“...only to those who pray continuously...”
One of the questions in the Heidelberg Catechism, contains a section that explains the petitions of the Lord’s Prayer. It begins that section by asking this important question: "Why do Christians need to pray?" And the answer it gives, quite simply and profoundly, is this: "Because prayer is the most important part of the thankfulness God requires of us. And also because God gives his grace and Holy Spirit only to those who pray continually and groan inwardly, asking God for these gifts and thanking him for them."
Only to those. Only? Yes, only.
Does the confession say it too strongly? Is that really the Biblical teaching? Yes it is.
Even Jesus knew this to be true. Each of the Gospel writers show us that Jesus himself depended completely upon the encouraging grace of His Father and the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit to carry out his calling. And the primary channel that provided this encouragement and empowerment was prayer.
Jesus prayed. And prayed. Before he chose the twelve, he spent the night in prayer. Before traveling throughout the surrounding village of Galilee to preach and heal, he prayed. Before his baptism he prayed. Jesus frequently rose early in the morning and found a solitary place to pray. If Jesus had to pray....surely must we.
PRAYER
One of the questions in the Heidelberg Catechism, contains a section that explains the petitions of the Lord’s Prayer. It begins that section by asking this important question: "Why do Christians need to pray?" And the answer it gives, quite simply and profoundly, is this: "Because prayer is the most important part of the thankfulness God requires of us. And also because God gives his grace and Holy Spirit only to those who pray continually and groan inwardly, asking God for these gifts and thanking him for them."
Only to those. Only? Yes, only.
Does the confession say it too strongly? Is that really the Biblical teaching? Yes it is.
Even Jesus knew this to be true. Each of the Gospel writers show us that Jesus himself depended completely upon the encouraging grace of His Father and the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit to carry out his calling. And the primary channel that provided this encouragement and empowerment was prayer.
Jesus prayed. And prayed. Before he chose the twelve, he spent the night in prayer. Before traveling throughout the surrounding village of Galilee to preach and heal, he prayed. Before his baptism he prayed. Jesus frequently rose early in the morning and found a solitary place to pray. If Jesus had to pray....surely must we.
PRAYER
- Pray that increasingly we will take time alone with our Father to pray.
- If a regular time for personal devotions is not part of your regular routine ask the Lord to help you begin tomorrow. You can start with 10 min. a day.
- As we ask God for His gifts of grace and the Holy Spirit, thank Him for graciously providing them to us. He promises that he will! Believe His promises!