November 30, 2017

HOW TO PRAY ALL NIGHT OR IS IT EVEN POSSIBLE...


The science of Bible interpretation is known as hermeneutics. There are laws of interpretation that lead to a better understanding of what Scripture is saying. One such principle is to take into consideration certain cultural matters when trying to understand the Word.

One phrase in Jesus’ life that has always caused guilt in my life is this: …”It was at this time that He went off to the mountain to pray, and He spent the whole night in prayer to God”  (Luke 6:12).

An entire night in prayer? This has often shamed me. While challenging me it often shames me because I have never done that. And, furthermore, I can hardly manage an entire hour let a whole night praying. I try to imagine myself out on a mountain trying to be Christ-like and praying, praying, praying. Honestly, I could not do it.

However, upon reflection, I realize Jesus’ prayer with the Father was a two-sided affair. Unlike us, Jesus could audibly talk back and forth with His Father. He didn’t need the Bible to know what the Father said. They simply talked with one another. Being one in essence and being they were omniscient except that Jesus in his humanity seems unknowing in some instances. But two-sidedness of their fellowship is noteworthy. When I learned this I realized that I COULD spend a night in prayer because I would take my Bible to a mountain spot (or that comfortable quiet room at the far side of the house) read it and ponder it, address the Father, read some more, talk to my dear heavenly Father, read and pray, read and pray, grab a cup of coffee or hot chocolate and then go back to reading the Word (God talking to me) and praying (I talking to God). Yes, I can see myself doing that if I was on good terms with the Lord. I might well have to take a nap sometime the next day, but I think such an experience would prove to be a rich blessing, especially in times of great need or urgency. It would be quiet and uninterrupted. What endearing fellowship with my Maker and Savior that would be.

In a similar vein, sometimes the point is made that Jesus and great saints through the years arose a great while before day to pray. This too easily convicts of shallowness in prayer.  But it is wise to stop and realize a cultural element to be considered. The old timers had no electricity and probably 'turned in' to sleep at a much earlier time than many do nowadays. Those oil lamps could annoyingly  flicker and be rather dim. After awhile one would readily shut off the lamp and head for bed. It was far too bothersome to stay up too late.  This makes a huge difference. If I go to bed later I will need to sleep later to get an acceptable amount of sleep. Therefore, getting up too early isn’t always such an acceptable habit in the twenty-first century. Of course, at the same time, it wouldn’t hurt some of us to turn in earlier in order to get up earlier for an uninterrupted time and the quiet needed for a quality time with our dear Father. But in today’s busy world it may well be more suitable to designate another time in the day for a meaningful prayer time, especially for someone on a night shift.

I share the above ideas that have helped me not to be unnecessarily troubled when I don’t or can’t comply with the examples of Jesus and the great saints of history.

None of the above should be construed to minimize the need for much time and discipline in prayer and in the Word. I merely want us to avoid unnecessary guilt trips which can be used of the evil one to frustrate us.

dc


November 26, 2017

A CURIOUS ASPECT OF PRAYER...



A CURIOUS ASPECT OF PRAYER... "You who remind the Lord, take no rest for yourselves; And give Him no rest..." (Is. 62:6,7)

Does God need reminding? Prayer apparently "reminds" God of whatever we may previously have brought
 to Him, but not that He ever forgets anything. He can't. God never learns anything new or forgets anything old. Everything is an eternal 'present' to Him. But perhaps we remind Him in this sense: that our request brings a matter to the forefront of His mind for His special consideration and response. If this be the case is this not an additional incentive for prayer? When Samson was in deep trouble he "called to the Lord and said, 'O Lord God, please remember me and strengthen me just this time..." (Judges 16:28). And God did!

My child may ask and ask for something he dearly wants. I have that firmly in mind but let it slide to the back of my mind because now is not the time for a wise response. Then one day he asks and now is the right time and so I respond. But I may not have except that once again he brought it to my readied attention. 

All this reminds us that prayer is answered in God's time, not ours. Spurgeon remarked, "Let your fleece lie on the threshing floor of supplication till it is wet with the dew of heaven." 

"You who remind the Lord, take no rest for yourselves."


dc

November 18, 2017

JESUS' ARDENT PRAYER LIFE....NO MATTER HOW BUSY!


Without a doubt, today's church needs more agonizing (in prayer) and less organizing (in yet more programming).

Here's a verse about Jesus' prayer life: "It was at this time that He went off to the mountain to pray, and He spent the whole night in prayer to God" (Luke 6:12).

Was Jesus busy? Certainly. Just a cursory reading of His life tells us that. He was famous. The crowds were always coming at Him. But, "at that time" He went off to pray. This was an INTENTIONAL prayer time. Do I intend to pray each day? Do I have seasons of prayer scheduled in?

Did Jesus have a prayer closet? He didn't even have a house. And so, He found a place - "off to the mountain."
It was quiet. He was uninterruptedly alone with His Father. He was INSISTENT in pursuing a quality place for prayer. 

Was Jesus satisfied with merely occasional and quick prayers? We call such ejaculatory praying. It's praying on the run or in the midst of busyness. And such brief praying is surely acceptable and to be engaged in. Paul may have had such in mind when he admonished us to pray without ceasing. Nehemiah prayed this way and often. The renowned Rowland Hill liked this kind of prayer because, as he said, "it reached heaven before the Devil could shoot it down." But Jesus didn't stop with this (and probably Nehemiah didn't either). However, on this occasion, and probably often, "He spent the whole night in prayer." While a drop of prayer can bring an ocean of mercy, an entire night in prayer allows an ocean of fellowship with one's heavenly Father. Such is INDEFATIGABLE or resolute prayer. Martin Luther said "Prayer is the sweat of the soul." 

A preacher with the unusual name of Christmas Evans colorfully remarked: "Prayer is the rope up in the belfry; we pull it, and it rings the bell up in heaven." Jesus' concept of prayer was deep in the conviction that therein He laid hold of His Father in heaven. He prayed often, long and fervently. 

Do I? Do we? 

dc