Jesus taught his disciples to pray during his sermon on the mount [Matthew 6:9-13]. Here is that same prayer, including some truths from the rest of the New Testament’s epistles.
Explorers take their resources and discover uncharted worlds. That is true of ancient Greek and Roman armies, Spanish and Portuguese sailors, and modern-day astronauts. There is a verse of scripture that demands our exploration, for it opens new and brilliant vistas of understanding and practical, spiritual life.
Last night I remembered a couple of old hymns we sang in my childhood going to Roman Catholic mass. They are “Shepherd of Souls in Love Come Feed Us,” and “O Sacred Head, Surrounded.” I can still sing most of the lyrics because we repeated them during many Sundays [and some weekday masses at the RC school I attended] in my youth. They do show a love and appreciation for what Christ has done for us.
The American musician and singer Janis Joplin wrote a song called
My prayer today is “open my eyes that I may see.” I’ve learned that I can “get moving” into the day without seeking God’s advice. That usually doesn’t turn out too well. I think of Joshua doing the same kind of thing. After defeating and taking the city of Jericho in Joshua chapter 6, he sends out spies again. This time to the city of Ai.
A Christian hymn says “Take it to the Lord in prayer.” The Bible shows us how prayer is a wonderful resource that the Father gives us to do good in this life. It is all through Jesus Christ, His Son.
I was recently delivered from the hand of my enemy, the Devil, and I would like to tell you about it.
I read this in the Bible this morning. It seems to me an apt commentary on our times.
Proverbs 29:16:
When bad men are in power, then crime increases; but good men shall yet gloat [rejoice] over their downfall.
This has been the case in America in recent years. Those leaders who turn from God and His truth cause crime to rise. When these unscrupulous fall, good men rejoice that once again they have freedom.
Please read this last chapter from James’ letter all the way through. It is from the Lamsa translation of the Aramaic and has good insight for our lives.
God wants us to love and trust Him, as a small child confides in parents. That open-hearted communication with the Father is called prayer. Jesus showed us how to pray.