With - prayer

Philippians 4:4~7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (6~7)

♬ Hymn for scheduled worship: Korea/ English Hymnal #288 Blessed Assurance, Jesus is Mine (#204 in previous version)

When the people of God in the Bible encountered a crisis, they did not seek other methods. Rather, they realistically believed that God was with them and by praying as they looked towards God they tasted the great answer of discovering His hidden plan. Out of all the promises in the Bible, realistically enjoying the content of God’s greatest promise that He will be with us is prayer in and of itself. Then what must we do in order to enjoy this blessing and mystery of prayer?

1. The spiritual state of absolutely receiving answers

Before receiving prayer answers, we must first acquire the spiritual state through which we can receive answers. First and foremost, meditating upon the Word is the strength to restore one’s spiritual state. When you deeply meditate upon the Word, healing takes place and you will acquire the spiritual state to pray. Second, it is concentration. In Acts 2, for 10 days, the disciples held on to this mystery of concentrating in prayer in Mark’s upper room and as a result, great works arose. This concentration bespeaks of focusing on God. When this takes place, even if you don’t try to pray, you will have the strength to enjoy 24-hour prayer in any circumstances.

2. Enjoying the answers of above

The children of God are citizens of heaven who have the background of heaven. Therefore, we must discover the important value of the Gospel to the extent that we do not chase after the materialistic goods and success of the world but rather consider them rubbish. We must receive the answer of enjoying what is in God’s hands and looking towards the reward of heaven.

3. The answer of saving the things on earth

Despite encountering problems or situations that try to break us down, we must not struggle to resolve these issues in a quick manner. Even if it takes a longer time, we must use the opportunity to enjoy the spiritual facts and hold on to the mystery of the answer of Christ, the authority of the Holy Spirit, the background of heaven, and the fight against the forces of darkness and with that, save the things on earth. Although we may not be able to see with our eyes, enjoying the blessings of “with” will allow us to discover the answer that prepares us to save the world.

Forum Topic

Prayer is a channel for me to feel closest to God. Examine your spiritual state and seek what it is that prevents you from enjoying the blessings of “with” and concentrated prayer.

New Believer Retreat Lecture 2 / 2013.8.13