types of prayer do you find the most difficult at the moment? 

"Our prayers may be awkward. Our attempts may be feeble. But since the power of prayer is in the one who hears it and not in the one who says it, our prayers do make a difference." - Max Lucado

Then Paul says that we should pray for all in authority, as this can impact upon our own lives. We pray for those in authority so that we may live peaceful lives. Interesting, hey? What are your thoughts?

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Beautiful reminder

"I pray for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given me, for they are yours." - John 17:9

The essence of John 17 focuses on Jesus' prayer for his disciples, his future followers (us) and himself. There is something deeply moving for me when I consider that Christ is praying for me. If you are dealing with some concerns in your life at the moment, how does it make you feel that Jesus is praying for you?

Charles H. Spurgeon - "Every one of us, beloved, when we listen to the words of Christ should recollect that he is praying for us; that while it is for the great body of his elect he intercedes in this chapter (John 17) and the one preceding it, yet it is also for each believer in particular that he offers intercession."

Living in Grace

D3LM3

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Taking part

“We never know how God will answer our prayers, but we can expect that He will get us involved in His plan for the answer. If we are true intercessors, we must be ready to take part in God’s work on behalf of the people for whom we pray.” -Corrie ten Boom

When we are invited to pray for someone or something, we are not called to be a casual by-stander, but rather to play an active role on the life of another. We will probably not be able to change the circumstances of that person, but we could well be called upon to partner God in helping them out.  

When you pray for someone today, listen to the prompting of the Spirit as God may give you fresh insight into that situation or person's life. Believe that God wants to be involved and that your prayers are making a difference.

James 5:16 - Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.

Living in Grace

D3LM3