We recently completed a sermon series titled “How to Pray” at Life Church in Portlaoise. The final sermon included practical ways to help you pray which we would like to review here.

We know that prayer is a vital part of the Christian life, yet many of us don’t have regular times of prayer. The reason is not so much that we don’t want to pray but that we don’t plan to pray. We have not chosen a place for prayer. We don’t have a set time for prayer. We don’t have a procedure for prayer.

Prayer will change your life, your family, your community, and the world. We must pray, so let’s commit to a plan for prayer that is not just a boring ritual, but the spark to a living relationship with our Heavenly Father.

What is your PLACE for prayer?

In Matthew 6:6 Jesus encourages us to, “go into your room and shut the door” for prayer. The principle being that it is important to minimize distractions and connect with God.

Some people love to pray in their room, others enjoy praying outdoors. In this season of my life I pray when I go on walks outdoors. Maybe you like to pray kneeling at a specific chair, or pray while having a cup of tea. Years ago I had a cliff face that I would sit at for my time of prayer. I always found it interesting that John Wesley’s mother found a place of prayer in the midst of her busy life as a mother by covering her head with her apron.

We are creatures of habit, the only questions is: “Will you have good habits?” Choose a place for prayer and stick with it.

What is your TIME for prayer?

Choose a time every day for prayer. For most people the best time will be in the morning. Prayer first thing in the morning is a great way to commit your day to God.

Make enough time every day for prayer. There is no rule on how long your prayer time should be, but it should be long enough to be meaningful.

What is your biggest BLOCK for prayer?

We have an enemy that does not want us to pray. He will tempt us with sleep, with distraction and anything else to discourage us from entering into this vital aspect of our relationship with God.

Use God’s Word to fight this battle.

If sleep blocks you from prayer memorize and speak the Scripture from Isaiah 40, “They that wait on the Lord shall renew their strength.”

If distraction blocks you from prayer memorize and speak these Scriptures:

• Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. (Ephesians 5:15-16)
• And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he [Jesus] went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed. (Mark 1:35)

What is your PROCEDURE for prayer?

Prayer is more than just ASKING. If you read Jesus “Master Prayer” in Matthew 6:9-13 where he taught his disciples about prayer you will find that he includes praise of God, thanksgiving, confession of sin, along with asking.

Most of us know how to throw up prayers that ask God for things. This is not a bad thing, but if it is the only thing then we are missing out on the pattern of prayer that Jesus teaches us.

I would encourage us to take time and really emphasize times of prayer that include Praise of God. When God is bigger our prayers will become bigger in faith.

SAMPLE PROCEDURE (30 MINUTES FOR PRAYER)

PRAISE (5 minutes)

Spend time reminding yourself who God is. Some are encouraged in this by singing songs or praise, others lift their vision to God the Creator by being inspired by spending time out in nature and viewing creation.

THANKSGIVING (5 minutes)

Psalm 100 says, “Enter His gates with thanksgiving…” What are the things you can be truly thankful for in the last 24 hours?

BRING THE LIST (5 minutes)

Bring your heart-level needs and requests to God in prayer. Give God the list of things on your mind and ask for his help that you will not be anxious or distracted.

RESPOND TO GOD (10 minutes)

Open God’s Word and ask the Holy Spirit to open your eyes to read the Scripture. Consider following a bible reading plan so that you do not need to search for what to read.

As you read mark what stands out to you and respond to it.

For example: If you are reading about an aspect of God this may lead you to more praise, or asking the Lord to reveal this aspect of Himself more to you or others you know. If you are reading about a form of sin this may lead you to a time of confessing sin to God. If you are reading about a promise of God this may lead you to thank God, or ask Him to give you faith to believe this particular promise. If you are reading an exhortation to action (ie “seek to show hospitality”) you may pray for strength, courage or an opportunity to respond.

COMMIT YOUR DAY TO GOD (5 minutes)

Example: “Father, I belong to you. Make this day what you want it to be. Help me to do what You want me to do.”

May this post be a spark to encourage you in your walk with the Living God. Prayer is powerful. Prayer will change your world. Prayer can undoubtedly be a delight, but it usually must begin as a discipline. Bless you as you commit to a new venture with God in prayer.

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This morning I read Paul’s words to the Corinthian church, “…You are God’s field, God’s building.” These two metaphors for the church stood out to me as I have reflected on the last 6 months as we have transitioned into some news things in our church.

First of all, as God’s building I am thankful that James and Rachel have laid a good FOUNDATION, which is Jesus Christ. They have often reminded us to keep it “simple”. We are called to be disciples and make disciples as we live out our lives in authentic connection to God each day of the week. Structures, programs and events can be helpful, but we MUST be relentless to keep Christ central in our lives, in our home, our work, and on the streets… 

Secondly, as God’s field, I am absolutely convinced that God wants us corporately and individually to be FRUITFUL. When we think of the word “fruitful” it may seem very intangible in terms of our lives and the life of the church. But it is more tangible than we may realise. This fruitfulness can often be seen in numbers of people gathering in a local church, but more importantly it will be seen in lives changed by the power of God… minds renewed, hearts transformed and people laying down their lives in love for God and in service to others. I don’t know much about horticulture but I think I am safe to say that there are a number of factors required for a field to be exceptionally fruitful. 1) The faithfulness of the farmer. 2) The state of the soil. and 3) The weather. Each of these have something to do with how that field will be fruitful. When all of these things are working together we can be confident to expect growth. Ultimately, it is God who makes us to grow. Our job is to continue to plant seed and soften the soil of our hearts. Then may the rain of the Spirit and Light of God do a miracle that will allow us to bear fruit for His Glory. This is my prayer.

– Noel

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In Mt. 5:18, Jesus does not say, “Thus saith the Lord” as the prophets say. Rather He says “I say.” Then He spoke words of God, but He spoke them as if God and He were the same Person. He used the expression nine times in Mt. 5. By doing so, Jesus elevated the authority of His words as being of God.

“In the Name of Jesus,” is not simply a catch phrase. When said in faith, there are no more powerful words, because we are calling upon the full authority of God Himself. “Name” is from the Greek word onomos, which is translated as “the full authority that exists in the person named.”

As believers and followers in Christ Jesus, we actually “take on” His authority and speak all that is intrinsic within that authority; be it healings, deliverances, blessings or salvation. We act upon His behalf. The Holy Spirit within us moves upon our words as if Jesus, Himself, spoke them because they were spoken in authority.

By Gordon Kler

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In Roman’s chapter one, Paul informs us that there are two witnesses that will hold everyone accountable before God on Judgement Day. Our conscience and nature. These two stand testament to the fact that there is a Living God who governs all and longs for our hearts, souls, and minds.

If I were to give a summary for the whole Sermon Series, in each parable, there is some lesson or spiritual truth that directs us towards our personal responsibility in this journey of faith. It is by grace that we are empowered, but that by no means negates the part we play in our relationship with God…it should just give us a better understanding of what our part is, and more often, what our part is not.

We do not always like the word responsibility, as if it is some dirty word. Grace does not excuse us from responsibility, it empowers us for it! People empowered see God’s Kingdom come. Let me give you another word to ponder as you experience this Sermon Series (either in church or on the internet)…It is ownership.

If you own something, you tend to take care of it and make it last, keep it protected, and you make sure to get the most use out of it. Paul asks us throughout his Epistles to live alert, redeem the time (Ephesians 5:15-16), and work out our faith with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12-13). Let us, therefore, have “ears to hear” and take responsibility and ownership for what God has given us.

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This blood, the blood of Jesus, is far more than a fluid providing necessary nutrients for your bodies; it is life itself. It discharges the depleted cells and injects fresh cells essential for your well-being; his living tissue. Leviticus 17:11 tells us, “For life of the flesh is in the blood.”

Sometime ago I was engaged in missionary activity with my wife Connie and two other young men. We ministered in the northern hills of Cuzon, Philippines. We met a small wiry man who was the chief of a tribe of head hunters. In our conversation he revealed that he had cut the heads off of over fifty Japanese soldiers allowing for the escape of hundred s of America prisoners during the Bataan Death March in WWII. The culture of his tribe was blood-letting by cutting off heads of lowlanders. Through a missionary he received salvation. He now says he is a soul hunter; no longer a head hunter. Blood is now precious to him.

We ministered at a church in his village. As we called people to the altar for prayer, a pretty teen aged girl came forward. She had a huge goiter (growth) the size of a mango on her neck and chin. These growths are somewhat common in villages due to a lack of iodine in their diet.

As we ministered to her, I don’t believe any of us had a high level of faith. We plead the blood of Jesus anyways. My eyes were fixed on this huge growth. I blinked! The growth completely disappeared. The blood of Jesus overcame the natural, the physical, with its power.

This miracle occurred nearly 2000 years after Jesus blood was driven from his body by blows, lashes, and piercings. Those who reverently touched his blood at that time experienced profound changes in their lives. This spiritual blood is not limited to his crucifixion; rather is eternal awaiting our use and application today.

By Gordon Kler

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The word “give” appears in the Bible in many forms. Aponemo means to designate, show attention to, give consideration to. 1 Peter 3:7 – Peter commanded husbands to give attention to their wives. Give them honour. The word picture’s a purposeful and premeditated action by a husband to demonstrate love and appreciation for his wife; the giving of gifts of love.

The Greek word haploos is used in the context of one who is in the habit of constantly giving of himself. It depicts the gifting that is given generously, abundantly and openly. Gifts of God are given us by the Holy Spirit serve many purposes. They identify us as Christians; they build us up; they serve the Kingdom of God; and they draw the natural man to the Lord.

“Now there are a variety of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are a variety of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are a variety of effects by the same God who works all things in all persons.” 1 Cor. 12:4-6

Giving is foundational Christianity. It becomes a part of our makeup along with faith, joy, love and worship. If you don’t have and practice these qualities, call yourself something else because it’s doubtful that you are a Christian.

Gifts are given purposefully by the Holy Spirit so that we take on the nature of God – His primary attribute. Through “giving” we grow into his “likeness” and become more like Him.

By Gordon Kler

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1. “I and the Father are one.” Jn. 10:30
2. “The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own initiative, but the Father abiding in me does his works.” Jn. 14:10

Jesus was not independent in his walk. He walked as God – in God consciousness. We too walk in God – Jn. 17 – in His consciousness. In Phil. 2:5 Apostle Paul says, “let this mind be in you which is also in Christ Jesus.” In Mt. 6:33 “Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things will be added unto you.” The Kingdom of God is not a geographic or even a physical place. Rather it is a place of mind and spirit; the “mind of Christ” within us. 1 Cor. 2:16

The “Kingdom” is a place of knowing in spirit and mind. As 1 Cor. 2:12-16 states “a state of knowing by the power of the Spirit.” Knowing is the primary function of the mind. When we become one with Jesus, we take his knowing within our mind. We function in his consciousness, his life – it’s developmental.

As we walk through life, we begin to imitate his walk. Depending upon our sensitivity we learn of his passions, his personality, loves, expectations, joys and sorrows. Yes! Jesus is God, but he is not distant. He is forever in us, both here and in heaven. So our relationship is one of oneness. Oneness requires intimate knowing. Jn. 17 One can only have intimate “knowing” by being open to and by being in his presence.

So ask yourself. “To what extent do I know Jesus Christ? Am I fully given to him? To what extent do I have the “mind of Christ?” Do I desire to be intimate with Christ to the extent God wants me to be?

By Gordon Kler

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When compared to the Biblical activities and purpose of Jesus, the recordings of the movement of the Holy Spirit are constrained in both the Old and New Testament. Surprisingly, the name Holy Spirit doesn’t appear until half-way through the Old Testament in Psalm 51:11. In the New Testament the description of his activities is again limited when compared with that of Jesus Christ. This is by design for a primary function of the Spirit is to lift up and deify the Son. We, primarily, learn of him through a few books: Acts, 1 Corinthians, Romans and Ephesians.

The hear and spirit of man is changed and stimulated by the Holy Spirit for his purpose. But man often fails to understand who he is. He’s not a “ghost” (King James Bible) but a Being who is the full essence of God. He is not an “it” but has a unique, exclusive nature of God. He is not a minor member of the Godhead, but is fully God – omniscient and omnipotent. One of his primary functions is dispensing power. In Acts 1:8 Jesus said, “You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you.” He is not bound or restricted to a specific dimension of the universe. Rather he is everywhere – space world, time and the hearts, minds and spirit of man.

Everything in the universe has to have a mechanism, a chemistry, an energy for it to function, whether the sun, stars, galaxies, carrots in the ground or the heart of man. All have function and purpose initiated and stimulated by a power source – the Holy Spirit.

Yet as far as we know, man is the center, the primary focus of attention. Man is the object of God’s love, channelled through Christ and the Holy Spirit. Man was designed for fellowship with God through the enablement and instrumentality of the Holy Spirit.

The Spirit is the One, “who walks with me and talks with me and tells me I am his own…”

He lives, abides in us and fills us with his substance.

By Gordon Kler

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Choice began with your most ancient ancestors, Eve and Adam. The Creator God gave them the prime choice that would determine the course of their lives, out of his love for them. Really, only Adam had the responsibility for the choice because God had given him supervision over the garden. Did Adam know that his choice would determine the pathway of life for all of his offspring?

Except for one symbolic tree, everything in the Garden of Eden was a masterpiece of perfection. Adam had no contrary or opposing impressions to consider; only what God had made. Why then did God plan one contrary tree, called the “tree of good and evil,” in an otherwise perfect environment? Answer: Free will!!!! Without freedom to choose, love becomes soulless, duty bound when no other choice is present. God said, “Don’t touch!” Eve didn’t hear him and yielding to curiosity, took a bite of the fruit. Adam, who heard, now had a choice between supporting his mate or being obedient to God.

The result of that bite of fruit was cataclysmic. Scientists claim that “a big bang” produced the universe. Perhaps!!! However that simple bite of fruit produced a much “bigger bang” opening man to an atmosphere of sin and evil. Ephesians 5:16 says “…the days are evil.” Adam gave permission to the evil one to control the whole world. Romans 5:12-14. They fell!!!

The Lord God provided for Adam and Eve but wouldn’t allow them to remain in the garden. He sent them out into the world they had created through their choice. Again the Lord God provided a choice – two pathways.

1. Pathway of self:
a. Man is his own god – self-centred, self-indulgent, self-satisfying
b. Those who take this path wander through the swamps of their own making – self-directed path.

2. Pathway of Life in Christ:
“Put on the new self…” Colossians 3:1-17

The Tree of Life that thousands of years earlier had provided “Life” to mankind is now waiting for us in heaven so that we can eat of its fruit. Revelation 22:2

By Gordon Kler

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We were all breathed into life. Each of us take almost 2 million breaths a year, yet each of us is only a couple of breaths away from extinction. It is God breath in us that gives us life, spiritual, physical and it is God who sustains us. How wondrous!!!

The Greek word “pneuma” carries a profound range of meanings, including life, life-force, energy, dynamism and power. When “pneuma” is joined with “theo” it forms the word theopneustos.” The English word “inspiration” comes from this word. God’s breath or pneuma and his Spirit are the same. God didn’t just “breathe into” and then depart leaving the scripture and man to fend for themselves. His power continues to sustain and give vitality to his Word and to his people. God’s breath is working in all men whether they know it or not.

To ignore the Word is to ignore the Breath of God and to belittle life itself as having no value or purpose. Take a deep breath now and consider God in it.

By Gordon Kler

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