The Power, Purpose, and Mission of Prayer



 The Power, Purpose, and Mission of Prayer

By Rev. Dr. Russell M. Morrow

John Chapter 17

Prayer, dear friends, is not just a mere act of communication; it is our direct line to God, a channel through which we pour our desires, joys, and sorrows. It is a comforting truth that whenever we reach out to God, He is always there, listening attentively to our every word. Indeed, Jesus himself, in his earthly journey, exemplified the profound importance of prayer.

Jesus's prayer life was extraordinary. In the quiet moments of the morning, on mountain slopes, and even in the darkness of night, he sought communion with his Heavenly Father. His example, documented in Mark and Luke, reveals a deep intimacy with God that sustained him through every trial and challenge, culminating in surrender on the cross.

In the prayer recorded in John 17, Jesus speaks directly to the heart of his disciples, expressing gratitude for their companionship and interceding for their protection, sanctification, and unity. His words resonate with a profound love and care that extends to them and all future believers, including us.

As we ponder this prayer, let us draw strength from its timeless truths. Firstly, in moments of adversity, let us find motivation and comfort in the knowledge that Jesus prayed for us. Secondly, let us allow his desire for unity among believers to shape our attitudes towards division, fostering love and reconciliation within our community. Thirdly, let us be inspired to pass on the legacy of faith to future generations, sharing Christ's love and hope with all we encounter.

As we continue our faith journey, remember that Jesus's prayer confirms God's enduring love and mission for us. Let us embrace this unity in our daily interactions, knowing that God grants us the strength and guidance we need to fulfill his purpose.

May this time of reflection deepen our understanding of prayer's power, purpose, and mission as we journey together in faith and love. Amen.

Let us Pray: Heavenly Father, we are blessed and thankful to know that Christ Jesus is at your right hand, interceding for us. We thank you for equipping and empowering us to live well in this world of chaos as we travel on the road of life to eternal life with you. Amen

 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Embracing God's Immutable Love

Image
  Embracing God's Immutable Love Scripture Reading: Mark 3:20-35 By Dr. Russell M. Morrow On St. Johns Island, near Charleston, South Carolina, the magnificent Angel Oak tree, estimated to be over 400 years old, has withstood the test of time, enduring countless storms and environmental changes. Its sprawling branches offer shelter and refuge to all who seek its shade, standing as a testament to resilience and endurance. Just as this ancient oak remains steadfast and unyielding, God's immutable love has endured from the beginning of time through every age. In our scripture reading, we witness Jesus facing significant challenges. His family thought He was out of His mind due to the intense demands of His ministry, and the scribes accused Him of being possessed by Beelzebul. Despite these false accusations and misunderstandings, Jesus responded with patience and explicit teaching. He dismantled the scribes' claims by explaining that a divided house cannot stand and emph...
Read more

A New Year Greeting from Russell & Elaine Morrow

Image
  Happy New Year, Beloved Family, Friends, Church Family,  Colleagues, and Coworkers, to All Who Read this Letter. As we resume the rhythms of everyday life now that we have crossed the threshold to the new year of 2024, we leave behind the diversity of life experiences in 2023 that ranged from joy to sorrow, a baby’s first cry and a loved one’s last breath, and the tension between the yin and yang of human relationships that is manageable for some and intolerable for others. Yet, the manifestation of God’s love is present all around us and has maintained a stronghold amid the chaos of “man’s inhumanity to man.” As difficult as it may be, there are always reasons to give God thanks and praise for who he is and what He has done and continues to do to reveal his justice, love, grace, mercy, healing, and restoration. For example, we see this in the 2023 iteration of Alice Walker’s “The Color Purple Musical.” For the followers of Christ - Protégés of Jesus, the true meaning of...
Read more

Get A Piece of the Rock

Image
Get A Piece of the Rock By Rev. Dr. Russell M. Morrow Text: Psalms 61 This Psalm of David was set in the background of David's trouble as King of Israel. King David is in big trouble,   He is in exile from Jerusalem in defense of his kingdom.   His nation was divided. And his son Absalom was killed by his soldiers. All this was the result of family problems based on David's sin with Bathsheba that seemingly put a curse on his family, specifically his children. So, he prays to God: Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer. From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I, for thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy. I will abide in thy tabernacle forever: I will trust in the covert of thy wings. Selah. This passage reminded me of the Prudential Life Insurance Company and their famous logo of The Rock of Gibraltar in Southern Spain on the Mediterranean Sea. Are you ...
Read more