Praying With Faith

PRAYING WITH FAITH

“Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me. And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me.” - John 11:41-42

Death is an unwelcome visitor at each home. When it comes, family members encounter untold grief and sorrow. The flood of tears give testimony of our heartbreak and loss. No home is immune to this unwelcome visitor. To us, death is more than an unwelcome visitor. We consider death to be an evil thief that has robbed us of the most precious treasure we have. Thankfully, death itself will soon be put to death. In the mean time, we must deal with the impact that this foe inflicts on us.

Jesus and His friends were no different. They had to face death and the grief it brings. Jesus loved Mary, Martha and their brother, Lazarus. After hearing that Lazarus was sick, Jesus and His disciples made the journey to Bethany. Jesus had informed His disciples that Lazarus was dead. Upon their arrival, they found that Lazarus had indeed died and had been buried four days.

The shortest verse in our Bible says, “Jesus wept.” This occurred as the Lord ministered to this grieving family. Jesus knows what it's like to grieve. He knows about heartbreak and sorrow. In fact, Isaiah prophesied of Jesus, saying that He is, “...a man of sorrow and acquainted with grief.”

Jesus went to the tomb of Lazarus and gave the command that the stone be taken away. Those at the site were hesitant to comply, knowing the body was probably undergoing the process of decay. Ultimately, they heeded the Lord's command.

At this point, Jesus prayed. The Bible says, “And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me. And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me.” Jesus prayed verbally, being heard by the crowd that had gathered.

Notice a few things about our Lord's prayer. First of all, He lifted up His eyes and prayed. On this occasion, Jesus did not kneel. While kneeling is a good position for prayer, it isn't the only posture to take. Jesus lifted up His eyes to the Father. The psalmist wrote, “I will lift up mine eyes to the hills from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord.” In challenging times, it is easy to look down. But in such moments, faith causes us to look up. When we look up, we find the answer to our problems as we seek the Lord's help.

Next, the Lord gave thanks. He thanked the Father for hearing Him. Do you ever thank the Lord for hearing and answering your prayers? How many times has God brought a miraculous answer to you … then you failed to thank or even acknowledge Him? We're tempted to only give thanks on the good days. Yet the Bible says to give thanks for all things. That means that even our worst days are days of thanksgiving.

Also, Jesus expresses His confidence in the Father when He prayed, “And I knew that thou hearest me always...” Do you have such confidence in the Lord? Do you pray with such faith? I think this may be the reason why many prayers lack power. God honors the prayers offered with faith. God is pleased with faith. We honor Him when we pray with confidence in Him.

It is easy to let prayer become a religious exercise rather a personal conversation with God. When prayer becomes a ritual, we pray without any expectations. We simply talk to ourselves. We go through the motions. Prayer is reduced to just an activity.

Genuine Biblical faith ignites prayer and give life to our time with God. R. A. Torrey used to recommend that Christians refuse to say a word in prayer until they are sure they are in the presence of God. He is right. It is possible to start praying before you are even focused on God. They are empty words, void of power.

Jesus prayed with confidence at the tomb and ultimately Lazarus came forth alive. You may argue that Jesus had reason to have such confidence since He was the Son of God. Yet we should have that same kind of confidence because we're now the children of God. Jesus has given us permission to use His Name to approach the Father. Thus, when we pray, we can have the same confidence that Jesus had.

Our confidence should not be in our prayers … but in the One we pray to. Our faith is in the promises of God's Word. He has promised to hear and answer when we pray. We can depend on Him. We should have assurance that He will do what He promised to do.

Jesus prayed with confidence … and we should, too.

Living On The Resurrection Side

LIVING ON THE RESURRECTION SIDE

“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” - Galatians 2:20

Why are so many Christians living defeated lives? Why do believers have a sour expression on their faces --- like they've been baptized in lemon juice? Some have mastered the art of complaining. Others live in fear and worry. Many seem to be motivated more by their feelings than their faith.

You see, some live as if it is pre-Easter, as if the crucifixion and resurrection hasn't occurred. They seek, in vain, to reach God through their own effort and accomplishments. Others live on the crucifixion side of life, but never get to the resurrection side. They are constantly repenting but never rejoicing. As believers, we are called to live on the resurrection side. That's how Paul lived.

Writing to the Galatians, the Apostle Paul testifies of himself when he wrote: “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” Paul was living on the resurrection side.

CRUCIFIXION WITH CHRIST

First of all, Paul wrote, “I am crucified with Christ.” When a person gets saved, his old life is crucified with Jesus. The Bible says, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” The old person dies … being crucified with the Lord. The old person and his evil ways pass away.

We must die to sin. No, I am referring to self-mutilation or suicide. Instead, I am referring to bringing your past to Calvary and having your sins nailed the cross.

Jesus taught us a lesson in John 12:24 about the need for such a death. Jesus said, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.” It was only through the death of Jesus, that we experience forgiveness. The principle He taught in this verse is applicable for us as well. It is only when we die to sin that we really begin to live and be fruitful.

RESURRECTION WITH CHRIST

Although Paul had been crucified with Christ, notice the rest of his testimony: “... nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” Crucifixion must precede resurrection.

Notice three things about living on the resurrection side. First of all, there is life with Christ. Paul wrote, “Nevertheless I live.” Just as Jesus arose on the third day, a man who is crucified with Christ will experience life. The Bible refers to conversion as passing from death to life. The life we receive is eternal in nature. It is abundant life. This life occurs because Jesus, who is life (John 14:6), lives within us. Paul wrote, “Christ liveth in me.” We live on the resurrection side because the risen Redeemer lives within us. Consider that! THE SAME LORD WHO WALK THE SHORE OF GALILEE, PERFORMED MIRACLES AND CHANGED LIVES IS THE SAME ONE WHO LIVES WITHIN US!!!! That fact should rock our world daily.

Secondly, there is leaning on Christ. Paul wrote, “... the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God.” When we live on the resurrection side, we live by faith, not by sight. Rather than being defeated by our feelings or circumstances, we live with confidence, trusting in the Lord.

Finally, there is love for Christ. Paul wrote that the Son of God, “...loved me, and gave himself for me.” Our lives become motivated by a deep love for Jesus, as we remember all He has done for us. We love Him because He first loved us.

The reason that people live defeated lives is because they aren't living on the resurrection side. The late Adrian Rogers once said, “We ought to be living as if Jesus died yesterday, rose this morning, and is coming back this afternoon.” That is living on the resurrection side!

With the old life crucified at conversion, we experience new life because Jesus moves in and lives His life in us. That is living on the resurrection side.

Water baptism demonstrates this. When a person is placed under the water, they are buried with Christ. It is the burial of an old life. The old life has died and is buried in a liquid grave. The person is brought back out of the water to live and walk in newness of life. Just as Jesus come forth from the tomb, a baptized believer arises to a new life. That is living on the resurrection side!

If we claim that Jesus rose from the dead, we should live like it!

Praying Alone

PRAYING ALONE

“And it came to pass, as he was alone praying, his disciples were with him.” - Luke 9:18

Over the past few weeks, I've written how Jesus often had times of private prayer. He had those special moments when He would pray alone. As we learn to pray like Jesus, this is a fundamental truth that we need to apply to our lives.

It is great when you can pray with your spouse. It is sweet to have family devotions and pray with the whole family. It is wonderful to pray with other believers in a small group or at church. Yet there is no substitute for praying alone. In fact, most of our praying should be done isolated from others.

I think that most prayer warriors would testify that living a life of prayer can be a lonely experience. Many want to celebrate victories with us, but few want to join us in the trenches as we pray. Most want to enjoy the product of prayer, but few wish to join us in the process of prayer.

Look at our text again: “And it came to pass, as he was alone praying, his disciples were with him.” The Bible says that Jesus was praying alone … but His disciples were with Him. How could He be praying alone if His disciples were with Him? Let me give you a few things to consider as you ponder that question.

First of all, the text seems to indicate that He was the only One praying. Although His disciples were with Him, Jesus prayed alone. Several years ago, a co-worker and I stopped in a fast-food restaurant for lunch. He was not a believer. Yet I told him I was going to pray over my food. I bowed my head and verbally gave thanks for my food. It turned out that my co-worker never bowed his head, but simply just kept on eating as I prayed. We were together, but I prayed alone. Yet how many of us have done the same thing? Someone has led prayer at a meeting, but our minds were elsewhere. Sad, isn't it?

Next, the disciples did not share in His burden to pray. If you have a great burden, it is good to ask others to pray along with you, but if they don't have the same burden, they may promise to pray but never join you at the throne room.

Also, it is possible to feel alone even though others are with you. There have been times I have felt alone even though I was in a crowd. Jesus was focused on the Father. Apparently, the disciples were not.

Jesus prayed alone. If asked, most pastors would admit that the ministry can be lonely at times. Some only call the pastor when they have a problem or complaint. In spite of the crowds that constantly followed Jesus, He knew that many only sought a free meal or hoped to see a miracle. The things that were on His heart were not on theirs. Yet at times He sought to get away from the crowds for solitude and prayer. He often prayed alone.

It seems as though the critical days of our Lord's ministry were preceded by these private sessions of prayer. Personally speaking, my greatest mistakes could have been avoided if I had prayed beforehand. Private prayers often precede public triumphs.

Perhaps no one knows about the long hours you spend in prayer. Alone on your knees, you talk with the Father. Yet there is One who knows. He's there with you. He hears your prayers. He is aware. You are never really alone when you pray.

Right now, Jesus is making intercession. He is praying for me. His presence is with me all the time. Yet I must sadly confess that there are times when my mind is elsewhere. Just like His experience with the disciples, Jesus prays and I don't. I know that Jesus is not lonely, but at times I give Him every reason to feel that way. I'm glad He doesn't neglect me like I sometimes neglect Him. I could talk with Him more often during my day, what about you?

It seems to me that if there's ever been a man who didn't need to pray, it would have been Jesus. Yet He felt the need to pray, and often prayed alone.

So should we.

Mountain-Top Praying

 MOUNTAIN-TOP PRAYING

“And it came to pass about an eight days after these sayings, he took Peter and John and James, and went up into a mountain to pray. And as he prayed, the fashion of his countenance was altered, and his raiment was white and glistering.” - Luke 9:28-29

As you look back at your Christian life, can you pinpoint three or four events that you'd consider outstanding? Such moments were life-changing. They were breakthrough moments. More than likely, you consider these days as pinnacle events. They are the highlights of your Christian walk.

Often, we use the word, “mountain,” to metaphorically describe such days. We have those “mountain-top” experiences that are unforgettable. In contrast, the low points of life are often referred to as “valleys.” We've had many of them as well.

For the disciples, one of the “mountain-top” experiences came literally on a mountain. Yet only Peter, James and John were permitted to go there with Jesus. Sadly, many believers don't experience certain blessings in life. Only those closest to Jesus are allowed to enjoy some of these experiences.

Notice what our text states: “And it came to pass about an eight days after these sayings, he took Peter and John and James, and went up into a mountain to pray. And as he prayed, the fashion of his countenance was altered, and his raiment was white and glistering.” The Bible says that Jesus went up in the mountain to pray. Most of us would think we should go up in a mountain to sing or reflect. But Jesus went there to pray. Perhaps we'd have more “mountain-top” experiences if we would be determined to pray. Prayer was the reason for this journey, yet something else was going to occur.

The Bible says, “And as he prayed, the fashion of his countenance was altered, and his raiment was white and glistering.” Jesus was transfigured before them “as he prayed.” When Moses met with God, the Bible says that his countenance shined. It makes a difference when a person meets with the Father. Notice that the raiment of Jesus was “white and glistering.” His garment was shining. It was bright. The disciples caught a glimpse of the glory of God.

A time of prayer turned into a time of glory. A place of prayer became a sight of splendor. Moses and Elijah would join Jesus for this momentous occasion. There had never been event like this one. It all began as Jesus prayed.

Let me make a confession. My prayers have not produced the kind of results His prayer did that day. Yes, God has heard and answered my prayers in the past, but my place of prayer has never become a place where Deity would meet with Old Testament men of faith. Although I've felt my burdens get lighter in answer to prayer, I can't say that the place was illuminated with the glory of God.

Of course, this was probably the only time in history such an event took place on earth. Before it was over, Peter, James & John were on their faces before the Lord. They were overwhelmed at the things they had witnessed.

Moses and Elijah, representing the law and the prophets, made a return visit to earth for just a few moments and communed with the Lord. They discussed our Lord's suffering, which would occur soon at another hill, called Calvary. The Old Testament saints were saved by faith. They believed in the Lord. They personally trusted the Lord. As one preacher once said, “They went to heaven on a promissory note.” The blood of Christ was required for the Old Testament believers. The blood that Jesus shed on the cross was sufficient for the Old Testament saints. It was sufficient for those living in the New Testament. It is sufficient for us today. By the way, if the Old Testament saints only went to heaven through the blood, what makes men think today they can go to heaven another way?

I am thankful for the times of prayer that have turned into mountain-top experiences for myself. I am glad that I can come into the throne room when I pray. There I talk with the One who sits on the throne. It is a sacred event.

No, I've never had the kind of experience Jesus had there on the mountain. Yet one day I will. One day, I will see the glorified Son of God. Moses and Elijah will be there. It was a glorious day, made possible through the blood Jesus shed for Moses, Elijah, the Old Testament saints … and me.

Like Peter, James and John, I will fall on my face before the One who sits on the throne and give Him praise.

Until then, I will go to a place of prayer and commune with Him by faith. Sometimes these meetings turn into a little bit of heaven here on earth. They are just a foretaste of what's to come.

Heaven will be a spiritual Mount Zion. When I get there, it will be the greatest mountain-top experience of all!