Saturday, December 04, 2010

The power of prayer

God provided us with prayer as one of the tools to help us achieve our life's purpose. Jesus' teaching on prayer is precise. What are the lessons from Jesus' teaching on prayer?

* Prayers of petition show our dependence on God as supreme provider of all good things. It is a very important subject to Jesus.

* God answers prayers.

* Jesus committed Himself that prayers in His name will be answered.

What are the conditions for appropriating Christ's promises on prayer?

1. Listen and understand what God's word is saying to your need.

2. Believe in God's promise.

3. Obey the word, i.e. act on the word.

Jesus on Prayer

"Ask, and it will be given to you; search, and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For the one who asks always receives; the one who searches always find; the one who knocks will always have the door opened to him." (Matthew 7: 7-9)

"Give us today our daily bread." (Matthew 6:11)

 "Your Father knows what you need before you ask him" (Matthew 6:9)

"Set your hearts on his kingdom first, and his righteousness, and all other things will be given you as well."(Matthew 6:33)

 "And I tell you more:  whenever two of you on earth agree about anything you pray for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven."  (Matthew 18: 19)

"If you then, who are evil, know how to give your children what is good, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask for it." (Luke 11:13)

"Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to teach them that they shall always pray and never be discouraged." (Luke 18: 1-8)

"And if you have faith, everything you ask for in prayer you will receive." (Matthew 21: 22)

"I tell you therefore: everything you ask and pray for, believe that you have it already, and it will be yours. And when you stand in prayer, forgive whatever you have against anybody, so that your Father in heaven may forgive your failings too. (Mark 11:24)

"Give, and there will be gifts for you: a full measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, will be poured into your lap; because the amount you measure out is the amount you will be given back." (Luke 6:38)

"Whatever you ask for in my name, I will do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son." (John 14:13)

"If you ask for anything in my name, I will do it." (John 14:14)

"If you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask what you will and you shall get it." (John 15: 7)

"The Father will give you anything you ask him in my name." (John 16:23)

"Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, so your joy will be complete." (John 16:24)

"When that day comes, you will ask in my name; and I do not say that I shall pray to the Father for you, because the Father himself loves you for loving me and believing that I come from God." (John 16: 26-27)

Friday, December 03, 2010

God’s Plan for us


"Yes, I know what plans I have in mind for you, Yahweh declares, plans for peace, not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope."
 (Jeremiah 29:11)

What will you do if you know for certain that God has a plan for your life? I seek it till I find the plan. God's word tells us in Jeremiah 29:11 that God's plan for our welfare is a reality and that the plan is good.

Our welfare is first and foremost our spiritual welfare, that is, the eternal life that Jesus gave His life to bring us. God has a plan on how we are to obtain and enjoy this life. Our welfare also concerns our physical welfare: family, health, job, money, food and all the things we need for our life. God has a plan for each of us concerning these things.

If you are going to build a home, you need good tools and material for a solid foundation. If you are going to build your future, you need the best tools and material. God provides for our welfare through His plans. These plans are like excellent tools.  We use the tools to find and achieve our purpose in life. Some of these tools are listed below. When we use these tools faithfully, God's plan of peace and prosperity for us will unfold.

        The Eucharist

        The Sacrament of Reconciliation

        Prayer

        The Word of God

        Ministry Service

        Examination of Conscience

        Spiritual Direction