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| Many decades have passed with the invented term "making disciples," leading to catastrophic decline in those foolish enough to grasp more gimmicks and fewer Biblical insights. Lutheran clergy, who should know better, abandoned the efficacy of the Word and pursued the latest thing. The power of the Holy Spirit through the Word is energy for our prayers. |
Pastor Gregory L. Jackson
A member asked about daily prayer, so this is a basic outline, not the only one, to be followed up with a video.
KJV Mark 1:34 And he healed many that were sick of divers diseases, and cast out many devils; and suffered not the devils to speak, because they knew him. 35 And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed. 36 And Simon and they that were with him followed after him. 37 And when they had found him, they said unto him, All men seek for thee. 38 And he said unto them, Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also: for therefore came I forth.
Too Busy
My graduate students have insisted there is no such event in Mark, Jesus being told they have work to do when the disciples found Him praying. I point toward Mark 1, even Mark 1:37 to make sure they see the irony.
People find a quiet time to pray in the morning or at the end of the day, which is more favorable for prayer and not being rushed to get things done.
1.
Make the time for prayer every day, because of its many benefits and the example of Jesus Christ.
2.
Concentrate on the Savior, because the entire Bible is the Book of the Holy Spirit (Luther) about Jesus Christ and His Father. Addressing the Savior is a good way to concentrate on Him, Who is our closest friend.
3.
One way to begin is addressing the titles of Jesus, which are often ignored today - My Good Shepherd, the Son of God, born of the Virgin Mary, both man and God, Teacher, miracle worker, healing the deaf and lepers and raising the dead, dying on the cross for our sins, rising from the dead, ascending to Heaven to guide us.
4.
Expressing thanks to our Good Shepherd could include Isaiah 40, Psalm 23, and New Testament references to His work - such as John 10. Starting with thanksgiving to Him emphasizes the many blessings which are poured out on us. We should be especially thankful for His protection and for the ways in which He turns hurtful people and events into small and large miracles.
5.
Our prayers should always include a confession of sin through faith in Jesus Christ, our only access to grace.
6.
Our emotions are weak because there are so many ways in which we experience pain, sorrow, grief, and hatefulness. Prayer is an excellent way to ask for help from our Good Shepherd. As Luther said about the lost sheep, "He is as anxious for me as I am for Him." (graphic)
