Prayers

Was using this book "Reaching out to the Father" by Teresa Tay for my Quiet Time since yesterday. I learned something new about prayers today (Tay Teresa, Reaching out to the Father, 2004, pages 14-15):

"Praying for others is a form of giving; it is a part of giving of ourselves for others in order to see God's will being fulfilled in thier lives. When we pray for others, we are accpeting God's call to be partners with Him. Jesus said, 'Give and it shall be given unto you.' Praying for others puts us in a position to receive what God promises in many scriptures, such as:

'If you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and

satisfy the needs of the opressed, then your light will rise

in the darkness and your night will become like the noon

day. The Lord will guide you always; He will satisfy

your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen

your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a

spring whose water never fail.' (Isaiah 58:10)

'My command is this, love each other as I have loved you.

Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down

his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do as I

command you.' (John 15:12-14)

It is indeed a privilege to pray for others! Let's rememer to uphold our family, friends, church, workplace/school, community, nations and the world in our prayers.

An Invitation to Pray

I believe prayers shape a large part of our Christian life. Christians should be people of prayer. Romans 12:12 says that we ought to be "patient in affliction, faithful in prayers". We are to "devout ourselves in prayers" (1 Cor 7:5).

Below is a poem "An Invitation to Pray" taken from the book "Reaching Out to the Father" written by Teresa Tay. My mum gave this book to me.

An Invitaiton to Pray:
The Mighty One looks down from heaven
His eyes filled with tears
This is the world He created
Yet many know Him not
His heart is grieved to see evil everywhere

The Lord pondered from heaven
Waht shall I do with these people
With His heart of mercy and love
He wil march out like a Mighty Man
Like a warrior He will stir up His zeal
With a shout He will raise the battle cry

Awake, My peoole, awake
Come with Me on your knees
Humble yourselves and pray
Seek the Lord while He may be found
Repent of your sins and I will hear
The Lord will lift up His banner to the peoples
And triumph over His enemies
You will say to the captives 'Come out'
And to those in darkness 'Be free'
You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace

Such is the inheritance of the Lord
When they take heed to pray
Today as you hear His call to pray
Rend your hearts to Him and say
We will go on our knees
Till Your Kingdom come Your will be done