Psalms of Discipleship. Principle #33 (Prayer). September 8, 2012

Hello my dear friends! Why do we pray? Is it to simply "get" things from God and have Him at our beckoned call, or is there a greater purpose in prayer? Prayer, biblical prayer, is more than having a punch list where we check off our prayer requests. Prayer is all about intimacy between the Creator and His creation. It is not a monologue. It is a dialogue. Prayer is the "air" we breathe when we come into His presence. In today's Psalms of Discipleship we discover a man who is facing impossible circumstances. In response, he turns to the only One who has the power (and love) to help.

Praying to a Great God who answers great prayers,

Denny


Psalms of Discipleship—Principle #33

Life Principles For Those Who Choose To Follow Jesus And Live The Discipled Life

Key Scripture: 13 But as for me, my prayer is to You, O LORD, at an acceptable time; O God, in the greatness of Your lovingkindness, Answer me with Your saving truth. 14 Deliver me from the mire and do not let me sink; May I be delivered from my foes and from the deep waters. 15 May the flood of water not overflow me Nor the deep swallow me up, Nor the pit shut its mouth on me. 16 Answer me, O LORD, for Your lovingkindness is good; According to the greatness of Your compassion, turn to me, Psalm 69:13-16

Core Value: Prayer

Is your faith founded upon having life go well with you by extending to you pleasant circumstances? Is your faith in your ability to have enough faith in you? Or is your faith centered on the character of God? Is your faith directed to the One who has the power to transform you and your impossible circumstances? These are all great questions of process. For the Psalmist, he directed his prayer to the Lord. Note this: the more he talked about prayer AND prayed, the greater his testimony of faith became.

The same can be true of you as well. Look at your impossible circumstances and then look to the One who not only can work in your circumstances but who also can accomplish an even greater work . . . in you.

Principle #33 & Personal Application: Quality disciples offer their prayer for deliverance based not upon their circumstances, but upon the unchanging character of God.

• The prayer of faith is directed to the Lord.

• The prayer of faith is founded upon the greatness of the Lord’s lovingkindness.

• The prayer of faith is offered during the direst of circumstances where only God can deliver.

• The prayer of faith rests upon the kindness and compassion of the Lord.

Reflect & Respond: Some Really Good Questions To Ponder…

When I am facing seemingly impossible circumstances, how does prayer help me trust the Lord more?

As I take time and mediate upon God’s character, what are some of His qualities that come to mind?

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, may I always direct my prayers to You. May I always keep Your promises before me and may I always consider Your character when I am put to the test. May I always remember that I alone cannot deliver myself from my circumstances and that only You can help me.

The Essential Core Values Of The Quality Disciple Are…
Grace—Worship—Bible Study—Prayer—Community—Service—Evangelism

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