As we continue in our time of Crave, I am again reminded of how comprehensively the spiritual disciplines are interconnected. As we discussed in the Crave Sermon Series, we cannot truly fast without prayer. I think we get that concept, and we’ve experienced that reality over the last 2 weeks. But there is another similar reality…we cannot truly pray without worship.
Oswald Chambers talked about it this way: “Worship and intercession must go together, the one is impossible without the other…Too often instead of worshipping God, we construct statements as to how prayer works. Are we worshipping or are we in dispute with God – ‘I don’t see how you are going to do it.’ This is a sure sign that we are not worshipping.” – taken from My Utmost for His Highest
As we approach the remembrance of our Lord’s death and the celebration of His resurrection, there are many things to pray for; but there are also many things to worship Him for. I pray you are you doing both?
Psalm 95 says:
The sea is his, for he made it,
and his hands formed the dry land.
Come, let us bow down in worship,
let us kneel before the LORD our Maker;
for he is our God
and we are the people of his pasture,
the flock under his care. [Psalm 95:5-7]
Let’s continue to gather before His throne in prayer and worship as we near the end of this corporate time of self-denial, prayer & study.
Also…Hope you can join us Friday night at 7:00 PM at any Heritage location for our Good Friday Services.
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When you pray how do you pray? Who do you pray for?
In the face of a painful crucifixion, Jesus prayed for Himself, His disciples and you. Yes! He prayed for you! Chapter 17 contains that prayer. He specifically prayed that you and I would:
– Be one [v.21]
– Be in Him and believe He was SENT [v.21]
– Have complete unity so that the world will know He was SENT [v.23]
Jesus placed a lot of emphasis on unity and oneness. However, this sadly is often a problem for believers. We frequently compromise unity for a cause, an idea, a loyalty or even an opinion; but we are called to live lives marked by love and unity. We are to “forgive as the Lord forgave [us].” [Colossians 3:13] Look at what verse 14 says:
“And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”
Is there an area of you life today that lacks love and unity?
Is there a relationship that needs forgiveness to ensure its survival?
If so, take time to reconcile. Seek forgiveness, or extend forgiveness so that we can have “complete unity to let the world know” that God SENT Jesus and He loves them.
