A little book called "HOW TO PRAY - The Best of John Wesley on Prayer" has some really profound thoughts on prayer and I'd like to share one with you today.
Praying always with all power
and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful...
with all perseverance...for all the saints.
-Ephesians 6:18 NKJV
The description of the whole armor of God shows us how great a thing it is to be a Christian. The lack of any one thing makes us incomplete. Though one has his loins girded, has on the breastplate, his feet shod, the shield of faith, and sword of the Spirit, yet one more thing is needed: praying always. At all times and occasions, in the midst of all actions, inwardly "praying without ceasing." "By the Spirit" - through the influence of the Holy Spirit. "With all prayer" - all sort of prayer: public, private, mental, vocal. Do not be diligent in one kind of prayer and negligent in others; if we desire our petitions answered, let us use all. Some use only mental prayer, thinking it is a way of worship superior to any other. But it requires far more grace to be enabled to pour out a fervent and continued prayer than to offer up mental aspirations.
"Supplication" -repeating and urging our prayer, as Christ did in the garden; "watching" -inwardly attending on God, to know His will, gain power to do it, and attain to the blessings we desire. "With all perseverance for all the saints" -continuing to the end in this holy exercise that others may do all the will of God and be steadfast. Perhaps we receive few answers to prayer because we do not intercede enough for others. -"From How to Pray: The Best of John Wesley on Prayer, published by Barbour Publishing, Inc. Used by permission."
I hope you will join hostesses Charlotte and Ginger on their beautiful Spiritual Sunday site to post your prayers, songs, poems and thoughts along with many others and to do that go HERE.
I'm personally striving toward these goals and I pray I will be blessed in so doing.
18 comments:
Thanks for sharing some of John Wesley's wisdom with us. Prayer is such an important part of our Christian walk.
I love John Wesley's writings and thank you for sharing those great reminders. Prayer is something we must do before we even venture into anything. God bless and have a wonderful Valentine's weekend.
A wonderful post, Jean! I love John Wesley's writings and always glean much from them. Thank you for sharing and Happy Valentines Day to you. Have a beautiful Sunday.
Blessings,
Sandi
Wonderful sharing!
I've heard it said "pave the road with prayer before traveling". I admit that too often, I travel before I pray.
Thank you for sharing this timely reminder.
Blessings and Happy Valentine's Day.
great post. Happy Valentines.
It's such a privilege to pray. Thanks for the inspiring words from John Wesley.
Fantastic post.
This was a great post and reminder about the power of prayer. John Wesley's wisdom blesses me soo much. Have a wonderful Valentine's Day. Sweet blessings, Debbie
Thank you for this powerful post! Prayer truly is where the "action" is.
I have not read this book, but it looks like it is one I should most certainly put on my list! Thanks for sharing. ~
Great thoughts on prayer. This is helpful. Thank you.
Thanks for sharing these wonderful thoughts on prayer. Hope you are having a great day.
Charlotte
A wonderful post,Prayer is so important !
Happy Valentine's Day !
Blessings,
~Myrna
I feel that praying is one way that I grow with the Lord and makes me feel like he is with me even more. What a perfect post!
God Bless,
Ginger
Great insights for us to ponder...Thanks and God bless.
Pretty intense but rightly so as should put our hearts into our relationships with God. Thanks for sharing!
I strive to speak frequently to God, but often neglect Him.
Post a Comment