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Ten Principles For Prayer

Most who read these lines are likely to be people of prayer. My guess is that many readers are like me and have also longed for a more effective prayer life. I’d like to offer some suggestions towards that end, but want to state up front that these principles are not my invention. They come directly from Jesus’ response to His disciples, when they asked Him to teach them how to pray. I definitely see myself as one of the learners in the crowd, earnestly beseeching the Lord for help when it comes to praying.

From Jesus’ teaching in Luke 11:1-13 we glean principles for increasing our power in prayer. Before we look at each of these, let me point out a couple of things:

  • There is always plenty of room for humility, when it comes to the topic of prayer. This is demonstrated in the request made by Jesus’ disciples in Luke 11:1. Was their desire to learn about prayer an admission to an awareness of deficiency in this area? It seems obvious that Jesus’ prayed with such power they wanted Him to teach them how to pray.
  • Learning to pray is not an intellectual exercise. Jesus response was not a long discourse on various prayer related topics and concerns. Instead, His response was to say, “Pray like this…”

Just like these disciples, listening to Jesus pray is a lesson within itself with respect to how we should pray. We observe the following principles inherent in the prayer model Jesus presented this day.

(1) “Our Father” = Approach God with tenderness.

(2) “In heaven” = Approach God with awareness.

(3) “Hallowed be Your name” = Approach God with reverence.

(4) “Your kingdom come” = Approach God purposefully.

(5) “Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven” = Approach God submissively.

Note that everything up to this point focuses primarily on the ATTITUDE of prayer. That which follows seems to place greater emphasis on the RELATIONSHIPS of the pray-er.

(6) “Give us today our daily bread” = Approach God with a sense of humility.

(7) “Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors” = Approach God with a sense of personal awareness.

(8) “Lead us not into temptation” = Approach God with an awareness of our need for guidance.

Note: James 1:13, “Let no one say when he is tempted, ‘I am tempted by God’ for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. God will never lead us into anything that He does not plan to lead you out of.”

If we are subjected directly to the source of temptation, usually the allurements are of Satan. We must, then, cling to the truths of God’s word found in I Corinthians 10:13. Here we read: “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.”

(9) “Deliver us from the evil one” = Approach God with an awareness of our need for protection.

(10) “Yours is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever” = Approach God with a genuine sense of His majesty and eternal sovereignty.

When it’s all said and done, perhaps the most important prayer we will ever pray is this: Lord, teach us to pray!

May God continue to richly bless each and every one who passes this way.

Bill Williams
Spiritual Oasis

Posted in Christian Living, Prayer.

1 comment

By Bill Williams – September 7, 2010

What’s so amazing about grace?

How many times have you sung Amazing Grace? Who really knows? Probably hundreds, if not thousands of times, right?

The song is amazing in and of itself, to be sure. Since first being published in 1779, the impact of this confessional hymn by John Newton has been phenominal. It stands as a testament to the assertion of the Apostle Paul in Romans 5:20-21 where his inspired pen writes:

God’s law was given so that all people could see how sinful they were. But as people sinned more and more, God’s wonderful grace became more abundant. So just as sin ruled over all people and brought them to death, now God’s wonderful grace rules instead, giving us right standing with God and resulting in eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. (NLT)

Of all of the things that can be said about grace verse 21 contains sufficient substance to ponder for a lifetime. Here we see:

  1. God’s wonderful grace now rules
  2. God’s wonderful grace gives us right standing with God
  3. God’s wonderful grace provides eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Let us give thanks for God’s wonderful grace!

Amazing Grace
by John Newton

Amazing grace! (how sweet the sound)
That sav’d a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.

’Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
And grace my fears reliev’d;
How precious did that grace appear,
The hour I first believ’d!

Thro’ many dangers, toils and snares,
I have already come;
’Tis grace has brought me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home.

The Lord has promis’d good to me,
His word my hope secures;
He will my shield and portion be,
As long as life endures.

Yes, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease;
I shall possess, within the veil,
A life of joy and peace.

The earth shall soon dissolve like snow,
The sun forbear to shine;
But God, who call’d me here below,
Will be forever mine.

Blessings to all who pass this way!

Bill Williams

Posted in Christian Living, Encouragement, Grace.

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2 comments

By Bill Williams – August 31, 2010

A treasured spiritual experience

The full moon tonight reminds me of a similar night several years ago. I was attending a retreat at Silver Maple Camp in Kansas. Late in the evening, we gathered outside for devotional singing. Brian Cobb led “I Just Want to be Where You Are” composed by Don Moen.

As the small group of ministers who had gathered for the retreat poured out our hearts to God in song, I felt as though I was transported to a different dimension. My heart was yielded and my spirit soared. This was one of those special spiritual moments which I have often yearned to replicate.

So, tonight, with the full moon reminding me of the beloved Son of God, who is the radiant splendor of the Father’s glory, I am so thankful I have the memory this fleeting moment to treasure as I reflect on the lyrics of this beautiful song. This simple little song still represents one my deepest longings in life. The lyrics follow. What do you think of this song?

I just want to be where You are
Dwelling daily in Your presence
I don't want to worship from afar
Draw me near to where You are

I just want to be where You are
In Your dwelling place forever
Take me to the place where you are
'Cause I just want to be with You

I want to be where You are
Dwelling in Your presence
Feasting at Your table
Surrounded by Your glory
In Your presence that's where I
Always want to be
I just want to be
I just want to be
With You

I just want to be where You are
To enter boldly in Your presence
I don't want to worship from afar
Draw me near to where You are

O my God
You are my strength
And my song
And when I'm in Your presence
Though I'm weak You're always strong

I just want to be where You are
In Your dwelling place forever
Take me to the place where You are
'Cause I just want to be
I just want to be with You
I just want to be
I just want to be
With You

I just want to be
I just want to be
With You

I just want to be
I just want to be
With You

Blessings to all who pass this way.

In Christ,

Bill Williams

Posted in Christian Living, Encouragement.

Tagged with , , .

1 comment

By Bill Williams – August 24, 2010

Three qualities for a satisfying and productive life

It was character that got us out of bed, commitment that moved us into action, and discipline that enabled us to follow through. ~Zig Ziglar

In just one sentence Zig Ziglar draws our attention to three vital qualities for a satisfying and productive life.

This reminds me of Peter’s inspired words in 2 Peter 1:3-9, ” His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.
For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins.”

If our steps are ordered by these three: Character…Commitment…and Discipline, we truly will be making every effort to have a satisfying and productive life.

(c) Bill Williams
August 11, 2010
Posted via iPhone

Posted in Christian Living, Daily Devotionals, Discipleship, Encouragement.

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1 comment

By Bill Williams – August 11, 2010

Three keys to standing firm

We encounter change in our world every day. We are changing, as well. Amidst so much shifting — so much change — we often find ourselves groping for something solid to hold on to, some solid place upon which we can stand.

Standing firm in faith has always been a challenge. It’s an idea that’s often discussed by the psalmists. Clearly, God wants us to stand firm. Those who have the heart of God for their fellow-believers want the same for one another. One of my favorite people we learn about in the Bible is Epaphras. One of the reasons I’m drawn to him is the report the Apostle Paul gives concerning him. In Colossians 4:12 he writes, “Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured.” Epaphras clearly had the heart of God for his family in the Lord at Colossae.

My heart’s desire and prayer is that all who read these lines will stand firm in all the will of God. To that end, I’d like to suggest the following passages that I believe provide three keys to standing firm. These are:

The first key is in Jesus’ words, which give insight for the many daily choices we must make that result in changes in our life’s direction. At the conclusion of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said, “24Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25the rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. 26But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash” (Matthew 7:24-27).

The second passage gives counsel for facing challenges in life that leave us reeling and wondering how we will make it through dark days which lie ahead. We sometimes feel like we are making these decisions “in the blind.” We really don’t know what lies ahead, but we must choose which path to take. At times like these I take refuge in the words of confidence and conviction expressed by the prophet David. In Psalm 23 he stated, “1The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing. 2He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, 3he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. 4Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 5You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.”

The third key passage speaks to the times in which our strength is weak and our spirits are flagging. At times such as this God speaks to our hearts through the conviction of the prophet Isaiah. His convictions are expressed as follows: “28Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. 29He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. 30Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; 31but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint” (Isaiah 40:28-31)                       

May you have the strength you need to stand firm in all of the will of God.

© Bill Williams
August 9, 2010

Posted in Christian Living, Encouragement, Life.

1 comment

By Bill Williams – August 8, 2010

I Need You Lord…

This song by Amy Grant has been running through my head a lot lately! It such a positive and comforting message. Hope it blesses you like it has been blessing me!

I need You Lord, in all I do
You’re always there to see me through
I can’t get by unless I lean on You, Lord

The Lord has a will and I have a need
To follow that will, to humbly be still
To rest in it, nest in it
Fully be blessed in it
Following my Father’s will

Your love Lord, is in my heart
You wrote it there, it won’t depart
It lights my way and keeps me out of the dark

The Lord has a will and I have a need
To follow that will, to humbly be still
To rest in it, nest in it
Fully be blessed in it
Following my Father’s will
I thank You Lord, Your word is sown into my life And there it’s grown, it’s roots go deep
Where living waters are known

The Lord has a will and I have a need
To follow that will, to humbly be still
To rest in it, nest in it
Fully be blessed in it
Following my Father’s will

The Lord has a will and I have a need
To follow that will, to humbly be still
To rest in it, nest in it
Fully be blessed in it
Following my Father’s will

To rest in it, nest in it
Fully be blessed in it
Following my Father’s will.

Posted in Christian Living, Daily Devotionals.

3 comments

By Bill Williams – May 13, 2010