Prayers of Christ

We are coming down to the final weekend in this prayer series and I have come to realize that a person could do an entire year on prayer. David leaned on the Lord, prayed fervently and was truly blessed when his reign was firmly grounded in the Lord. King Saul started off in the right direction but when the focus shifted from the Lord to self, his kingdom fell.

Daniel and his friends relied on God for their safety and wellbeing, Paul was transformed by the power of God and became on incredible force in the spread of the Gospels throughout the Mediterranean and, from there, all through Europe. His focus started on self when he applied for the letters to persecute the Jesus cult but, in the end, Paul’s focus was on praying for the persecuted Christian followers and the church itself. A ministry grounded in prayer grew throughout the land; go figure!

“Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.”  An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him.  And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground. Luke 22:42-44 NIV 

Jesus knew what was coming and He went to His knees in prayer. The cup remained, that is, the events were not going to change but God sent help to strengthen and to be there. The stress was incredible, the strength required to overcome the turmoil was such that Christ was sweating blood. He asked the disciples to pray and yet they slept. “Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” Luke 23:34 NIV. This was the prayer from Jesus to the Father as they cast lots for the Saviour’s clothing but it could also be the plea for the disciples as they slept while Jesus fervently prayed in the Garden or as Peter denied the Son of God or for those times that I, myself, fall short and stumble.

Sunday we look at a few of the prayers of Christ and, while I say this completes the series on prayer, should Holy Spirit decide we should linger on prayer a bit more, then we will. To listen online, visit us at www.mainavefellowship.blogspot.ca.

Blessings of the Father be with us all.

Pastor Todd