Last year we did our best as a Church Family to read through the entire Bible. This year we thought it would be wise to reduce the pace a bit, in order to facilitate a more calm and slow approach to our Bible reading. So each day of the week we will be encouraged to not only read, but also to meditate upon two passages from God’s Word. Paul teaches in Romans 10.17 that faith comes from what we hear. My prayer is that this slower, more contemplative approach to our daily Bible reading will enable us to more intentionally hear from God and thereby have our faith strengthened collectively and as individuals.
On January 2, one the passages we were encouraged to read was James 1.1-18. As I meditated on James’ introduction to his letter to the people of God who had been scattered by persecution, a few themes began to emerge and I would like to share one with you.
Neglecting Prayer is a Theological Problem
Notice verse 5. “Now if any of you lack wisdom, he should ask God, who gives to all generously and without criticizing, and it will be given to him” (HCSB). “Wisdom” in this context does not refer to knowledge or understanding, but rather an ability to live life with endurance in spite of difficult circumstances (cf. verses 2-4). So when we are faced with various trials, James teaches that trials should turn us to our knees to ask God for the wisdom to live winsomely within difficult times. Furthermore, James cannot encourage us to pray, without also reminding us of the generous and uncritical goodness of God. Faith motivates prayer. To be provoked to pray, we must know that our Father is good and desires to hear and answer the prayers of his children. In other words, prayer is the evidence that I am coming to believe with certainty that Jesus reveals to us a God who is a kind and loving Father who listens to the requests of his children. Additionally, when I neglect to pray I am revealing what I really believe – that God is not eager to hear my prayers. Are you eager to pray? Why do so few of us make it a priority to gather for prayer on Wednesdays at 6pm? Often times the busyness of the week, the cold temperatures outside or the kids’ homework become obstacles to making corporate prayer a priority. According to Jesus, small groups of praying Christians affect change within the world.
I assure you: Whatever you bind on earth is already bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth is already loosed in heaven. Again, I assure you: If two of you on earth agree about any matter that you pray for, it will be done for you by My Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there among them (Matt 18.18-20, HCSB).
May our growing understanding of God’s undivided goodness encourage each of us to be devoted to prayer.
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