Thursday, April 26, 2012

Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!

I completed a series of lessons on prayer last night. I spent several weeks looking at different prayers in the Bible and providing principles of "Praying the ____________ Way." The different "ways" were Jericho, Mount Carmel, Babylon, Gethsemane, Jerusalem, Philippi, and Patmos. I hope to one day write the studies in a good format for other churches and individuals to use.

Last night's "way" was the Patmos way. Among other things, we talked about the last words of Jesus in the Bible and John's response.

Jesus said, "I am coming soon."

John replied, "Amen. Come, Lord Jesus."

Jesus made a promise. John prayed based on the promise.

Are your prayers based on God's promises? Where will you find them? You can't remember them all so you'll have to pray with your Bible open (eyes, too!). Try praying that way for a few days. Read God's word and pray based upon the promises you find.

The Bible says that God will never leave you or forsake you. You can pray claiming that promise as you face a difficult situation or are going through a lonely time.

The Bible says that God will forgive your sins when you confess them. You can pray claiming that promise when you feel guilty of sins you've committed.

The Bible says that you can cast your cares on God and he will sustain you. You can pray claiming that promise when you are feeling anxious.

Think about this: prayers based on God's promises is the same as praying according to God's will. And if you ask anything - according to his will - he answers. God will always keep his promises and prayers based on those promises are powerful prayers.

Take notes during Bible studies and sermons so you can pray those promises back to God. Read God's word each day and pause to pray the promises back to him.

Prayer should echo God's promises.

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