Praying Through...and Sin Not!

Praying Through...and Sin Not!

Author: Pastor H. Bill Coker
October 30, 2020

Scripture:

 
“Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord in ceasing to pray for you; but I will teach you the good and the right way;” (1 Sam. 12:23; NKJV). “love our enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you;” (Matt. 5:44; NKJV).
 

Reflections:

Do not allow the shortcomings of life or the offenses of others, to prevent you from making effectual prayers unto the Lord for them. “Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord in ceasing to pray for you” (1 Sam. 12:23; NKJV). It is the human tendency to abandon those who especially have caused us pain and offenses. But the Lord commanded us to, “love our enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you;” (Matt. 5:44; NKJV). This is a hard thing to do: To love, to bless, to do good and to pray for those who have caused you pain and frustrations? These qualities are unfounded in the heart of the one who has incurred hurts and pain from others and situations. Our Lord calls us to administer these grace gifts to all people, no matter their situations in life. Remember that people who hurt others, are people who of themselves have been hurt by others. In our local parlance we say that hurt people; hurt people. Today, I empower you to stop these ill-trends. Break free from the cycle today and administer this special oil of grace, through loving, blessings, good works and praying fervently for others.
 
The second part to these things must not be limited to our declarations, but we must move to demonstration. In other words, show without malice or grudge that you mean what you say. So start by putting it in action. You know, love is not a matter of sentiments alone, but one of a practical concern. Blessings, effectual prayers, and positive regards for the well-being of others, must extend not only to good friends, but enemies alike.
 
Our Lord Jesus was offended upon the cross, because of our sins. But from His cross, He made a very profound statement, which I believe is the common thread throughout this devotional. Listen! Jesus said, Father, forgive them for they know not what they do. Wow! Can you be a reflection of Christ’s love, blessings, good works and prayer for those who have caused you pain and frustration; those who have utterly offended you? My dear brother and sister, rather than retaliations or ill-wishes, look for opportunities to render grace to them through teaching them the good and right way. “… but I will teach you the good and the right way.” Begin to see others the way Jesus sees you, and hear others the way Jesus hears you, then and only then can you reach out and touch others the way Jesus would touch you and forgive others the way Jesus has already forgiven you. Invite the Holy Spirit to imbue you with a heart of compassion, whereby you are able to allow your heart to reach through your hands as you touch and bring healing to others. Dear ones, your blessings are the greatest when you minister grace from your pain and with an attitude of grace. So pray fervently and continually for other, lest you sin against the Lord. Hold your peace and the Lord will fight your battles.
 

Points for Contemplation:

1. How do you approach prayer in times of distresses and frustrations?
 
2. The fog and friction of the moment prevents you from persevering through in prayer. You are blinded by the moment. Who do you trust to stand with you until your breakthrough?
 
3. To cease from praying is to sin against the Lord. What does this mean to you?
 
4. What are you willing to lay down so that you can take at least one little step to the place of forgiveness? What have you identified as a hindrance to your progressions in a wholesome way?
 
5. Do you have a trusted agent that can stand with you in prayer until you can pray effectual prayers for others?
 
6. Release all your frustrations and pain to the Lord. Leave it all at the foot of the cross and persevere to love again; to bless again; to administer good works again and by God, with all that lies within you, to pray fervently again in Jesus name. Is this your desire?

 

Prayer:

Eternal Father, you are strong to save and it is by your mighty hand that we are made strong and are sustained to face the distresses and offenses we encounter in life. Forgive me for remaining stagnant in administering the grace gifts to all. Today, I will truly relinquish to you my hurts and pain and frustrations from the offenses of my enemies and situations that have prevented me from serving you in truth. Uphold me by the power of your precious Holy Spirit, who is more than able to empower me with the gift of the anointing, so that I can forgive, love, bless, administer good works and pray fervently for all people. Thank you for your example; that you were willing to pronounce forgiveness for my life of sin, an offense that caused you to hang upon the cross from which you pronounced my forgiveness. Help me from this day forward to be a reflection of your great grace to others, especially those who have offended me. Grant me the wisdom to teach others the good and the right way that will bring glory and honor to your holy name. I pray these petitions in the matchless name of Jesus Christ my Lord, who takes away the sin of the world. Amen.
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