40 Days OF PRAYER: DAY 2

Prepare the way for the Lord

Prayer makes a way for us to have a relationship with God and helps to prepare the way for Jesus to be Lord of our lives first, as well as for us to proclaim the gospel message to others.

Mark 1:1-3 (Isaiah 40:3)

The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. As it is written in Isaiah the prophet:

“BEHOLD, I SEND MY MESSENGER AHEAD OF YOU, WHO WILL PREPARE YOUR WAY; THE VOICE OF ONE CRYING IN THE WILDERNESS, ‘MAKE READY THE WAY OF THE LORD, MAKE HIS PATHS STRAIGHT.’”

Watchman Nee said; “Prayer is the rail for God’s work. Indeed, prayer is to God’s will as rails are to a train. The locomotive is full of power: it is capable of running a thousand miles a day. But if there are no rails, it cannot move forward a single inch“ 

Thats why it is so important to lay the foundation of prayer. If we truly want to see Gods will in our lives and know how to pray His will, start doing the ground work, lay the rails for the train to travel on. Think about it, in your personal relationships, which relationships are stronger? Relationships with people that you speak to once or twice a year, or when there is a crisis? 

Or those whom you have a daily conversation with? Obviously, those you communicate with more frequently. The same applies to our relationship with God. The more time we spend walking and talking with Him, the closer we get, the more dialed in we are to His will for our lives. 

What is Gods will and how can we determine his will, so we can the pray in line with it? 

Jesus gives us an example in what we call the Lords Prayer. 

Matthew 6:10 "Your kingdom come. Your will be done, On earth as it is in heaven".

Years ago I purchased a book on knowing Gods will. I don't remember now how much I paid for it. At least $20 I think. I read the whole thing, because I wanted to know Gods will. Guess what wisdom it bestowed upon me? The book that I paid good money for, told me to, read my Bible and have conversations with God ! $20.00… Read my Bible and pray. Go figure! 

If we want to know Gods will, we must do the work, read, study and meditate on Gods word, spend time praying and listening for God to speak into your life. 

Psalms 119:15-16 I will meditate on Your precepts And regard Your ways. I shall delight in Your statutes; I shall not forget Your word.

Psalms 1:1-3 How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, Nor stand in the path of sinners, Nor sit in the seat of scoffers! But his delight is in the law of the Lord, And in His law he meditates day and night. He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, Which yields its fruit in its season And its leaf does not wither;And in whatever he does, he prospers. 

So as you pray today ask God to help you lay the foundation. Humble yourself and your desires and genuinely go to the Lord. PRAY: Lord, what do you want for me? What is your will for my life or your will for me in this situation? May my desires reflect your will and direction for my life…in Jesus name! 

Prayed for you all this morning! 

Much love! Pastor Scott