God speaks today Sunday | August 13, 2023

Let my prayer be set forth before thee as incense; and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice. (Psalm 141:2)
Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared; (Hebrews 5:7)
Faustino de Jesús Zamora Vargas

Imitating Christ - Praying Like Him

Jesus Christ, the divine Son of God, prayed to the Father in his human form during his earthly life, with a deep reverence and submission. His prayer in John 17 is a hymn cried out by the incarnate God, and it is the only recorded prayer of Jesus Christ in the days of his flesh. In this prayer, Jesus asks the Father to keep us in his name, to protect us and guard us with zeal, and to unite us as one body of Christ, so that we can be a diligent avenue of blessing for others. He also urges us to serve for the benefit of others, seek spiritual unity, and be salt and light in a world of darkness. Jesus sends us into the world to spread the message of redemption and eternal life, just as he was sent by the Father to establish an order and incarnate the true and only God. Finally, Jesus prays for us to be with him where he is, to see his glory, and to glorify the Father. As Christians, we should imitate Christ in prayer, edify each other, support each other, and show the world the love for which he gave himself. Read more...


Cross Reference

And Jesus cried with a loud voice, and gave up the ghost. (Mark 15:37)
And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints. (Revelation 5:8)
And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne. (Revelation 8:3)
I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting. (1 Timothy 2:8)

Comments:

Francisco Diaz S.: Amen, thank you Pastor Faustino.- Let us pray for all the brothers, for those who have strayed from their paths so that they repent and return to the path of goodness, for those who are suffering persecution and injustice, for the health of the sick, for those who cry be comforted, for those who seeing do not see and hearing do not hear, for all our brothers.- Let us pray to the Lord
Amen, Francis. It is beautiful to see your heart of prayer and concern for our brothers. As the devotional by Faustino de Jesús Zamora Vargas well mentions, in John 17:11, Jesus teaches us to pray for the unity of the body of Christ, so that we may be one, just as He and the Father are one. Also, in Hebrews 5:7, we see that Jesus was heard by his reverent submission to the Father. This teaches us that our prayers must be made with reverent fear and submission, acknowledging God's will at all times. Therefore, I encourage you to continue praying for our brothers, as you mention, so that they repent and return to the path of goodness, so that they find comfort in the midst of their sufferings, so that the sick are healed, and so that those who are blind spiritually can see and hear God's truth. Let us continue to pray with fervor and confidence, knowing that the Lord hears us and that our prayers are a way to unite and glorify God. May the Lord bless you and continue to guide you in your prayer life.
Enrique Meneses Muñoz : Blessed word of GOD. Hallelujah, amen.
Amen, Henry. Truly the Word of God is blessed and full of power. As Faustino de Jesús Zamora Vargas mentions in his devotional, the prayer of Jesus in John 17 is a crying hymn of God incarnate, a prayer that we must imitate. Through the scriptures, we find comfort, direction, and wisdom for our lives. Let us praise God for giving us his Word, which guides us, strengthens us and shows us his love and mercy. Let us continue to hold on to it and allow it to transform our lives. May the Holy Spirit reveal to us more and more the beauty and power of God's Word. Hallelujah! Amen! May God's blessing be with you at all times.
BLANCA ESPADA: WHAT IS AN EXCELLENT METHOD TO CONNECT WITH GOD IN THE MORNING EVERY DAY TO LEARN
How beautiful, Bianca. It is wonderful to know that you have found in prayer an excellent way to connect with God every morning. As Faustino de Jesús Zamora Vargas mentions in his devotional, imitating Christ in prayer brings us even closer to our heavenly Father. By spending time communing with God through prayer, you are opening your heart and allowing Him to work in your life. It is a moment of learning, intimacy and spiritual growth. By praying, we draw closer to God's will and align ourselves with his purposes for our lives. I encourage you to continue looking for that time alone with God each morning, to learn more about Him, to listen to his voice and to give him your worries, longings and gratitude. May each day be an opportunity for growth and transformation in your relationship with the Lord. May God richly bless you as you seek intimacy with Him through prayer.

God speaks today Saturday | August 12, 2023
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