The Everyday Prayer

Re:Verse reading–Philemon 1-25 (day three)

I appeal to you on the basis of love.

The modern Western mind might view the stakes in this way: A man who had temporarily clawed out a sliver of respite from life as a subject of human trafficking could end up disappearing into a system of forced servitude in which death is the only limiting factor.  Paul’s mind was not a modern Western one.  But his spiritual and intellectual brilliance led to the rise of that mind as he helped lay the foundation for what would become Western civilization.  How did that happen?  Paul concedes that he could force the issue by any means necessary: authority, position, coercion, shame, threat.  He rejects those means, discerning that regardless of the short-term outcome, they would produce only more of the same kind of world which gave us the present moment.  Love alone is transformative.

Re:Verse reading–Philemon 1-25 (day two) I appeal to you for my child Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my imprisonment, who formerly was useless to you, but now is useful both to you and to me. vs. 10-11

Do you remember when you were applying to college, for a scholarship, or even for a job and it required a letter of recommendation? When choosing who will write letters it is most critical to get people who will sing your praises. I’m not sure Onesimus would have wanted Paul to call him “fomerly useless” in his recommendation letter. Not really a ringing endorsement.

Paul, however, understood the nature of conversion. Prior to his own encounter with Jesus, he was ‘useless’ to the church. His hostility and anger were in opposition to the work of the Holy Spirit. Then God showed up.

This is your testimony too. God has given you value that is of heavenly worth. This is the only kind you need.

Re:Verse reading–Philemon 1-25 (day one)

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” (Matthew 5:9)

Sometimes to get forward we need to go back.  Back to a broken relationship.  Back to a past wrong that needs to be made right.

After coming to Christ, Onesimus knew that he had to go back to make things right with Philemon, his former master.  Roman law had a clear position on runaway slaves.  To stay a fugitive and a felon was not an option.

And Paul was no passive observer.  He got involved.  Coaching Onesimus.  Persuading Philemon.  Like Jesus, Paul began to intercede, to mediate.

The relationships in a church ARE your business.  When the disciples argued (Luke 9) Jesus confronted it.  When brothers were broken, Paul inserted himself.  “If you consider me a partner, accept him!”–v 17

When He prayed for the church to be one, the Lord knew that we would need to help each attend to broken relationships.

Re:Verse reading–Acts 12:1-19 (day seven)

 So Peter was kept in the prison, but prayer for him was being made fervently by the church to God. Acts 12:5

…he went to the house of Mary, the mother of John who was also called Mark, where many were gathered together and were praying.  Acts 12:12

Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much. James 5:16

Prayer can indeed accomplish much.  The prayer of even one who is righteous or one who has the faith of a mustard seed can transform life, and when the church gathers together in unified prayer there is little that can stand in her way.  In our text this week the church is on her knees praying the night away, and God honors their faithfulness as I am certain God has honored the faithfulness of our praying church.  Your prayers have already made a lasting impact on my life.  All through this transition process I have felt your prayers encouraging me daily, and I know that God has already blessed our prayer together Friday night.  May God continue to bless you for being a praying church.

Re:Verse reading–Acts 12:1-19 (day five)

Acts 12:5- prayer for him was being made fervently by the church to God.

What we know about that first New Testament Church is that there were a few activities and actions that were “non-negotiables” for them- worship, bible study, fellowship, and prayer. What if the rhythm and priority of prayer bathed a Pastoral Succession  and Transition?  What if we ALL were praying with desperation and expectation?  What if we continued to Pray First and ask the Lord to help our church complete this process?  Would we demonstrate our dependence and trust in the Living God?  Would God continue to help our church for His glory and the good of our city and the nations?  Please take opportunity this weekend to join other members of our church in ernest prayer for our church, the transition process, and our co-pastors. These are exciting and important moments in the life of our church. Pray First!

Re:Verse reading–Acts 12:1-19 (day four)

This passage is about Peter’s deliverance from the chains and locked doors of prison.  The bonds of evil sought to silence his witness, but God’s power easily overpowered the schemes of man.  I have always loved the picture painted by Rhoda, the servant girl.  In her excited recognition of Peter’s voice at the gate, she forgot to open the gate!  She had a simple faith that recognized God’s rescue of Peter.  The church leaders inside praying needed more ‘encouragement’ to their faith.

How many times do we offer prayers on the behalf of others, and are then surprised when God answers the prayer?  Words are easy to say, but faith, even the size of a mustard seed, seems often difficult to exercise.  Is God able to deliver?  Yes!  Does God have a plan for redemption?  Yes!  Will He allow us to participate in His plan?  Yes!  Don’t be surprised when God works in your life…celebrate like Rhoda!

Re:Verse reading–Acts 12:1-19 (day Three)

When he saw that this pleased the Jews, he proceeded to seize Peter also.

The Bible has never shied away from shining a light on the cynicism present in the state’s attempts to cement its hold on power.  When David exploited the loyalty of a soldier and a general to cover his tracks, the Bible was there to bring you the story.  When Solomon used the institution of marriage to widen his geo-political influence, the scriptures laid it out plainly.  When Jesus called out the crafty political maneuverings of Herod Antipas, referring to Herod himself as “that fox”, the Bible’s reporting gave us a window into that tense moment.  Now, when Herod Agrippa curries political favor via persecution, the Bible faithfully takes us there.  This is what earthly powers do, the Bible tells us.  Reserve your deepest loyalties for the Lord.

Re:Verse reading–Acts 12:1-19 (day two) And behold, an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared and a light shone in the cell; and he struck Peter’s side and woke him up, saying, “Get up quickly.” And his chains fell off his hands. vs.7

This story immediately calls to mind a similar episode with Paul and Silas later in the book of Acts. As they are imprisoned their response is to pray and praise…to sing and glorify. This was their custom, not unlike Daniel whose story we studied a few weeks ago.

…and suddenly there came a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison house were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were unfastened. Acts 16:26

This very real experience for Peter, Paul, and Silas is also the metaphor for our bondage to sin. We are held, kept captive by the enemy, and closely guarded. What the enemy cannot do, however, is control our response. Whatever the circumstance, Jesus is near. Call out, let the miracle of a prison break happen in your heart. Go ahead and praise him in your captivity, and see if he doesn’t show up in a miraculous way.

Re:Verse reading–Acts 12:1-19 (day one)

“Peter was kept in prison, but prayer for him was being made fervently by the church to God.”–v 5.

It is a small word in Greek.  We saw the same this past Sunday in the Nicodemus story.  De is a “disjunctive conjunction”.  It separates.  Points out contrast or change in direction.

Peter had been arrested by Herod.  Bad!  Herod had already executed James and was enjoying his “approval rating” bump.  Very bad!  Peter was being held in a maximum security prison. The worst imaginable!  Dangerous, depressing situation.

BUT prayer was being made!   An undefeated church.  A God for whom nothing is impossible.  It ain’t over til it’s over!  So they pressed into the Lord.  Together.  On their knees.  Loud cries.  Real prayer.

“God does NOTHING except in response to believing prayer, and EVERYTHING  with it.”–John Wesley.

Most of us know what happens when we don’t pray.  Wonder what would happen if we did?