Prayer is more than 'just' asking

Last week I shared some thoughts about prayer and I included the message from General Brian Peddle with a call to prayer (1). If you read last week’s entry, you are likely to remember that I asked you to reflect on this verse during the week:

Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.
Luke 11:9-10

Bible-readers will be familiar with these verses, but many think that they are three expressions of the same matter - a so-called 'pleonasm'. I think this presumption is a fallacy. Already in the first teaching about prayer, Jesus gave a clear message that prayer is much more than plain asking. Unfortunately, our prayers are very often limited to asking God for something. However, prayer is also about

Seeking

I really dislike seeking for things I cannot find, but I love to discover new things. Therefore, it becomes much more interesting to think that: Prayer is to be on a journey of discovery, and on this journey, I will all the time find discover new things that are important for my development. I learn more about God and more about myself. Moreover, prayer is about

Knocking

Jesus was very concerned about perseverance - also in prayer. The parable of the persistent widow is a typical example (2). I have often used the illustration of a game I sometimes played together with other kids when I was a boy – the name of the game was a rhyme in Norwegian, and I suppose the translation "knocking and mocking" will work in English. We simply knocked on a random door, ran, hid and imitated the look on the person's face when he understood that he had been tricked. Not very nice, but fun for kids…

Prayer is knocking on the God’s door and remaining by the door until it opens. In many ways, knocking takes place on both sides of the door (3). It is also part of praying that the Lord will enter the door of my heart. Fortunately, he too is persistent!

‘Manna’ for today:

I will keep knocking!

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(1) 'I believe we need to be ready for what God wants to do with us and through us. This is a call to prayer, a call to holiness and a call to be "battle-ready" now. There is an urgency to this call that cannot be ignored. Men, women and children need Jesus.'
(2) Luke 18:1-8
(3) Revelation 3:20 Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.
NB - this reflection is linked to General Brian Peddle's "Call to Mission - NOW"

Do you know what prayer is?

It may be that some will think: 

‘Doesn’t everyone know what prayer is’?

If you ask me if I know what prayer is, my answer is: ‘Yes, I know a little bit’. The reason why I only know a 'little bit' is because the subject of prayer is boundless. I have so much to learn about prayer and contemplation through living close to Jesus, and I also learn from other believers from the whole spectre of denominations.

For me the journey of prayer has been long and a journey of exploration and it is not finished yet. When Jesus walked together with his disciples towards Jerusalem, the disciples faced a situation they could not handle. So when they asked “Why couldn’t we?” – Jesus replied:

“…this kind does not go out except by prayer…”
Matthew 17:21

Jesus gave this as part of the reason why the disciples ‘could not drive out’ a demon. Earlier in their ministry the disciples had been with Jesus while he was praying. Afterwards one of the disciples said: “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.” (1)

Jesus answered by teaching them the Lord's Prayer. I shared three reflections from this prayer in the Advent-season, and will return to elements from this prayer later. However, after teaching the disciples the prayer, Jesus continued:

Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.
Luke 11:9-10

Please keep these verses in mind this week. I will return to them next week.

‘Manna’ for today:

I have always more to learn about prayer

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(1) Luke 11:1
NB - this reflection is linked to General Brian Peddle's "Call to Mission - NOW"

Advent – more to wait for!

When I last week asked the question “What am I waiting for?” – I answered “Your kingdom come!”.
Of course this links very well with the forthcoming celebration of the coming of the King of kings.

However, it must not stop with the celebration of the coming of Christ more than 2000 years ago; or with the coming of Christ in and through his body of believers today. Until Christ returns at the end of time, what I will be waiting and longing for is covered in the prayer:

“Your will be done!”
Matthew 6:10

The good news about what the will of God is, was made known by the angel at the birth of Jesus:

“a Saviour has been born to you!”
Luke 2:11

The whole purpose with “Christmas” was to give the world a Saviour so that “whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life”(1). When the first Christians prayed the Lord’s prayer, they knew that the greatest desire of God is that: “God our Saviour, … wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth”(2).

When I am waiting for God’s will to be done, it is a challenge when I already know what his will is. It would be simpler if I didn’t know and could ask him what it was. I cannot ask him to save the world, because he has already done it. The challenge is that so many people in the world do not know this truth. When I know the will of God and that he has already done his part, I am the closest one to do something with what I know. When I in advent-expectations pray: “Your will be done!” it is very likely that solution is found in the

‘Manna’ for today:

Sometimes I have the key to the answer to a prayer in my own heart.

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(1) John 3:16b
(2) 1 Timothy 2:4

How do I unwrap the gifts of the Spirit?

When I was baptized in the Spirit at the age of 16, I wanted to share this blessing with as many as possible. Therefore, I said to the Lord: “If you want me to tell the Army about this, you need to give me an opportunity to do so at the territorial congress next summer!” 

– I did not tell anybody about this agreement, and even though I have been involved in many congresses since I was 16, I have only once been asked to give my testimony. It happened the ‘next summer’. In 1973 I stood in large sports-hall testifying to the big crowd about what I had received and that it is available for all believers. “He has already given it. However, the gift has to be unwrapped!” was my message 45 years ago, and it is still the same.

If you have already accepted the fact that the gift has your name-tag on it, you are already moving towards the process of unwrapping the gift. The day I surrendered my life to Jesus and in doing so also was determined that this was a lifelong commitment, I was convinced about one thing:

“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
Luke 6:38

In my understanding this was very straight forward. If I gave Jesus my life, he would give me his. If I gave him my gifts, he would give me his. If I forgave, he would forgive and so on (1).

It was just a matter of starting on the journey of exploring. I read about how other people had received the gift of the Spirit and I realized that they were very ordinary people, just as I am. It fitted the biblical image of the first disciples as very ordinary, and of the very human people making up the first body of believers as portrayed in Acts of the Apostles and Paul’s letters.

After having accepted that this is for me, the next step is to count it as an integral part of my new life in Christ. One simple example: 

If I am in Christ and he is in me, it means that when I pray for people and lay my hands on them, the hands become the hands of Christ. It is a new way of thinking; it is part of the unwrapping of the gift of Spirit.

‘Manna’ for today:

Walking in the Spirit is an ongoing journey of exploration.

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(1) The Lord’s prayer – Matthew 6:12

What they did - a time for everything *

NORSK
What they did may seem an obvious thing to do, but actually it was an initiative that the disciples took themselves:

They all joined together constantly in prayer
Acts 1:14

In reflecting over what the disciple did right while they were ‘waiting’ - because it was ‘waiting’ Jesus had asked them to do (1), it becomes evident that prayer became their central focus. And ever since it has been one of the cornerstones of the Christian faith and practise. The eleven who failed to watch and pray for one hour with Jesus now spent the ‘waiting time’ praying. ‘Waiting” for the Lord is a form of prayer in itself, and the waiting gives power (2). Although it may sound like a lot to pray for ten days, it does not feel that way for those who do it.

I have several times participated in 24/7 prayer-weeks. Before I did my first one, I thought it was an impossible task, but it was good to set aside time to seek the Lord in this a way. Praying is waiting and waiting is praying.

‘Manna’ for today:

Choosing prayer is never wrong!

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(1) “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised” Acts 1:4
(2) but those who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength Isaiah 40:31
 * 'A time for everything' is connected with the Bible's teaching about a 'season for every activity' Eccl 3 This series is about the teaching in the time between Easter and Pentecost 

He does it anyway ... - a time for everything *

NORSK
Today, I return to the theme of ‘praying in the name of Jesus’, because it is important, and because Jesus returned to the theme himself:

In that day you will ask in my name. I am not saying that I will ask the Father on your behalf.
John 16:26

I think Jesus primarily is speaking about the fact that after ‘that day’ we have direct access to Father. After ‘that day’, his role as a ‘mediator’ is not necessary in my interaction with God. For, as Paul wrote: “A mediator, however, implies more than one party; but God is one” (1). The role of Jesus as a mediator was necessary for my salvation and my new life in Him. However, where the new life lives, there is direct access to the whole deity - Father, Son and Holy Spirit, in Jesus’ name.

Nevertheless, it is comforting and good to know that:

Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.
Rom 8:34b

Even though I do not need to use him as a mediator, he still continues to intercede for me. The Spirit does the same, and ‘in the name of Jesus’, my spirit can pray together with them ‘through wordless groans’ (2).

‘Manna’ for today:

In the name of Jesus: ‘wordless groans’. Amen!

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(1) Gal 3:20
(2) Romans 8:26
* 'A time for everything' is connected with the Bible's teaching about a 'season for every activity' Eccl 3 This series is about the teaching in the ime between Easter and Pentecost 

A new recipe for prayer – a time for everything *

NORSK
When the disciples asked Jesus to teach them how to pray, he gave them the prayer today named: “The Lord's Prayer”. 

The 'new recipe' does not reduce the content or position of this prayer, cherished and used by Christians worldwide. On the contrary, it reinforces “The Lord’s Prayer” and any prayer prayed in accordance with this charge:

Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.
John 16:24 

This verse is taken from the passage in which Jesus told about the post-resurrection period.

On the cross Jesus opened the way to the Father. All Jews knew that any human who entered into the presence of God would die. So Jesus died for us so that me so that could enter into God’s as already dead with Christ. However, also risen with him as a new creature with the to pray to the Father in Jesus’ name.

Therefor I approach my Holy God and Father as dead in Christ and in his name I can stand alive in front of His throne and pray "Our Father!" and utter all the prayers and praises I may carry in my heart. That is joy, complete joy. 

‘Manna’ for today:

I pray to the Father, in the name of Jesus, Amen!

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* 'A time for everything' is connected with the Bible's teaching about a 'season for every activity' Eccl 3 This series is about the teaching in the ime between Easter and Pentecost

No more questions? - a time for everything *

NORSK
In the passage I have studied during the last few days, Jesus gave room for many questions, and I think Jesus liked when the disciples asked questions.

I am also convinced that it is healthy that questions are asked in the world of faith. Questions open up for conversation and discussion, and I think that the conversation is at least as important for building faith as the preaching is (1).

However, when Jesus prepared his disciples for the time after the resurrection, he said:

In that day you will no longer ask me anything.
John 16:23a

There are at least two possible interpretations on this statement:

1. Jesus knew that much would fall into place for the disciples after the resurrection and that the Holy Spirit would give the disciples a new insight.
2. In this context, 'ask' is not related to having queries and asking questions but rather to the act of praying.

There are several reasons why I prefer the second interpretation.

• Firstly, Jesus continues to speak of prayer: Very truly I tell you, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.
• Secondly, Jesus had completed his mission and given all believers access to the Father. That is the way we are going to pray. More about this tomorrow.

‘Manna’ for today:

I know whom I will 'ask'!

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(1) When Paul stayed in Ephesus, the conversation had an important place in his mission and with great effect: He took the disciples with him and had discussions daily in the lecture hall of Tyrannus. This went on for two years, so that all the Jews and Greeks who lived in the province of Asia heard the word of the Lord. Acts 19:9b-10 
* 'A time for everything' is connected with the Bible's teaching about a 'season for every activity' Eccl 3 This series is about the teaching in the ime between Easter and Pentecost

Knowing what agreement is - a step on the journey

NORSK
I have always argued that the agreement is not a prerequisite for unity. The reason is that unity endures disagreements, because unity is about something that is more and bigger than to be in agreement in a specific case. I know many Christian leaders with whom I experience a strong unity despite of the fact that we have different views in some matters of faith.

Nevertheless, there is an area where it is also important to be not only in unity but also in agreement. It is very clear in this teaching on the journey up to Jerusalem:

“Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”
Matthew 18:19-20

As a young Christian I often heard the adults speak about the importance of ‘praying things through’. Eventually, I understood a little more of what this means. Sometimes I can find that prayer is a real fight. In such cases it is good to know that there are some who agree that ‘I will fight this battle together with you until we have an answer’. As often is the case when I write my blogs, I feel the desire to write much more about the subject, but this is only a small step on the journey. I believe it is possible to have unity despite diversity in opinions, because that is also the prayer of Jesus:

I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one — I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity.
John 17:22-23a

This unique unity will be strengthened through consensus in specific prayer subjects. I've experienced this many times, and when it happens, it confirms that Jesus is really with us.

Today 'manna':

Agreement in prayer brings results

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Knowing what prayer is - a step on the journey

NORSK
It may be that some will think ‘Doesn’t everyone know what prayer is’? 

If you would ask if I know what prayer is, my answer is: ‘Yes, I know a little bit’. This is because the subject of prayer is boundless, and I have so much to learn about prayer and contemplation through living close to Jesus, and I also learn from other believers from the whole spectre of denominations.

Jesus touched many important topics when he taught his disciples as they walked up to Jerusalem, and I have constantly repeated that it does not take only one, but many steps to get to grips with each subject. It's definitely so when it comes to prayer. For me this journey has been long and it is not finished yet.

“…this kind does not go out except by prayer…”
Matt 17:21

Jesus gave this as part of the reason why the disciples ‘could not drive out’ a demon. Earlier in their ministry the disciples had been with Jesus while he was praying. Afterwards one of the disciples said: “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.” (1)

Jesus answered by teaching them the Lord's Prayer, and continued:

Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.
Luke 11: 9-10 (2)

Bible-readers will be familiar with these verses, but many think that they are three expressions of the same matter - a so-called 'pleonasm'. I think this presumption is a fallacy. Already in the first teaching about prayer, Jesus gave a clear message that prayer is so much more than 'just' asking, which very often will be what we limit our prayers to. However, prayer is also about

Seeking

I really dislike to seek for things I cannot find, but I love to discover new things. Therefore, it becomes much more interesting to think that: Prayer is to be on a journey of discovery, and on this journey I will all the time find discover new things that are important for my development. Moreover, prayer is about

Knocking

Jesus was very concerned about perseverance - also in prayer. The parable of the persistent widow is a typical example (3). I have often used the image of “Knock and run!” a game we sometimes played as children. We knocked on an unknown neighbour’s door, ran and hid.
Prayer is knocking on the door and remain by the door until it opens. In many ways, knocking takes place on both sides of the door (4). It is also part of praying that the Lord will enter me. Fortunately, he too is persistent!

‘Manna’ for today:

I have always more to learn about prayer

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(1) Luke 11:1
(2) Matt 7:7-8
(3) Luke 18:1-8
(4) Rev 3:20

Prayer for salvation

NORSK

Last Thursday I skyped with Marit Dehli who is a journalist in the Norwegian ‘War Cry’. The reason for the call was an experience I had when I told about the "Prayer for salvation" at a Whit sun Convention in Tana (very far north in Norway) in 2013. Magna and I were there as keynote speakers, and during the day as we were waiting for the next session to begin, I took the opportunity to promote the ‘War Cry’ (1) as a tool for evangelism.

“I've actually heard about several people who have read the magazine and have been saved through praying the ‘prayer for salvation’!” I said. 
An elderly woman interrupted me and said:
“Yes, that happened to me!”
“Are you telling me that you came to faith, prayed the prayer published in the ‘War Cry’, and therefore you are saved and are here to celebrate Whit sun?" I asked.
“Yes!” she replied with a smile and beamed with joy.

I have heard similar stories when I've been traveling and it can be a great asset to find written words as a help to shape a prayer, particular when you are alone. Even more important than the words of the prayer is that the prayer comes from the heart.

Here is the prayer that is published in all editions of the War Cry – a procedure that has been in place for many years:

Jesus, you have said that everyone is welcome to you, and now I want to come. 
I know that you gave your life to atone for the sin of men, and I believe that you died for me.
I ask forgiveness for what I have done wrong. I know you came to open the way for me into God's presence, and I understand that I need you.
Thank you for loving me, both because of and despite of who I am.
Thank you for coming into my life and help me to believe and to live.
Thank you for saving me now and giving me your blessing.
Thank you, Jesus!  
Amen.

And here is the Biblical guarantee that you have been heard:

Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.
John 1:12

'Manna' for today:

Thank you, God, for your salvation!

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(1) I like to advertise for the War Cry at any time – however, in 2013 the War Cry was also part of my responsibility. I was proud to be part of the publication of such a good product.

To know that someone is praying…

NORSK
I know of many people who do not confess faith, nevertheless they are very grateful that there is someone who is ready to intercede on their behalf. Although I have an intercessor by the throne of God (1), it is so good to know that there are someone praying for me here on earth as well. 

It must have been a great encouragement for the young Timothy to know that his mentor was constantly praying for him:

I thank God, whom I serve, as my ancestors did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers.
2 Timothy 1:3

Intercession is important in many contexts, but is a vital element for success in mentoring in a Christian context. The principles of mentoring are the same both in a secular and a spiritual sphere, but in the Christian context, there is also the transmission of experiences that are not of this world. In another letter Paul used considerable space on this subject:

We do, however, speak a message of wisdom among the mature, but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. No, we declare God’s wisdom, a mystery that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began.
1 Corinthians 2:6-7 (2)

Intercession is important as an expression of care, but it is also a recognition that the mission is about far more than the proclamation of doctrines and rules of conduct, it is about spreading of God’s life on earth. This can only happen in spiritual way.

‘Manna’ for today:

There is someone there praying and knowing why!

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(1) E.g.: the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.
Rom 8:26b-27
(2) It may be helpful to read the entire 1 Corinthians 2

Instructions on prayer

NORSK
Paul gave instructions to Timothy about how he should perform his ministry. Some were general, others quite detailed. I am unsure if the instructions come in random order, because I cannot see a pattern in e.g. a falling rate of importance. The fact that instructions on prayer come first, is interesting, but not a surprise. Prayer was very important for Paul. Timothy had personally witnessed this when he travelled on Paul’s second mission team.

Still, I think it is the universal focus that makes Paul give this instruction first. It is the very core of Paul’s values: The gospel includes to all:

I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people - for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Saviour, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.
1 Tim 2:1-4

Several years ago I was together with musicians from Drammen brass band and "entertained" at Buskerud County's Christmas lunch for politicians and administration. As part of the "entertainment" I was invited to share a brief Christmas reflection. In doing so, I thanked them for all they did to make the county a good place to live. "I know there are many who complain" I said "but we are also many who pray for those in authority, and I will pray for you again today." So, I prayed for the county mayor and the head administrator by name, and for all the others present and for all they had done and would do to serve the inhabitants.

When I said "Amen", a strange calm had filled the big hall, and it was one of these sacred moments. The County Mayor, who was chairing the event, cleared his throat, and said something like this: "Hmm, this was special - I do not think anyone has ever prayed for me before, and if some of you are wondering what I think about it, I must admit that it feels really good". The head administrator came with a corresponding confirmation.

The Gospel includes everyone – that is why Timothy was instructed to pray for all people. That is something I also want to be involved in!

'Manna' for today:

No one will be excluded from my prayers!

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* Drammen Band in concert three weeks after the visit to the County's Christmas party.

It is about God's Kingdom

NORSK
One of the greatest changes I have seen in the faith communities in Scandinavia over the past 40 years, is the shift from a congregational focus to a Kingdom focus. In our own movement this is also seen in the fact that officers are not any longer appointed to a corps, but to a town or city. I believe that this is in line with God's desire for the world. It is seen in the Lord's prayer, which makes it clear that holiness and kingdom are closely linked:

Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come...
Matt 6:9-10a 

God trusted his people to establish his kingdom through:

• law – but it did not work
• judges – but it did not work
• kings – but it did not work
• prophets – but it did not work

It only worked when God got involved through incarnation!
The word became flesh (1) and the whole world was influenced, and Jesus proclaimed that:  

‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’
Matt 10:7

Will God’s method work in our present time?

Only if every believer let the same miracle happen again and again and again. It means that Jesus must come to the world (= Bethlehem) in flesh and blood and with a “face” of today. This happens when he is given flesh and blood to work by. It happens when I with my presence in the world 'secularizes' (2) holiness. By doing so the “holy” receives a face – my face, your face – scary, but I believe it is God’s only method to reach out to every city and community in the world.

Sometimes I listen to preaching. The content can be OK, the doctrine safe and sound, but I sometimes want to shout out to the preacher: What does this mean to you? What has it done with you? What practical consequences has it had in your life?
 
If the holy is just rhetoric, the miracle of incarnation does not take place and the message will not be relevant. It is just theory, and theory is not life – it is religion and the world has more than enough religion as it is!

'Manna' for today:

Holiness is the Kingdom brought near through incarnation

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(1) The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14
(2) I will write more about what I mean with this tomorrow
* The illustration is made for 'William Booth's vision for the lost'