Such a great article! How we fall on our knees and faces in prayer is vital to how we will be able to walk through any trying situation or temptation. I think it's interesting that you said many times we see falling as defeat, but with Jesus, this posture was preparing Him for victory. The second part of the verse in Matthew gripped my heart as I thought about the concept of having the faith to fall first. When He went back to the disciples, He said, " Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak!”
The posture of their weak and fleshly bodies was slumped over and asleep, but Jesus, as Spirit, modeled what it looks like to not grow weary in prayer because it determines how we overcome temptation. He did it in the wilderness, and again in the garden ❤️
Loved the question: "What if how you start determines how you finish?" Perhaps I recognize that subconsciously, but how great is it to ask question that intentionally before our prayers.
The thing that really jumped out to me is the invitation to actually bend a knee in prayer. Literally, not metaphorically. It ties into something I learned on Thursday from a well known pastor who prays on his knees at the outset of the message. Every single time he explains to the listener the "why" of doing it this way. It is both a physical reminder of God's majesty, and yet, a sign of the privilege we have in the relationship. He goes on to say that the relationship of prayer is "actual and not transactional", but kneeling keep him in the proper alignment of humility and service.
Just a great reminder that we never have the fullness of when, how and where to pray on lock-down.
I recently heard this information that I thought was very interesting....
If anyone knows if this is true, please let me know..
The Book of James, in the New Testament, was not written by the James that was Jesus' disciple,.. as in "Peter, James, & John"
I was unaware of that interesting fact, as well as the fact that the author of the Book of James, this person told me this week, was Jesus' earthly brother!!!
Is that true??!!
This James was known as "camel knees" becaise he spent SO much time on his knees praying (or in a heart posture of praying, for those of us with bad knees.. ) that he had such large calluses he gained a reputation of "camel knees "
And, ... another thing, along this topic... lolol...
Pastor, your article goes right along with 2 Chronicles 20:1-30... I've really been into that for battling the enemy this fall!!!
Prayer, fasting, surrendering in humility, standing FIRM in my faith, and... worshipping my way through the battle, for the battle belongs to the Lord!!!
Many of you in this community have indicated that you are servants in a Christian ministry of some sort. I would like to encourage ya'll, if I may...
Over more recent years, I have heard some that are in ministry, voice their frustration at those who, by outward appearances, are "just being consumers."
I'm sure in every organization, religious or otherwise, there are true consumers of a service or product. I am not arguing that fact whatsoever.
HOWEVER.... may I present a different perspective ....
The Apostle Paul made an excellent point of asking, "am I pleasing man, or God?!?!"
Jesus explained it even further about what is seen by Father God is much more important than what is done in front of others!! It pleases Father God's heart to know that what we do in our private, secret prayer closet is more important than what we do out where people can observe us.
Could it be, that some of those who are being judged as "just a consumer" could be those who are filling their worship tanks for the expressed purpose of pouring their time, energy, and,... themselves out to God in intercession prayer before Father God during the week for the very prople who judge them falsely???
If what brings Father God so much joy is being in our secret prayer time, than that is exactly what we need to seek. If Father God is happy, than I am happy....
So my advice to those who seem a bit frustrated at those of us who appear, by outward appearances, to just be consumers....
Wow, that's some good solid meat, right there, Pastor!!!
Thank you,.... preach it!!!!
I LOVED what you said, "Jesus fell to His knees to pray in the garden, but the devil would fall to his knees in defeat on resurrection morning " that is song worthy!! Give that line to Pastor Kevin!! Lol, I love it!!
I wrote that one in my journal!!
You're so right!! There is such power in prayer, in connection with the Trinity!!! In relationship, in communion with Him!
This is a topic I am exceptionally passionate about!! (Just sayin', in case you didn't notice, lololol)
I noticed, a few years ago, that in the NKJV, which isn't my normal go-to, that Mark 9:29 includes, "with prayer and fasting."
Sometimes I'm not sure if we Christians that realize the power behind prayer and fasting, really encourage newer Christians to engage in that discipline.... just something that nudges me sometimes to testify about. Maybe it's something that we shy away from to avoid the pride element.
What we do in our private prayer closet, needs to stay there... yet at the same time, we want to encourage others with tools that they may not truly realize their potential for. That is a balancing act, for sure, isn't it?
Such a great article! How we fall on our knees and faces in prayer is vital to how we will be able to walk through any trying situation or temptation. I think it's interesting that you said many times we see falling as defeat, but with Jesus, this posture was preparing Him for victory. The second part of the verse in Matthew gripped my heart as I thought about the concept of having the faith to fall first. When He went back to the disciples, He said, " Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak!”
The posture of their weak and fleshly bodies was slumped over and asleep, but Jesus, as Spirit, modeled what it looks like to not grow weary in prayer because it determines how we overcome temptation. He did it in the wilderness, and again in the garden ❤️
Loved the question: "What if how you start determines how you finish?" Perhaps I recognize that subconsciously, but how great is it to ask question that intentionally before our prayers.
The thing that really jumped out to me is the invitation to actually bend a knee in prayer. Literally, not metaphorically. It ties into something I learned on Thursday from a well known pastor who prays on his knees at the outset of the message. Every single time he explains to the listener the "why" of doing it this way. It is both a physical reminder of God's majesty, and yet, a sign of the privilege we have in the relationship. He goes on to say that the relationship of prayer is "actual and not transactional", but kneeling keep him in the proper alignment of humility and service.
Just a great reminder that we never have the fullness of when, how and where to pray on lock-down.
Great thoughts Art.
It's an unmistakable posture! That's for sure!
I recently heard this information that I thought was very interesting....
If anyone knows if this is true, please let me know..
The Book of James, in the New Testament, was not written by the James that was Jesus' disciple,.. as in "Peter, James, & John"
I was unaware of that interesting fact, as well as the fact that the author of the Book of James, this person told me this week, was Jesus' earthly brother!!!
Is that true??!!
This James was known as "camel knees" becaise he spent SO much time on his knees praying (or in a heart posture of praying, for those of us with bad knees.. ) that he had such large calluses he gained a reputation of "camel knees "
Wow!! A bit of trivia for ya all this morning!!
Have a good week!
Blessings,
And, ... another thing, along this topic... lolol...
Pastor, your article goes right along with 2 Chronicles 20:1-30... I've really been into that for battling the enemy this fall!!!
Prayer, fasting, surrendering in humility, standing FIRM in my faith, and... worshipping my way through the battle, for the battle belongs to the Lord!!!
Just sayin'.... again....
Winning our battles??
Psalm 44:3
I'm reading a book right now that talks about God's face shining upon us.... because He is delighted with us.
Jesus said, I believe in John 15, that if we love Him we will remain in Him and obey His commands.... love can be shown by how we delight in Him....
This book is talking about all the Bible verses that mention God's face shining on His people...and how it brings us JOY.... it's pretty cool!!
Just thought I'd share....
2 Corinthians 4:6
Psalm 4:6-8
Psalm 31:16
Psalm 44:3
Psalm 67:1
Psalm 80:3, 7, 19
Numbers 6:24-26
Just to name a few
Have a blessed week!!
Many of you in this community have indicated that you are servants in a Christian ministry of some sort. I would like to encourage ya'll, if I may...
Over more recent years, I have heard some that are in ministry, voice their frustration at those who, by outward appearances, are "just being consumers."
I'm sure in every organization, religious or otherwise, there are true consumers of a service or product. I am not arguing that fact whatsoever.
HOWEVER.... may I present a different perspective ....
The Apostle Paul made an excellent point of asking, "am I pleasing man, or God?!?!"
Jesus explained it even further about what is seen by Father God is much more important than what is done in front of others!! It pleases Father God's heart to know that what we do in our private, secret prayer closet is more important than what we do out where people can observe us.
Could it be, that some of those who are being judged as "just a consumer" could be those who are filling their worship tanks for the expressed purpose of pouring their time, energy, and,... themselves out to God in intercession prayer before Father God during the week for the very prople who judge them falsely???
If what brings Father God so much joy is being in our secret prayer time, than that is exactly what we need to seek. If Father God is happy, than I am happy....
So my advice to those who seem a bit frustrated at those of us who appear, by outward appearances, to just be consumers....
Just be happy!!
Someone is interceeding for you!
Blessings,
Sorry, one more thing (I told you this topic is a passion of mine!😊)
I learned 5-6 years ago, that just sitting in His presence and listening for His voice,.... can be exceptionally beneficial...
Just sayin'
https://youtu.be/Ef52AmdVwYI?si=7cfcgk_d5NfI5oSz
Wow, that's some good solid meat, right there, Pastor!!!
Thank you,.... preach it!!!!
I LOVED what you said, "Jesus fell to His knees to pray in the garden, but the devil would fall to his knees in defeat on resurrection morning " that is song worthy!! Give that line to Pastor Kevin!! Lol, I love it!!
I wrote that one in my journal!!
You're so right!! There is such power in prayer, in connection with the Trinity!!! In relationship, in communion with Him!
This is a topic I am exceptionally passionate about!! (Just sayin', in case you didn't notice, lololol)
I noticed, a few years ago, that in the NKJV, which isn't my normal go-to, that Mark 9:29 includes, "with prayer and fasting."
Sometimes I'm not sure if we Christians that realize the power behind prayer and fasting, really encourage newer Christians to engage in that discipline.... just something that nudges me sometimes to testify about. Maybe it's something that we shy away from to avoid the pride element.
What we do in our private prayer closet, needs to stay there... yet at the same time, we want to encourage others with tools that they may not truly realize their potential for. That is a balancing act, for sure, isn't it?
Great word this morning, Pastor, thank you!