Monday, April 20, 2015

Part 1: The Place of Prayer

To desire revival…and at the same time to neglect (personal) prayer and devotion is to wish one way and walk another. ~ A.W. Tozer


There is a place where thou canst touch the eyes
Of blinded men to instant, perfect sight;
There is a place where thou canst say, “Arise”
To dying captives, bound in chains of night;
There is a place where thou canst reach the store
Of hoarded gold and free it for the Lord;
There is a place–upon some distant shore–
Where thou canst send the worker and the Word.
Where is that secret place–dost thou ask, “Where?”
O soul, it is the secret place of prayer!
Alfred Lord Tennyson


The prayer power has never been tried to its full capacity…if we want to see mighty wonders of divine power and grace wrought in the place of weakness, failure and disappointment, let us answer God’s standing challenge, “Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things which thou knowest not."        
 ~ J. Hudson Taylor


Part 1: The Place of Prayer


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Ask of Me, and I will give You
The nations for Your inheritance,
And the ends of the earth for Your possession.
Psalm 2:8


Soaring bird, high above the jagged landscape -- dipping, dipping, catching the currents of wind, light reflecting from his feathers all-beautiful, the sunset dancing on his back. 

The bird is prayer and the wind is the Spirit moving, directing that prayer, the rays of truth and light and grace reflecting on its golden feathers. 

Thinking over these past days on the place of prayer . . .  

In my own life, in the life of the Church, as the breath of the body of His fellowship. 

And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness. Acts 4:31

So much emphasis these days upon study--studying God's Word, learning more, storing up facts--

And study of God's Word is important -- and has its place in the life of the Church--

Study has its legitimate place. 

But Jesus never said, "Study, that you do not enter into temptation . . . "

He said, Pray

There is power in believing, Spirit-filled prayer--

And the gates of hell cannot prevail against that all-consuming, never-tiring, eternal-reaching power. 

The power of prayer. 

Prayer -- what everything else flows from, what everything else must flow from, if there is to be any power attached to it. 

What evangelism flows from . . . 

What revival flows from . . . 

What personal holiness flows from . . . 

And study puts truth into our minds. 

But persevering, believing prayer gives that truth wings. 

Sometimes we have to ask ourselves, we have to honestly evaluate--would I rather study or pray?

Prayer is difficult. Prayer is the hard work of tilling the rugged soil and waiting for the rain of heaven to pour. 

Prayer is the Elijah-altar drenched and dripping until the fire of God falls to consume the sacrifice. 

Reading the biography of George Mueller has encouraged me and opened my eyes to the place of prayer in the believer's life. 

Mueller, a very intelligent, studied man spent hours on his knees -- and this is how he spent those hours--

With the Word of God spread open before him, praying through the Scriptures, quietly listening and meditating on the Word of God. 

Mueller believed that the Word would speak to him in any given situation -- in his sermon preparation, he would wait on his knees for the Lord to open the truth to him when he came across difficult passages. 

He was a man of prayer, a man who moved heaven through his humble obedience to the will and to the Word of God. 

And Heaven moved to hear him, a man upon his knees, a man who trusted God and it was accounted to him for righteousness.

A man knitted to the Holy will . . . on his knees -- his mouth open wide that God alone might fill it. 

A.W. Tozer, another faithful, humble servant of God--

His power in preaching and writing is attributed not to his study (although he did that much) but to his prayer life. 

He was labeled at times as a recluse because he would withdraw for so long into his prayer closet.

When he arrived at his study, he would change into his "prayer trousers," a pair of worn pants dedicated to the time that he spent upon his knees -- He didn't want to ruin the suit that he needed to preach in. 

So these trousers became the testament to the hours that he spent in communion with his Father. 

Tozer loved and held a high regard for the "Mystics" because of their prayer life -- He collected their works and revered their devotion through prayer and meditation. 

D. Martyn LLoyd-Jones recalls a conversation that he had with Tozer in Snyder's In Pursuit of God

'Once', Martyn Lloyd-Jones recalled, 'Dr. Tozer and I shared a conference years ago, and I appreciated his ministry and his fellowship very much. One day he said to me: 'Lloyd-Jones, you and I hold just about the same position on spiritual matters, but we have come to this position by different routes.' 'How do you mean?' I asked. 'Well,' Tozer replied, 'you came by way of the Puritans and I came by way of the mystics.' And, you know,' said Lloyd-Jones, 'he was right.'

Tozer regarded study as a high pursuit, but revered the place of prayer, in his own life and in the life of the church. 

Tozer's biographer, James Snyder, further says of him, 

"Tozer's hunger for God led him to study the Christian mystics. Their know-ledge of God and absorbing love for Him profoundly attracted Tozer. They were spirits kindred to his own. 'These people know God, and I want to know what they know.' But at the same time, the Bible remained absolutely central."

Tozer was a man filled with the Spirit, in his personal life and in his preaching and writing because he realized the place of prayer and meditation and exercised the discipline and joy of it . . . 



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I can become so caught up at times with studying the Word of God, with filling my mind with more and more facts, that I forget the place of prayer. 


Martin Luther, the great Reformer said, "
Work, work, from morning until late at night.  In fact, I have so much to do that I shall have to spend the first three hours in prayer. "

Luther recognized the place of prayer in accomplishing any true good, in sowing any lasting fruit for the Lord. Because it is the Lord who works through us, through prayer, through His Spirit groaning and praying in and through us. 

Prayer. It has its place -- a place of prominence in the believer's life. For me to neglect it is to neglect communion with the One from whom all things flow. It is to distance myself from the Fountain, the Wellspring, the River of joy and delight. 

Study makes us dry without the accompanying grace of prayer. Prayer is the fire and the water and the breath, pouring life into our relationship with Christ, fueling heart-revival and empowering the saints.  

Part 2-- next blog post: The Importance of Prayer


You might find me on these link-ups:

Strangers and Pilgrims on EarthThe Modest MomWhat Joy is Mine, Yes They Are All Ours, Missional Call, A Mama's Story, Mom's the Word, Rich Faith Rising, Time Warp Wife, Cornerstone Confessions, Mom's Morning Coffee, So Much at Home, Raising Homemakers, Hope in Every SeasonA Wise Woman Builds Her Home, Woman to Woman Ministries, Whole-Hearted Home, A Soft Gentle Voice, My Daily Walk in His Grace, Messy Marriage, My Teacher's Name is Mama, The Charm of Home, Graced Simplicity, Children Are A Blessing, Mittenstate Sheep and Wool, Imparting Grace, Preparedness Mama, A Look at the Book, Essential Thing Devotions, Count My Blessings, Beauty Observed, Christian Mommy Blogger, Renewed Daily, Soul SurvivalGood Morning MondaysThe HomeAcre HopMommy Moments Link UpGrace and Truth LinkupFaith Filled FridaySaturday Soiree Blog PartyTell It To Me TuesdaysSHINE Blog HopMotivate and Rejuvenate Monday Link-UpA Little R&R WednesdaysTGI Saturdays Blog HopTotally Terrific Tuesday

26 comments:

  1. Thank you for admitting that prayer is hard. I thought I was the only one. You words have convicted me today which is what I need. I look forward to part 2.

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    1. Jenny, it is! Persevering, believing prayer is so difficult but at the same time, so life-giving; I know what you mean! I'm glad that you stopped by here today; God bless you!

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  2. I love this post! The quotes, the lives and most especially the call: we have to pray!

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    1. Helene, I'm so glad that it was encouraging! It is something that the Lord has really been placing upon my heart lately. It is a blessed calling!

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  3. Thank you for sharing your heart, Rebekah. In an age where watered-down drivel is the accepted norm, it's refreshing to find such well-spoken, grace-infused, "meaty" words.

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    1. You're welcome, Candy. I am so grateful to God that it was encouraging; God bless you!

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  4. Rebekah,

    What a great reminder! I find it relatively easy to study the Word, but as you said, prayer is hard work about which I need to do so much better.

    Thanks for linking on Mondays @ Soul Survival. I'm pinning on my Mondays ... board.

    Blessings,
    Donna

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    1. You're welcome, Donna! I know what you mean; I think that it is one of the hardest "disciplines" of the Christian faith, but also the most refreshing at the same time--what a beautiful paradox.

      The Lord bless you; have a wonderful week!

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  5. Wonderful reminder of the importance of prayer--I so appreciated your words. "And study puts truth into our minds.
    But persevering, believing prayer gives that truth wings."
    Thank-you for sharing what you have learned from Mueller and Tozer.

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    1. You're welcome, Carol! Mueller and Tozer's writings have been such a blessing to me! I "met" George Mueller years ago--I recently began to read more of A.W. Tozer and have been so blessed and challenged by him! Thank you for stopping by here today!

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  6. Prayer and study in balance, seeking the Truth is key! There is no such thing as praying too much, yes? Thank you for your thought provoking and encouraging post.

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    1. True, Donna! There is no such thing as praying too much! May He give us the grace to make the most of every opportunity--there are so many distractions, but He is faithful and gives His grace (even through our failings). God bless you and give you joy today. :-)

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  7. Thanks so much for posting this important message about prayer. I really want to pray but if I don't make a decision to pray then the phone rings, I have an errand to run, the laundry needs done, ect. The song comes to mind -"Shut in with God in a secret place - there in His presence beholding His face...." I really need to behold His face !!! Thanks for sharing your heart. (linked from Titus 2sday)

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    1. You're welcome, Rebecca; you are so right--we have to make the decision to set aside time for prayer--and it can be so difficult amid all the daily distractions, but He is gracious . . . I love the words of the song that you shared. May we both behold His face--blessings to you, Rebecca.

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  8. This was absolutely beautiful and encouraging Rebekah! I loved reading this and appreciated the history of the church members woven in. Thank you for sharing on the Art of Home-Making Mondays this week.

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    1. Thank you, JES! I'm glad that you enjoyed it! God bless you; have a wonderful week. :-)

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  9. Beautiful words written about something near and dear to my heart. Oh the mysteries of prayer. What a beautiful thing the Lord created when He opened this avenue for man to communicate with Him. I am thankful every day for the bond that the Lord and I have through the avenue of prayer. I used to think I had to "make" time for prayer each day, but really, once you begin to understand the power, and precious moments found in prayer, other things can be put aside so prayer becomes the highlight and focus of each day. Beautiful words, and I'm glad I've found you through A Wise Women today :)

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    1. Yes! I love the way that you worded it-- "I used to think I had to "make" time for prayer each day, but really, once you begin to understand the power, and precious moments found in prayer, other things can be put aside so prayer becomes the highlight and focus of each day." The times of prayer become so precious. Thank you for stopping by; the Lord bless you!

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  10. Bekki, this post was such an encouragement to me! Life has gotten so busy right now, and it seems my study of the Word has taken precedent over my prayer life. I, unfortunately, feel as though I need the perfect circumstances or I need to be in "right standing" with the Lord to "properly pray" and of course, life never gives us perfect circumstances, and sin seems to always be crouching at the door. I recognize this is Satan hoping to discourage me from praying.

    I read another post this week about assessing our days to find a "prayer pause". I used to have that time every afternoon, for at least an hour. But now life has changed so much, I don't have that luxury. But I need to remember that the Lord is ever-present. I can talk to Him throughout my day.

    Your post spurred me on to not miss the blessing of prayer. I was also edified when you tied together the study of God's Word and prayer by stating, that "persevering, believing prayer gives that truth wings."

    Thanks for sharing!

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    1. Oh, you're welcome, Karen! I am glad that the Lord spoke through this post! I know what you mean--your words struck home with me, too, because since I have had children, it has been nearly impossible to set aside a specific time to pray . . . I have to pray "in-between" all of the busy-ness of taking care of and nurturing two very young children, and it is a challenge. It is "funny," but one of the best times that I have to pray is while I rock Elisha to sleep and hold him for awhile while he sleeps for his nap. I sometimes think, when will I pray???--sometimes in desperation!!--but I know that the Lord has been teaching me to pray as I go along with my babies and to make the most of the opportunities that do come along. I love you, Karen--blessings in our Lord.

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  11. Rebekah thank you so much for sharing this with us at Good Morning Mondays. Thank you also for the encouragement and reminder that prayer is so important. I like that statement by Martin Luther "Work, work, from morning until late at night. In fact, I have so much to do that I shall have to spend the first three hours in prayer. " Our work and our lives would be so much better if we prayed first. Thanks again and blessings to you.

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    1. Yes, Terri, what you said is so true--that our work and our lives would be so much better if we sought the Lord in prayer first . . . so often we allow our "busy-ness" to push prayer onto the back burner . . . Lord, forgive us.

      Have a wonderful Lord's day, Terri.

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  12. Good morning! I just wanted to let you know that this post has been FEATURED this week at the Art of Home-Making Mondays! Thank you for joining in and we hope to see you this week! :)

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    1. Thank you, JES; I am so glad to hear that! The Lord bless you :-).

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  13. Yes! I took a "story-sharing" class at our church. They discussed the BLESS model of ministry. The first letter "B" stands for: begin with prayer. We'll have no idea who God wants us to reach out to if we're in a bubble. All things need to begin with prayer.

    Powerful and poetic words you've shared here.

    Thanks for sharing and for linking up to the #SHINEbloghop.

    I hope you'll join us again tomorrow.
    xoxo

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    1. Jennifer, that is so true! All things need to begin with prayer . . . God bless you; have a wonderful weekend!

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