Tuesday, January 24, 2017

#85 Mighty AnswersThrough Agreeing in Prayer


Dr. Wesley L. Duewel: There are thrilling biblical examples of agreement in prayer. When Moses faced the problems of disobedient, unbelieving Israel, he and Aaron repeatedly agree in prayer.

   We first see it when the Amalekites attacked Israel at Rephidim. Moses, Aaron, and Hur climbed a hill, and Aaron and Hur upheld Moses' hands in prayer. (Moses and Aaron)
  
    This action symbolized their agreement in prayer (Exod. 17:8-16). Moses reported afterward, "Hands were lifted up to the throne of the LORD"(v. 16).

   Primarily, they were the hands of Moses, but united with Moses were the hands of Aaron and Hur.

   At Kadesh-Barnea when Israel wanted to turn back to Egypt, "Moses and Aaron fell facedown" in prayer before the Lord (Num. 14:5).

   When God was about to destroy the whole community of Israel who had rallied with Korah in rebellion, Moses and Aaron again fell facedown before the Lord (16:22). The next day (v. 45) and when Israel grumbled from thirst (20:6), we see them again on their faces agreeing before God.

   During Jesus' ministry on earth we have no proof that His disciples ever agreed in prayer with Him. No doubt Christ often longed for such prayer, especially in Gethsemane (Matt. 26:38-45).

   Most probably much of the ten days in the Upper Room were spent in united prayer. But as their prayer time continued, they most probably came to the place where they were united in the prayer of agreement for the promised Holy Spirit.

   It may well be that the Spirit delayed His coming until the 120 were totally agreed in prayer (Acts 1:14; 2:1). Certainly in Acts 4:24-31 the now Spirit-filled Upper Room group was praying in agreement.

   Peter and John prayed the prayer of agreement in Samaria (Acts 8:5-17), and many of the church missionary movement of Paul and Barnabas was launched through such a prayer meeting (13:2-3).

   Though absent in body from the church in Corinth, Paul may have been praying the prayer of agreement with them (1 Cor. 5:4).


   The Methodist Pentecost in London was obviously a time of prayer of agreement. Wesley's journal of January 1, 1739, records how he his brother Charles, George Whitefield, and more that sixty others were praying.

  "About three in the morning, as we were continuing instant
in prayer, the power of God came mightily upon us,
insomuch that many cried out for exceeding joy, and many
fell to the ground. As soon as we were recovered a
little from that awe and amazement at the presence of
His majesty, we broke out with one voice, 'We praise Thee,
O God, we acknowledge thee to be the Lord.'

 "
    [John Wesley, Journal, Jan. 1, 1739]

Used by permission of the author and Duewel Literature Trust, Inc., Greenwood, Indiana  (With Jean's impressions added)



Mighty Prevailing Prayer
#85 Mighty Answers through Agreeing in Prayer
by Dr. Wesley L. Duewel

(pp. 143 -144) Zondervan





Today's quote & Bible verse-

Jamie LeRoy SinclairJesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me."
   "This is a statement of exclusivity. And this fact is 
important to note, for this is Jesus's primary point. 
Exclusivity in this case is bad news for one who's 
hope is in oneself, sacraments, or an unjust god. 
   Such ones have chosen an unfeasible path to salvation. 
But this is also a statement of possibility.
   Apart from Christ, we have no hope of salvation (from our present selves and this present world); there is no way, no life, and no relationship with the Father. But Jesus's work on the cross has made what was impossible possible.
   This is really good news—for everyone! Regardless of what you've looked to for salvation and its lack of efficacy, there is a way to salvation; there is hope and life. That way isn't easy, but it's simple. Turn from your 'goodness', wishful thinking, and rituals...and follow Jesus."

Today's challenge-

   So, with Jamie's words in mind, do we understand that our prayers need to agree with what Jesus said about Himself? Do we agree that He really IS the only way, truth and life? If so, we can have mighty answers to our prayers!

Let's pray-
    Father, thank You that we can learn to have 
answers to prayers that are effective.
   We see that on the day of Pentecost You waited 
until all were in agreement before sending Your 
Holy Spirit to the believers gathered there.
   May we have the assurance that You're leading us
 in our praying in agreement, and to see You 
work in the lives of others who have a 
need of reviving, healing or protection.
   Knowing that Jesus is our Savior and 
Redeemer, may we ask our petitions
in His Name, and to glorify Him.
We ask this in Jesus' name, Amen.


Today's popular post-


R. A. TorreyThe great reservoir of the power that belongs to God is His own Word—the Bible. If we wish to make it ours, we must go to that Book.
Yet people abound in the church who are praying for power and neglecting the Bible... 

Upcoming posts-

#86 Revival in India
26th- Thursday's post by Dr. Wesley L. Duewel

He Promised He would Come Again
28th-Saturday's post by Lee Forbes

#87 Other Examples of Revivals
31st- Tuesday's post by Dr. Wesley L. Duewel

#88 The Dynamic of Perseverance
Feb.2nd- Thursday's post by Dr. Wesley L. Duewel

(Click to see snippets of recent posts)

Below, you have an opportunity to leave a comment,
or email me at jowildflowers@gmail.com

                          Samples of Jean's crafts



31-day Devotional 
+ Jean's testimony

[Maybe just choose a title each
day that interests you]

A sample verse from p. 42-

Too Often the Mouth
Speaks of Faith

"Have faith unto yourself and see
That others will soon know,
You have true Christianity
For Christ's love you will show."

(Published by Lighthouse Publishing 
of the Carolinas. Used by permission).

A great gift for someone who may need help 
to prepare for marriage, and for those in a
marriage, wanting some helpful advice.



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