LOVE ONE ANOTHER SO THAT YOUR PRAYERS WILL BE ANSWERED
These words of Jesus indicate a clear connection between our prayers and our purpose.
Prayer is like a soldier’s radio link with HQ. Through that radio they can call in artillery strikes, air support, medical help etc. These requests are answered because they are associated with the task appointed by HQ. Likewise, prayer is a God-given resource to assist you in the fruit-bearing task to which you have been appointed. If God doesn’t seem to be answering your prayers, perhaps one of the reasons is that you aren’t praying in connection with your purpose. Are you asking for a missile strike on an enemy target or for a new spa to be installed in the barracks?
The prayer requests of a person who isn’t obeying Jesus’ command to love others will be self-oriented. They will be out of sync with our appointed purpose and God’s will, and so probably won’t be answered. But as we walk in the way of love, our thoughts and desires come into line with God’s. Our prayers become more and more according to His will. The result? He gives us what we ask for.
Let us seek to love one another as Jesus has loved us. Yes, love is costly. But love one another and you will abide in Jesus’ love. Love one another and you will be filled with Jesus’ joy. Love one another and you will be Jesus’ friend. Love one another and you will fulfill your God-given purpose. Love one another and your prayers will be answered.
You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. (John 15:16)
These words of Jesus indicate a clear connection between our prayers and our purpose.
Election --> Appointment --> Answered prayer
Prayer is like a soldier’s radio link with HQ. Through that radio they can call in artillery strikes, air support, medical help etc. These requests are answered because they are associated with the task appointed by HQ. Likewise, prayer is a God-given resource to assist you in the fruit-bearing task to which you have been appointed. If God doesn’t seem to be answering your prayers, perhaps one of the reasons is that you aren’t praying in connection with your purpose. Are you asking for a missile strike on an enemy target or for a new spa to be installed in the barracks?
And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him. (1 John 5:14-15)
The prayer requests of a person who isn’t obeying Jesus’ command to love others will be self-oriented. They will be out of sync with our appointed purpose and God’s will, and so probably won’t be answered. But as we walk in the way of love, our thoughts and desires come into line with God’s. Our prayers become more and more according to His will. The result? He gives us what we ask for.
Let us seek to love one another as Jesus has loved us. Yes, love is costly. But love one another and you will abide in Jesus’ love. Love one another and you will be filled with Jesus’ joy. Love one another and you will be Jesus’ friend. Love one another and you will fulfill your God-given purpose. Love one another and your prayers will be answered.
“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you”
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Okay, I haven't read this article but when I glanced at your blog I was wanting to read the "what Kiwi Christians think' entry but you haven't written it yet. Sigh.
ReplyDeleteHi Phip :) We you had better read it then. :) The 'What Kiwi Christians think' page may be a survey results page, which will, surprise surprise, display survey results. The idea is to help NZ church leaders know what NZ Christians think about different issues. It is still in the planning phase at the moment.
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