20/11/2012 - REASONS TO PRAY

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That I may see the benefit of Your chosen ones, that I may rejoice in the gladness of Your nation, that I may glory with Your inheritance.

Psalm 106:5

The Lord taught the psalmist to pray according to God’s will because in so doing God would answer him. The same guidance is applicable to each one of us. In our journey of faith it is very important to know what our stance should be in face of all kinds of situations, but mainly when praying. So if we follow what God teaches us, we will receive a reply from heaven; after all, if we were not supposed to get an answer, why would we pray?

We must cry out to God so that we can see the benefit of His chosen ones. Now, if we are part of this group of people, why not trying this benefit as well? We have not been saved only for the Day of Judgment when we will enter the Glory; but also here in this lost world, full of ill-intentioned people, we can and we must enjoy the good things the Most High has prepared for all His beloved ones.

However, if you have prayed and have not seen the hand of God working in your favor, you have to examine yourself and see whether you have prayed in the right way, by following the direction provided by the Scriptures and not what someone says. It is also important to ponder on what catches your attention while reading the Bible or when the Word of God is being preached because these sources contain instructions that should be abided by. So, whoever despises them shall find out that they have been forsaken.

The Lord has gladness to give to His people and it surpasses any ordinary contentment that people might have. Many religious people are constantly frustrated because they do not understand the reason why they have no sense of accomplishment. Although they do everything they are taught, they see no improvement in their mood or life style and even when fulfilling to the letter what they are commanded to do, they get nothing from God.

The gladness that this verse refers to comes to our lives through the visitation of Jesus in our hearts. Only the Word of God has this power. So do not bother trying another formula in order to receive the heavenly joy, because there is no alternative to the Divine Word. When we have this feeling, our heart gets stronger and whatever we ordain in the Name of the Lord will be done by the power from on High.

Furthermore, our heritage is great. It represents our ability to destroy every weapon formed against us (Isaiah 54:17) and gives us the power to condemn every argument or every tongue that shall rise against our life. As a result, we will always be successful in the battles against the onslaughts of Hell.

So why not start to make use of your rights in Christ now? The devil knows that the moment you get up in Jesus’ name, he will have to beat a retreat. God is with all those who do His will, so be firm and do not run from any battle because the Lord is with you to give you complete victory.

In Christ with Love,

R. R. Soares