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Getting back to the Great Commission; the examples in Acts are things which we will not experience unless we are out there sharing our faith. It is hard to imagine today a Phillipians 1:15 situation where there is envy for those who are "turning the world upside down" ( Acts 17:6). At least in the USA it seems the impact is minimal; and probably largely due to a fear of persecution.
Prayers such as freed Peter in Acts 12; as well as Paul's release in Acts 16:25-28 are sorely needed today; of course that involves remembering missionaries and those in bonds today ( Hebrews 13:3 which certainly sounds like something Paul would have authored).
Prayer can err on both being presumptuous as to God answering things a certain way or not being boldly presenting our petitions to His throne ( Heb. 4:16). Yes; there are times when we contend with God; such as when I would guess happened when James was killed with the sword in Acts. We shouldn't use Esau's example of praying with tears as an excuse not to have heartfelt prayer; he was only concerned with the results of his sin. Sadly; I have seen very few times when tears flow because of grief and loss; I'm sure a lot of us myself included would be greatly edified by more tears of repentance realizing how great the Father's love is for us. Therefore; praise and adulation of the Lord and His Holiness; as well as our own sad state in comparison should be something starting church services and other gatherings as a routine practice. As my friend in Pittsburgh stated a couple years back when he started early morning prayers; he was "desperate for prayer". Something needed by more believers today.
Along with knowing when to act is also knowing when to wait on the Lord. Patience is a virtue I surely need more of but it is something commonplace in those possessing mature faith and good fruit in their walk. Wrestling with God all night in prayer is also commendable like in Genesis 32:22-32
It is certainly good to have a habit of prayer and a habit of seeking examination by the Holy Spirit searching us through and through to uncover wickedness we are unable to perceive.
And, I agree that we should be selective of whom we ask to pray for us or advise us. Just become someone is a believer does not automatically qualify them as one who can be trustworthy with one's prayer needs or with giving guidance in an area of concern in our lives.
But also, for instance, here on this site many people request prayer. 'They do not know who will take up their request for prayer, or be selective of the person on this site they wish to pray for them. So, in some way, in such a situation, we do need trust God to move on people here to pray in faith for others and believe that God will bring the right persons to pray for people and their requests.
Each person should work to cultivate a strong prayer life with the help of the Holy Spirit. We are so weak minded and in our resolve. We need the Spirit's help to grow in prayer. But that said, it seems that Scripture does charge us to pray often and continually, bringing all things to God. So, we should not go a day without prayer either solitarily or in fellowship. We can know that God hears our prayers and will always give the best answer according to His wisdom and all-knowing will and vigilant heart for those who are His by faith.
This site offers the opportunity to pray for others every day. That is a blessing, especially for those of us. like me, who do not get out that much nor interact much with others in person. My circle of fellow Christians is pretty small now, but my friends in Christ are so valuable to me. And this site is helping me be more prayerful in all aspects.
As for people being strong enough to battle against our spiritual enemies and powerful wicked ones, we still can offer up a fight while asking God to intervene. He is strongest of all.
Getting back to the Great Commission; the examples in Acts are things which we will not experience unless we are out there sharing our faith. It is hard to imagine today a Phillipians 1:15 situation where there is envy for those who are "turning the world upside down" ( Acts 17:6). At least in the USA it seems the impact is minimal; and probably largely due to a fear of persecution.
Prayers such as freed Peter in Acts 12; as well as Paul's release in Acts 16:25-28 are sorely needed today; of course that involves remembering missionaries and those in bonds today ( Hebrews 13:3 which certainly sounds like something Paul would have authored).
Prayer can err on both being presumptuous as to God answering things a certain way or not being boldly presenting our petitions to His throne ( Heb. 4:16). Yes; there are times when we contend with God; such as when I would guess happened when James was killed with the sword in Acts. We shouldn't use Esau's example of praying with tears as an excuse not to have heartfelt prayer; he was only concerned with the results of his sin. Sadly; I have seen very few times when tears flow because of grief and loss; I'm sure a lot of us myself included would be greatly edified by more tears of repentance realizing how great the Father's love is for us. Therefore; praise and adulation of the Lord and His Holiness; as well as our own sad state in comparison should be something starting church services and other gatherings as a routine practice. As my friend in Pittsburgh stated a couple years back when he started early morning prayers; he was "desperate for prayer". Something needed by more believers today.
Along with knowing when to act is also knowing when to wait on the Lord. Patience is a virtue I surely need more of but it is something commonplace in those possessing mature faith and good fruit in their walk. Wrestling with God all night in prayer is also commendable like in Genesis 32:22-32
It is certainly good to have a habit of prayer and a habit of seeking examination by the Holy Spirit searching us through and through to uncover wickedness we are unable to perceive.
And, I agree that we should be selective of whom we ask to pray for us or advise us. Just become someone is a believer does not automatically qualify them as one who can be trustworthy with one's prayer needs or with giving guidance in an area of concern in our lives.
But also, for instance, here on this site many people request prayer. 'They do not know who will take up their request for prayer, or be selective of the person on this site they wish to pray for them. So, in some way, in such a situation, we do need trust God to move on people here to pray in faith for others and believe that God will bring the right persons to pray for people and their requests.
Each person should work to cultivate a strong prayer life with the help of the Holy Spirit. We are so weak minded and in our resolve. We need the Spirit's help to grow in prayer. But that said, it seems that Scripture does charge us to pray often and continually, bringing all things to God. So, we should not go a day without prayer either solitarily or in fellowship. We can know that God hears our prayers and will always give the best answer according to His wisdom and all-knowing will and vigilant heart for those who are His by faith.
This site offers the opportunity to pray for others every day. That is a blessing, especially for those of us. like me, who do not get out that much nor interact much with others in person. My circle of fellow Christians is pretty small now, but my friends in Christ are so valuable to me. And this site is helping me be more prayerful in all aspects.
As for people being strong enough to battle against our spiritual enemies and powerful wicked ones, we still can offer up a fight while asking God to intervene. He is strongest of all.
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