June. 13th Praying Effectively VI
Bible Reading: Mat. 4:1-11
Mat. 6:13 ‘and do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen’
Jesus taught the disciples to invite God to protect them from temptation and the evil one. This is not often spoken about, but prayer includes beseeching God’s assistance against the destructiveness of giving in to sin and the devil.
Prayer is the secret place of the Most High and ‘he who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty’ Ps. 91:1. Prayer is a shield against sin and a mighty fortress against the enemy.
Pray as Jesus taught and ‘you shall not be afraid of the terror by night, nor of the arrow that flies by day, nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness, nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday. A thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand; but it shall not come near you. Only with your eyes shall you look, and see the reward of the wicked’ Ps. 91:5-8.
Be clear that God is both willing and able to preserve, protect and present you blameless. The Word admonishes us to ‘be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour’ 1 Pt. 5:8. Be vigilant in prayer; your future is too bright to be destroyed by sin or satan.
Prayer:
i. Pray fervently and ask for God’s protection against fleshly weakness, sin and satan. Eph. 5:15-17
ii. Bind every force instigating sin and authorizing satan in your community and nation. Mat. 18:18; Jer. 1:10
Thought for the Day:
Prayer is the place of purity and power