Monthly Archives: March 2008

Motivation to Pray

Posted on by
2

There is no need to rush off into allegations of imbalance.  Without question some verses on prayer have been abused by people teaching weird doctrines.  This one may even get the prize for “most abused”.  Still, if we ever needed a motivation to pray, the following words of Jesus have to rank among the best.

And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.” – Matthew 21:22 (NKJV)

Christ wants us to pray.  He says this to encourage us to pray.  The main reason behind this encouragement is likely that the Father desires to answer our prayers and Christ knows that better than anyone.  He wants what is best for His people and, therefore, He wants us to pray, asking things, believing, so that we will receive. 

Psalm 61

Posted on by
Reply

In the midst of this week of prayer and fasting that we’re taking part in as a church, let these words of the psalmist David be an encouragement to you as you pray.

Psalm 61
To the Chief Musician. On a stringed instrument. A Psalm of David.

1  Hear my cry, O God;
Attend to my prayer.
2  From the end of the earth I will cry to You,
When my heart is overwhelmed;
Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.

3  For You have been a shelter for me,
A strong tower from the enemy.
4  I will abide in Your tabernacle forever;
I will trust in the shelter of Your wings.  Selah

5  For You, O God, have heard my vows;
You have given me the heritage of those who fear Your name.
6  You will prolong the king’s life,
His years as many generations.
7  He shall abide before God forever.
Oh, prepare mercy and truth, which may preserve him!

8  So I will sing praise to Your name forever,
That I may daily perform my vows.

A French View of Scripture

Posted on by
Reply

I’m not very familiar with the French Confession of Faith, and I suspect I’m not alone.  Nonetheless, it apparently has some real gems within it.  For example:

We believe that the Word contained in these books [viz., the Bible] has proceeded from God, and receives its authority from Him alone, and not from men. And inasmuch as it is the rule of all truth, containing all that is necessary for the service of God and for our salvation, it is not lawful for men, nor even for angels, to add to it, to take away from it, or to change it. Whence it follows that no authority, whether of antiquity, or custom, or numbers, or human wisdom, or judgments, or proclamations, or edicts, or decrees, or councils, or visions, or miracles, should be opposed to these Holy Scriptures, but on the contrary, all things should be examined, regulated, and reformed according to them.”

… The French Confession of Faith, article V. [1559]

This was quoted in The Christian Quotation of the Day, which I invite you to check out for yourself.