Pray in Secret
“When you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father who is with you in secret; and your Father who sees what is kept secret will reward you.” (Matthew 6:6)
“As for Jesus, He would often withdraw to solitary places and pray.” (Luke 5: 16)
“At this time Jesus went out into the hills to pray, spending the whole night in prayer with God.” (Luke 6: 12)
“Then He went a little further, about a stone’s throw, and kneeling down He prayed,” (Luke 22:41)
“He went a little farther and fell to the ground, with His face touching the earth, and prayed,...” (Matthew 26: 39)
The above verses help to track or re-trace the course of Jesus Christ, the Messiah and Lamb of God. It seemed then, that when Jesus Christ became established in His full service, that when He was not doing work, He spent the great majority of the rest of His time with the Father... in prayer.
But now, I ask, what is prayer? When I was much younger, I used to think that only certain persons had access to the Father when they prayed. Though I prayed, I mostly did it out of habit or sense of willingness to do so. After all, most of my time in my school years, helped to shape and form the type of prayers that I was praying.
As a child, I never really grasped the full meaning of prayer. I used to think that there was a certain manner in which someone prays or should pray. I also used to believe that my own prayer was only a snippet of some contribution to the prayers contributed by the much outer world.
Never did I really think for a second, that prayers needed responses. I simply prayed because I wanted to. I always had this desire to pray and sing. When I did this, I would feel really light and joyous. I felt great joy in my heart, especially when I used to sing hymns as a child. Back then, I did not truly understand the mysterious workings of faith when I did such activities. It is only now, that I begin to grasp a deeper understanding of prayer.
So, now I ask myself, what is prayer? I outline prayer as this. Simply put, it is when one communicates with his God or his Source. Prayer is a conversation. It takes two entities to help define a true conversation. One may speak, the other listens. Or vice versa. Or it may also be the case that the two engage in a back-and-forth response. Regardless of what it may be, there is a speaker, and there is also someone on the other end to listen.
Once the above has been established, I look at prayer from a different perspective. I also see prayer as the enjoyment or indulgence in the exchange of thoughts and ideas. It is much the same as when one may receive much inspiration in the mind. One receives thought. Then one exchanges this thought with another. The mind, then, acts the conduit to transfer thoughts from the spiritual eternal and living world to the temporary earthly realm. Prayer can take ideas from the supernatural to transfer them into the much material natural world.
From the earthly perspective, I see this then, as the one who hones into their intuitive self, or brings out the Teacher who is found within. In this regard, I consider prayer to occur most effectively when one sits still. It is in stillness and much isolation that the voice or thoughts of the Teacher within becomes magnified. It is in meditation that Christ magnifies Himself to that one who is seeking Him out.
The above verses seem to bring out the physical happenings or conditions when one goes into a state of prayer. I highlight the following conditions:
1. Location: Withdrawal to a place of Solitude
2. Time: Downtime or slow time (eg. At night or quiet time)
3. Posture: Towards a humble form, if possible (eg. Lying close to the earth)
These are only three conditions which I have spotted from the above verses, on observation, but I am sure that there are way more conditions through which prayer takes place. I would imagine then, that these conditions give way to allow for a much more effective form of communication.
Though these satisfy a more than effective way to even begin discourse with the Father, I beg to argue with my own self. For these three conditions may be satisfied, yet still, one has not yet come into contact with the Father. Why can this be? Why is it so?
I bring out the following verses.
I read from the book of Matthew Chapter five:
43 You have heard that it was said: Love your neighbour and do not do good to your enemy.
44 But this I tell you: Love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you,
45 so that you may be children of your Father in Heaven. For He makes His sun rise on both the wicked and the good, and He gives rain to both the just and the unjust.
I also read from the book of Matthew Chapter six:
14 If you forgive others their wrongs, your Father in heaven will also forgive yours.
While the previous set of verses address the physical conditions that may or may not be set on prayer, what is sure is that these verses taken from the book of Matthew, definitely highlight the type of prayers that go unheard. It is then more important, that one first clears His heart, to be considered and heard by the Father.
I want to play with this idea for the moment. I think it a really important learning point, as far as matters of the Kingdom of God is concerned.
I go back to the following verses taken from the book of Matthew Chapter five:
44 But this I tell you: Love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you,
45 so that you may be children of your Father in Heaven. For He makes His sun rise on both the wicked and the good, and He gives rain to both the just and the unjust.
I find these verses to be curiously interesting ones to study.
At first glance, it may seem contradictory how the Father gives the command to love even your enemy despite wrong doings, when on a previous command, it was told to not do good to the enemy. This is very interesting! I think for the moment.
The big difference that He goes on to outline, why the change in command, though it may really seem that way, the difference is reconciled in how the Father views His children. The Father sees His children as belonging to His Kingdom, on the condition that they are willing to forgive. The Father rests on a high note the importance of the willingness to forgive.
How can this be accepted in the mind of the believer? I have thought about this for some time. Then this thought came to me. God created all things. In the fullness of His Wisdom, He made all the heavens above and the earth below and yet still, all that rest deep below. There is a reason for everything that He creates. He is the great Designer of Life Himself.
It must mean, then, that when one creation happens to affect another, there is a reaction that will occur. I would imagine the Father using all His elements to create, fashion and form life’s very creation. Nothing exists outside of the Father. Nothing, at all, exists outside of God.
When one begins to finally think of God Himself being in all things and all things residing in God, then one may begin to see anyone who tries to cause or bring harm or some type of discomfort as a refining tool for His children. The Father brings out correction in ways that perhaps, man may not fully understand sometimes, but it is in the test or the trial, that His glory shines.
Sometimes, the Father allows the mischievous one some ‘play time’, to bring out His greater glory. Man is only the earthen vessel, who has the potential to be used in mighty ways to bring out His glory.
One does not focus, then, on the pain inflicted. More so, one looks forward to see the fruit of the Spirit come to life through God’s glory. There is then a change in perspective, when one looks at their life as a much painful situation. Maybe one sits in the pain of shame. Perhaps, one sits in the pain of stagnation. Maybe even, one sleeps in his moment of despair. It is faith, then, that brings that one out of that pain of shame, out of that pain of stagnation, out of that sleep of despair.
It is through this changing perception, then, that one does not look at himself as just a human. When man begins to enter into the sphere of freely forgiving, with no conditions attached, it is only then that man can finally have access to God’s Kingdom.
For the Father Himself forgives His own children and very rarely, looks harshly on us, for the sake of our own sins. Else He would not have raised up a Deliverer to deliver all from their sins. It is because of His Love that the Father extends a helping Hand to His children, and by extension the world, helping them out of sin and harm’s way.
But there is something even more interesting that I have found out. I read again verse forty-five:
45 so that you may be children of your Father in Heaven. For He makes His sun rise on both the wicked and the good, and He gives rain to both the just and the unjust.
I re-read that again.
Now I laugh.
This verse is a very peculiar one. I have found something hidden inside of this verse.
When one read this line flat, it seems as though God is defending the unjust. It may seem as though He is closing His eyes off to what the unjust may do. It seems as though He remains silent.
Arguably though, He just demonstrates His unbiased nature for giving. He holds no favour when He serves.
But I have found something even greater. I really did. So much, that this one verse brings much satisfaction to the heart. I go on to say.
In fact, let me read this verse again, just one more time.
I read:
45 so that you may be children of your Father in Heaven. For He makes His sun rise on both the wicked and the good, and He gives rain to both the just and the unjust.
Okay. So, now, what exactly have I found?
I spot that His provision is without end. This is a very profound thought. It means then, that when the unjust wants to take and take in abundance, guess what? There will still be a supply for the one who seeks peace! That is such an amazing thought. It is for His child, then, not to look on the supplies being taken away. But to truly look towards his Father Hand for his daily supplies. For He shines His sun and gives rain to both the one who seeks to take peace and the one who seeks peace. The Father never runs out of His goodness.
I say all this to say that the one who belongs to the Father can finally understand that His needs are solely met in the Father who holds the Kingdom and He is One. He does not have to become wearied chasing as the worldly life calls for. Just seek the Father, and He Himself will provide all the his child needs.
He can do this. In fact, it is in this concept, that one can and will outwardly receive when He makes His requests known to the Father in secret. His child does not worry about what one may or may not do, for he trusts that His Father will see Him through for another day, that is, until the Father’s Will is complete.
I stress then, that sometimes, the Father puts His children through the test of forgiveness. This is an actual test. But He greatly rewards those who go through certain types of persecution and in the midst of all of it, that one receives much peace.
I read from the first book of Samuel Chapter twenty-four:
4The men said, “This is the day the Lord spoke of when he said to you, ‘I will give your enemy into your hands for you to deal with as you wish.’” Then David crept up unnoticed and cut off a corner of Saul’s robe.
5 Afterward, David was conscience-stricken for having cut off a corner of his robe.
6 He said to his men, “The Lord forbid that I should do such a thing to my master, the Lord’s anointed, or lay my hand on him; for he is the anointed of the Lord.”
7 With these words David sharply rebuked his men and did not allow them to attack Saul. And Saul left the cave and went his way.
11 This day you have seen with your own eyes how the Lord delivered you into my hands in the cave. Some urged me to kill you, but I spared you; I said, ‘I will not lay my hand on my lord, because he is the Lord’s anointed.’
12 May the Lord judge between you and me. And may the Lord avenge the wrongs you have done to me, but my hand will not touch you.
King David had ample opportunity to do harm, yet he reserved his very hand, for he also considered much to keep in line with God’s law. He remained subservient to one of God’s anointed. In this case, David also exercised forgiveness in his heart, holding on to no grudges, but just allowing the Law of Justice to take its natural course.
God commands us to pray, and when we do, we seek Him in our most solitary form, releasing all to Him, including that of unforgiveness.
Reading of His Commands
Now, I go on to read from the book of Sirach Chapter seventeen:
7 He filled them with wisdom and knowledge; He taught them good and evil.
11 He gave them revealed knowledge as well and handed over to them the Law of life.
I also read from the book of Ezekiel Chapter twenty:
11 I gave them my decrees and made my laws known to them, laws by which man lives provided he observes them.
Now I go on to read the following verses.
“If you love Me, you will keep my commandments;” (John 14: 15)
“Whoever keeps my commandments is the one who loves Me. If he loves Me, he also will be loved by my Father; I too shall love him and show myself clearly to him.” (John 14: 21)
‘Jesus answered him, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word and my Father will love him; and we will come to him and make a room in his home.’ (John 14: 23)
“You will remain in my love if you keep my commandments, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and remain in His love. (John 15: 10)
This is the time for patient endurance among the holy ones, for those who keep the commandments of God and faith in Jesus. (Revelation 14: 12)
It is clearly written the definition of the type of love that the Father seeks in His children.
There is a hidden meaning for the word love. So much, that the Father repeats Himself over and over again to highlight and distinguish the type of love that He seeks.
For each time, the Father makes note of love, there is an accompanying command or perhaps even, condition. That is, the command of obedience. I go on to further say, the command of obedience to His Law.
To share in God’s Love is the same as experiencing His Law. The Father binds the Law to His children to be that cover and source of protection for them. It is Jesus Christ who brought forward the words of the Father, such that the children receive the Love that He has for his children. It is in the Law of life, that God’s children receive the Father’s love. There is no other way. He takes much consideration to put the Law in the heart of his children and their children’s children. This is how much very bonded He is to His Word. The Father commits to His very Word and He longs for His children to commit to the same. It is through His Law, that His children become one with the Father. It is through the Word, that the Father and His children become One.
But to love His Law is the same as to love Life. For the Law is Life. The Word is Life.
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. (John 10: 10)
What does this verse actually mean? It has now been revealed to me the true meaning of this verse.
If one takes the meaning of life to mean living in God’s way, this must mean to have life, full in God’s Spirit. This was never to be taken or interpreted for the external self. Rather, it was spelt out to live according to God’s way of Life and rest in this type of living more abundantly.
You see, you need to go a few verses up to really chew on and digest the meaning of the verse.
I read from the book of John Chapter ten:
7 So Jesus said, “Truly I say to you, I am the gate of the sheep.
8 All who came were thieves and robbers, and the sheep did not hear them.
9 I am the gate. Whoever enters through Me will be saved; He will go in and out freely and find food.
The above verses speak clearly to God’s way of Salvation. The Father’s business on earth was solely about man’s salvation. It is very important, therefore, for His children to understand how much of an emphasis that the Father placed on His ways, His laws, His commands, such that His children live with Him in His Kingdom. On earth, man receives the many fruits of the Spirit, as he abides in Christ, who is the earthly connection to the Heavenly Father.
So, then what exactly is being stolen, killed or destroyed? What is it? I argue that it must be about man’s very salvation. The Father’s business is about saving man from his sins. Taking that man out of captivity; the captivity of sin. It is through sin, man experiences the pain in being bound to that sin. Sin wreaks destruction for that man. It is the Father who wishes to re-introduce His Law back into man’s heart, such that He be saved and redeemed from the original sin. It is through God’s Word, that man is washed from his sin to receive the richness of life in God’s Spirit.
You are already made clean by the word I have spoken to you; (John 15:3)
I read from the book of Galatians Chapter five:
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is charity, joy and peace, patience, understanding of others, kindness and fidelity,
23 gentleness and self- control...
25 If we live by the Spirit, let us live in a spiritual way.
I read from the book of Galatians Chapter six:
9 Let us do good without being discouraged; in due time we shall reap the reward of our constancy.
A Study of Psalm Thirty-Seven
I now go on to dissect the passages taken from the book of Psalm the whole of Chapter thirty-seven.
In this section of the Law Book, a lot can be extracted and studied as part of reading God’s commands. When I study the contents taken from this section, that contained therein seems to give a description of a time or perhaps a season in history.
It matters not whether this time has already come and went, for the Law is eternal and can be applied throughout the entire length of history’s time. I particularly chose this song for study as it reveals to me certain commands in a time where one’s heart may be scrutinized or tested. This may be a time when one sits in his wilderness season, which may last him either a short or a very long time. I have sat with this Psalm for many a times and have received some of the instructions embedded in the passages of this song.
Not only have I received much instruction, but I have also received some level of comfort by the words that were expressed by King David. The Father promises a lot for His children. Above all, He wants to give His children and be a Source of Provision and Protection. There are many promises, actually, written for the one who chooses to endure to the very end. It is for this reason, that I take delight in studying much this song.
I begin.
I read from the following verses:
1 Do not fret because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do wrong;
2 for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away.
3 Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.
4 Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.
5 Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this:
6 He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun.
7 Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.
8 Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil.
27 Turn from evil and do good; then you will dwell in the land forever.
From the above verses, I want to single out the specific commands made. I itemize the commands as follows:
1. Do not fret
2. Trust in the Lord and do good
3. Take delight in the Lord
4. Commit your way to the Lord, trust in Him
5. Be still
6. Wait patiently for Him
7. Refrain from anger
8. Turn from wrath
9. Turn from evil
From what is extracted, it is clear that this song contains what may be considered a packaged set of instructions. The Word Himself is the instructional material and package that assists one to be guided very much according to the Father’s way of Life. From this song, I learn that the Father wishes for His children to trust in Him. And the way that He tells his children to do this is by holding one’s peace, remaining calm, refraining from anger and just allowing Life’s order to run its natural course of Justice. Christ Himself is the instructional piece and He represents the Law of Justice which is the way of true Life.
Above everything else, the Father instructs one to wait for Him to act.
This piece of instruction is echoed in the final verse of Psalm twenty-seven. It reads:
14 Trust in the Lord, be strong and courageous – yes, put your hope in the Lord!
This has also been commanded by Moses while God’s children were present in the wilderness.
I read from the book of Exodus Chapter fourteen:
14 The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.”
I now switch thoughts to reflect the promises that are given, provided one follows the command.
I read from the following verses:
18 The blameless spend their days under the Lord’s care, and their inheritance will endure forever.
19 In times of disaster they will not wither; in days of famine they will enjoy plenty.
22 those the Lord blesses will inherit the land,…
23 The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him;
24 though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand
26 They are always generous and lend freely; their children will be a blessing.
29 The righteous will inherit the land and dwell in it forever.
33 but the Lord will not leave them in the power of the wicked or let them be condemned when brought to trial.
37 Consider the blameless, observe the upright; a future awaits those who seek peace
39 The salvation of the righteous comes from the Lord; he is their stronghold in time of trouble.
40 The Lord helps them and delivers them; he delivers them from the wicked and saves them, because they take refuge in him.
So, this song goes at length to highlight the many rewards provided by the Father, on keeping or obeying His command to keep still in the midst of trial, or in the midst of the flame. Through the flame, the Father makes a promise of being upheld, one of being covered, one of finding a resting place and so much more. He also promises access back to eternity. He promises Himself.
These passages, bring out for me, the true meaning of faith. It is not something that one can touch or even see, yet it is through faith, a certain character is being developed and moulded by the one that holds such faith, such that when put to the test, he is able to hold out, while keeping his peace and bearing the fruits of God’s Spirit. That is, bearing such fruits of Wisdom’s ways.
It is very obvious, though, on reading through the passages of this song, that one certainly faces or becomes confronted with elements that work to oppose God’s very laws. As a consequence, one may find himself in a much humbled state. Though this state also works in tandem with the Law of Humility.
I read the following verse:
11 But the meek will inherit the land and enjoy peace and prosperity.
Meek = humble.
This also fits in line with what is spoken of by Christ when He gave details on accessing the land.
I read from the book of Matthew Chapter five:
5 Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
So, now I summarize here, that this song provides much instruction for that one to still hold on in the midst of the flame, waiting on the Lord, with the promise of receiving access to God’s Kingdom and His provision in times of calamity or trouble. Additionally, there is that condition placed upon that one to remain in that humbled or meek state, waiting to be exalted by the Lord Himself, according to His Law of Humility.
Everlasting Rewards
I now go on to think to myself that the rewards hidden under faith’s blanket are the type spoken of when one thinks of times of calamity, hardship or much tribulation. Though one sees a calamitous event as calamitous, it is in actuality, the Law of Justice taking its effects on the land.
I read from the book of Isaiah Chapter forty-two:
1 “Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom I delight;
I will put my Spirit on him, and he will bring justice to the nations.
2 He will not shout or cry out, or raise his voice in the streets.
3 A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out. In faithfulness he will bring forth justice;
4 he will not falter or be discouraged till he establishes justice on earth.
I also read from the book of Isaiah Chapter twenty- four:
4 The earth dries up and withers, the world languishes and withers, the heavens languish with the earth.
5 The earth is defiled by its people; they have disobeyed the laws, violated the statutes and broken the everlasting covenant.
It is under God’s Covenant then, that is, by following His commands, that one receives much refuge in a space and time of calamity. In a space and time when the natural laws of Life and Order are restored. It is at a time, when God’s eternal Laws are being put back on to the earth. Anything that does not stay in line with His natural flow of life and order dies.
That is why the love of God’s Law, that is to keep God’s Law is the same as one who loves Life.
If one loves Christ, one loves life, then one works hard to stay in life’s true ways; the rewards of such bring everlasting life.
Here is the thing. This is what I am now learning. One can pick up God’s Law book to study Him and learn His ways to live on the earth for history’s timeline, but it seems to me the real reason for this Book is stay in life’s eternal way.
The Word of God speaks life and IS life for man, He speaks eternal life. This is man’s greatest reward, on the condition that He follows the Father’s commands of eternal life.
Man's Ultimate Reward
I study for a bit, the words that I have written. I now see the ultimate reward. The Father has made Himself to be relational with His very own. It is through Jesus Christ, man has an earthly connection to be in continuous communication with the Father. The Ultimate Reward that the Father has given to man is His very Spirit. It is by His Spirit, can man now walk blamelessly in God’s eternal way. When man walks with his faith concealed when He goes to His silent place and pray to the Father, it is then, that man begins to receive a character that slowly starts to resemble the Father’s character. As man spends more and more time with the Father in his secret place, it is where the Lord shapes and forms him to be made in His image and to His likeness. That one slowly and over time, begins to take on the character of Christ Himself. This is man’s greatest and ultimate reward. That is, to be married unto Christ. That is, when the Father places the Law in man’s heart. This is the Ultimate Reward.
Through time and much trials the faith that was once concealed in this man, overtime, becomes revealed. This faith becomes evident in man’s character.
See, the Sovereign Lord comes with power, and he rules with a mighty arm. See, his reward is with him,
and his recompense accompanies him. He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young. (Isaiah 40: 10,11)
How abundant are the good things that you have stored up for those who fear you, that you bestow in the sight of all, on those who take refuge in you. (Psalm 31: 19)
Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord. (Psalm 31: 24)
The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him. (Psalm 28: 7)
Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord, the Lord himself, is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation.” (Isaiah 12: 2)
“When you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father who is with you in secret; and your Father who sees what is kept secret will reward you.” (Matthew 6:6)
“As for Jesus, He would often withdraw to solitary places and pray.” (Luke 5: 16)
“At this time Jesus went out into the hills to pray, spending the whole night in prayer with God.” (Luke 6: 12)
“Then He went a little further, about a stone’s throw, and kneeling down He prayed,” (Luke 22:41)
“He went a little farther and fell to the ground, with His face touching the earth, and prayed,...” (Matthew 26: 39)
The above verses help to track or re-trace the course of Jesus Christ, the Messiah and Lamb of God. It seemed then, that when Jesus Christ became established in His full service, that when He was not doing work, He spent the great majority of the rest of His time with the Father... in prayer.
But now, I ask, what is prayer? When I was much younger, I used to think that only certain persons had access to the Father when they prayed. Though I prayed, I mostly did it out of habit or sense of willingness to do so. After all, most of my time in my school years, helped to shape and form the type of prayers that I was praying.
As a child, I never really grasped the full meaning of prayer. I used to think that there was a certain manner in which someone prays or should pray. I also used to believe that my own prayer was only a snippet of some contribution to the prayers contributed by the much outer world.
Never did I really think for a second, that prayers needed responses. I simply prayed because I wanted to. I always had this desire to pray and sing. When I did this, I would feel really light and joyous. I felt great joy in my heart, especially when I used to sing hymns as a child. Back then, I did not truly understand the mysterious workings of faith when I did such activities. It is only now, that I begin to grasp a deeper understanding of prayer.
So, now I ask myself, what is prayer? I outline prayer as this. Simply put, it is when one communicates with his God or his Source. Prayer is a conversation. It takes two entities to help define a true conversation. One may speak, the other listens. Or vice versa. Or it may also be the case that the two engage in a back-and-forth response. Regardless of what it may be, there is a speaker, and there is also someone on the other end to listen.
Once the above has been established, I look at prayer from a different perspective. I also see prayer as the enjoyment or indulgence in the exchange of thoughts and ideas. It is much the same as when one may receive much inspiration in the mind. One receives thought. Then one exchanges this thought with another. The mind, then, acts the conduit to transfer thoughts from the spiritual eternal and living world to the temporary earthly realm. Prayer can take ideas from the supernatural to transfer them into the much material natural world.
From the earthly perspective, I see this then, as the one who hones into their intuitive self, or brings out the Teacher who is found within. In this regard, I consider prayer to occur most effectively when one sits still. It is in stillness and much isolation that the voice or thoughts of the Teacher within becomes magnified. It is in meditation that Christ magnifies Himself to that one who is seeking Him out.
The above verses seem to bring out the physical happenings or conditions when one goes into a state of prayer. I highlight the following conditions:
1. Location: Withdrawal to a place of Solitude
2. Time: Downtime or slow time (eg. At night or quiet time)
3. Posture: Towards a humble form, if possible (eg. Lying close to the earth)
These are only three conditions which I have spotted from the above verses, on observation, but I am sure that there are way more conditions through which prayer takes place. I would imagine then, that these conditions give way to allow for a much more effective form of communication.
Though these satisfy a more than effective way to even begin discourse with the Father, I beg to argue with my own self. For these three conditions may be satisfied, yet still, one has not yet come into contact with the Father. Why can this be? Why is it so?
I bring out the following verses.
I read from the book of Matthew Chapter five:
43 You have heard that it was said: Love your neighbour and do not do good to your enemy.
44 But this I tell you: Love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you,
45 so that you may be children of your Father in Heaven. For He makes His sun rise on both the wicked and the good, and He gives rain to both the just and the unjust.
I also read from the book of Matthew Chapter six:
14 If you forgive others their wrongs, your Father in heaven will also forgive yours.
While the previous set of verses address the physical conditions that may or may not be set on prayer, what is sure is that these verses taken from the book of Matthew, definitely highlight the type of prayers that go unheard. It is then more important, that one first clears His heart, to be considered and heard by the Father.
I want to play with this idea for the moment. I think it a really important learning point, as far as matters of the Kingdom of God is concerned.
I go back to the following verses taken from the book of Matthew Chapter five:
44 But this I tell you: Love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you,
45 so that you may be children of your Father in Heaven. For He makes His sun rise on both the wicked and the good, and He gives rain to both the just and the unjust.
I find these verses to be curiously interesting ones to study.
At first glance, it may seem contradictory how the Father gives the command to love even your enemy despite wrong doings, when on a previous command, it was told to not do good to the enemy. This is very interesting! I think for the moment.
The big difference that He goes on to outline, why the change in command, though it may really seem that way, the difference is reconciled in how the Father views His children. The Father sees His children as belonging to His Kingdom, on the condition that they are willing to forgive. The Father rests on a high note the importance of the willingness to forgive.
How can this be accepted in the mind of the believer? I have thought about this for some time. Then this thought came to me. God created all things. In the fullness of His Wisdom, He made all the heavens above and the earth below and yet still, all that rest deep below. There is a reason for everything that He creates. He is the great Designer of Life Himself.
It must mean, then, that when one creation happens to affect another, there is a reaction that will occur. I would imagine the Father using all His elements to create, fashion and form life’s very creation. Nothing exists outside of the Father. Nothing, at all, exists outside of God.
When one begins to finally think of God Himself being in all things and all things residing in God, then one may begin to see anyone who tries to cause or bring harm or some type of discomfort as a refining tool for His children. The Father brings out correction in ways that perhaps, man may not fully understand sometimes, but it is in the test or the trial, that His glory shines.
Sometimes, the Father allows the mischievous one some ‘play time’, to bring out His greater glory. Man is only the earthen vessel, who has the potential to be used in mighty ways to bring out His glory.
One does not focus, then, on the pain inflicted. More so, one looks forward to see the fruit of the Spirit come to life through God’s glory. There is then a change in perspective, when one looks at their life as a much painful situation. Maybe one sits in the pain of shame. Perhaps, one sits in the pain of stagnation. Maybe even, one sleeps in his moment of despair. It is faith, then, that brings that one out of that pain of shame, out of that pain of stagnation, out of that sleep of despair.
It is through this changing perception, then, that one does not look at himself as just a human. When man begins to enter into the sphere of freely forgiving, with no conditions attached, it is only then that man can finally have access to God’s Kingdom.
For the Father Himself forgives His own children and very rarely, looks harshly on us, for the sake of our own sins. Else He would not have raised up a Deliverer to deliver all from their sins. It is because of His Love that the Father extends a helping Hand to His children, and by extension the world, helping them out of sin and harm’s way.
But there is something even more interesting that I have found out. I read again verse forty-five:
45 so that you may be children of your Father in Heaven. For He makes His sun rise on both the wicked and the good, and He gives rain to both the just and the unjust.
I re-read that again.
Now I laugh.
This verse is a very peculiar one. I have found something hidden inside of this verse.
When one read this line flat, it seems as though God is defending the unjust. It may seem as though He is closing His eyes off to what the unjust may do. It seems as though He remains silent.
Arguably though, He just demonstrates His unbiased nature for giving. He holds no favour when He serves.
But I have found something even greater. I really did. So much, that this one verse brings much satisfaction to the heart. I go on to say.
In fact, let me read this verse again, just one more time.
I read:
45 so that you may be children of your Father in Heaven. For He makes His sun rise on both the wicked and the good, and He gives rain to both the just and the unjust.
Okay. So, now, what exactly have I found?
I spot that His provision is without end. This is a very profound thought. It means then, that when the unjust wants to take and take in abundance, guess what? There will still be a supply for the one who seeks peace! That is such an amazing thought. It is for His child, then, not to look on the supplies being taken away. But to truly look towards his Father Hand for his daily supplies. For He shines His sun and gives rain to both the one who seeks to take peace and the one who seeks peace. The Father never runs out of His goodness.
I say all this to say that the one who belongs to the Father can finally understand that His needs are solely met in the Father who holds the Kingdom and He is One. He does not have to become wearied chasing as the worldly life calls for. Just seek the Father, and He Himself will provide all the his child needs.
He can do this. In fact, it is in this concept, that one can and will outwardly receive when He makes His requests known to the Father in secret. His child does not worry about what one may or may not do, for he trusts that His Father will see Him through for another day, that is, until the Father’s Will is complete.
I stress then, that sometimes, the Father puts His children through the test of forgiveness. This is an actual test. But He greatly rewards those who go through certain types of persecution and in the midst of all of it, that one receives much peace.
I read from the first book of Samuel Chapter twenty-four:
4The men said, “This is the day the Lord spoke of when he said to you, ‘I will give your enemy into your hands for you to deal with as you wish.’” Then David crept up unnoticed and cut off a corner of Saul’s robe.
5 Afterward, David was conscience-stricken for having cut off a corner of his robe.
6 He said to his men, “The Lord forbid that I should do such a thing to my master, the Lord’s anointed, or lay my hand on him; for he is the anointed of the Lord.”
7 With these words David sharply rebuked his men and did not allow them to attack Saul. And Saul left the cave and went his way.
11 This day you have seen with your own eyes how the Lord delivered you into my hands in the cave. Some urged me to kill you, but I spared you; I said, ‘I will not lay my hand on my lord, because he is the Lord’s anointed.’
12 May the Lord judge between you and me. And may the Lord avenge the wrongs you have done to me, but my hand will not touch you.
King David had ample opportunity to do harm, yet he reserved his very hand, for he also considered much to keep in line with God’s law. He remained subservient to one of God’s anointed. In this case, David also exercised forgiveness in his heart, holding on to no grudges, but just allowing the Law of Justice to take its natural course.
God commands us to pray, and when we do, we seek Him in our most solitary form, releasing all to Him, including that of unforgiveness.
Reading of His Commands
Now, I go on to read from the book of Sirach Chapter seventeen:
7 He filled them with wisdom and knowledge; He taught them good and evil.
11 He gave them revealed knowledge as well and handed over to them the Law of life.
I also read from the book of Ezekiel Chapter twenty:
11 I gave them my decrees and made my laws known to them, laws by which man lives provided he observes them.
Now I go on to read the following verses.
“If you love Me, you will keep my commandments;” (John 14: 15)
“Whoever keeps my commandments is the one who loves Me. If he loves Me, he also will be loved by my Father; I too shall love him and show myself clearly to him.” (John 14: 21)
‘Jesus answered him, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word and my Father will love him; and we will come to him and make a room in his home.’ (John 14: 23)
“You will remain in my love if you keep my commandments, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and remain in His love. (John 15: 10)
This is the time for patient endurance among the holy ones, for those who keep the commandments of God and faith in Jesus. (Revelation 14: 12)
It is clearly written the definition of the type of love that the Father seeks in His children.
There is a hidden meaning for the word love. So much, that the Father repeats Himself over and over again to highlight and distinguish the type of love that He seeks.
For each time, the Father makes note of love, there is an accompanying command or perhaps even, condition. That is, the command of obedience. I go on to further say, the command of obedience to His Law.
To share in God’s Love is the same as experiencing His Law. The Father binds the Law to His children to be that cover and source of protection for them. It is Jesus Christ who brought forward the words of the Father, such that the children receive the Love that He has for his children. It is in the Law of life, that God’s children receive the Father’s love. There is no other way. He takes much consideration to put the Law in the heart of his children and their children’s children. This is how much very bonded He is to His Word. The Father commits to His very Word and He longs for His children to commit to the same. It is through His Law, that His children become one with the Father. It is through the Word, that the Father and His children become One.
But to love His Law is the same as to love Life. For the Law is Life. The Word is Life.
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. (John 10: 10)
What does this verse actually mean? It has now been revealed to me the true meaning of this verse.
If one takes the meaning of life to mean living in God’s way, this must mean to have life, full in God’s Spirit. This was never to be taken or interpreted for the external self. Rather, it was spelt out to live according to God’s way of Life and rest in this type of living more abundantly.
You see, you need to go a few verses up to really chew on and digest the meaning of the verse.
I read from the book of John Chapter ten:
7 So Jesus said, “Truly I say to you, I am the gate of the sheep.
8 All who came were thieves and robbers, and the sheep did not hear them.
9 I am the gate. Whoever enters through Me will be saved; He will go in and out freely and find food.
The above verses speak clearly to God’s way of Salvation. The Father’s business on earth was solely about man’s salvation. It is very important, therefore, for His children to understand how much of an emphasis that the Father placed on His ways, His laws, His commands, such that His children live with Him in His Kingdom. On earth, man receives the many fruits of the Spirit, as he abides in Christ, who is the earthly connection to the Heavenly Father.
So, then what exactly is being stolen, killed or destroyed? What is it? I argue that it must be about man’s very salvation. The Father’s business is about saving man from his sins. Taking that man out of captivity; the captivity of sin. It is through sin, man experiences the pain in being bound to that sin. Sin wreaks destruction for that man. It is the Father who wishes to re-introduce His Law back into man’s heart, such that He be saved and redeemed from the original sin. It is through God’s Word, that man is washed from his sin to receive the richness of life in God’s Spirit.
You are already made clean by the word I have spoken to you; (John 15:3)
I read from the book of Galatians Chapter five:
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is charity, joy and peace, patience, understanding of others, kindness and fidelity,
23 gentleness and self- control...
25 If we live by the Spirit, let us live in a spiritual way.
I read from the book of Galatians Chapter six:
9 Let us do good without being discouraged; in due time we shall reap the reward of our constancy.
A Study of Psalm Thirty-Seven
I now go on to dissect the passages taken from the book of Psalm the whole of Chapter thirty-seven.
In this section of the Law Book, a lot can be extracted and studied as part of reading God’s commands. When I study the contents taken from this section, that contained therein seems to give a description of a time or perhaps a season in history.
It matters not whether this time has already come and went, for the Law is eternal and can be applied throughout the entire length of history’s time. I particularly chose this song for study as it reveals to me certain commands in a time where one’s heart may be scrutinized or tested. This may be a time when one sits in his wilderness season, which may last him either a short or a very long time. I have sat with this Psalm for many a times and have received some of the instructions embedded in the passages of this song.
Not only have I received much instruction, but I have also received some level of comfort by the words that were expressed by King David. The Father promises a lot for His children. Above all, He wants to give His children and be a Source of Provision and Protection. There are many promises, actually, written for the one who chooses to endure to the very end. It is for this reason, that I take delight in studying much this song.
I begin.
I read from the following verses:
1 Do not fret because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do wrong;
2 for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away.
3 Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.
4 Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.
5 Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this:
6 He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun.
7 Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.
8 Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil.
27 Turn from evil and do good; then you will dwell in the land forever.
From the above verses, I want to single out the specific commands made. I itemize the commands as follows:
1. Do not fret
2. Trust in the Lord and do good
3. Take delight in the Lord
4. Commit your way to the Lord, trust in Him
5. Be still
6. Wait patiently for Him
7. Refrain from anger
8. Turn from wrath
9. Turn from evil
From what is extracted, it is clear that this song contains what may be considered a packaged set of instructions. The Word Himself is the instructional material and package that assists one to be guided very much according to the Father’s way of Life. From this song, I learn that the Father wishes for His children to trust in Him. And the way that He tells his children to do this is by holding one’s peace, remaining calm, refraining from anger and just allowing Life’s order to run its natural course of Justice. Christ Himself is the instructional piece and He represents the Law of Justice which is the way of true Life.
Above everything else, the Father instructs one to wait for Him to act.
This piece of instruction is echoed in the final verse of Psalm twenty-seven. It reads:
14 Trust in the Lord, be strong and courageous – yes, put your hope in the Lord!
This has also been commanded by Moses while God’s children were present in the wilderness.
I read from the book of Exodus Chapter fourteen:
14 The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.”
I now switch thoughts to reflect the promises that are given, provided one follows the command.
I read from the following verses:
18 The blameless spend their days under the Lord’s care, and their inheritance will endure forever.
19 In times of disaster they will not wither; in days of famine they will enjoy plenty.
22 those the Lord blesses will inherit the land,…
23 The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him;
24 though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand
26 They are always generous and lend freely; their children will be a blessing.
29 The righteous will inherit the land and dwell in it forever.
33 but the Lord will not leave them in the power of the wicked or let them be condemned when brought to trial.
37 Consider the blameless, observe the upright; a future awaits those who seek peace
39 The salvation of the righteous comes from the Lord; he is their stronghold in time of trouble.
40 The Lord helps them and delivers them; he delivers them from the wicked and saves them, because they take refuge in him.
So, this song goes at length to highlight the many rewards provided by the Father, on keeping or obeying His command to keep still in the midst of trial, or in the midst of the flame. Through the flame, the Father makes a promise of being upheld, one of being covered, one of finding a resting place and so much more. He also promises access back to eternity. He promises Himself.
These passages, bring out for me, the true meaning of faith. It is not something that one can touch or even see, yet it is through faith, a certain character is being developed and moulded by the one that holds such faith, such that when put to the test, he is able to hold out, while keeping his peace and bearing the fruits of God’s Spirit. That is, bearing such fruits of Wisdom’s ways.
It is very obvious, though, on reading through the passages of this song, that one certainly faces or becomes confronted with elements that work to oppose God’s very laws. As a consequence, one may find himself in a much humbled state. Though this state also works in tandem with the Law of Humility.
I read the following verse:
11 But the meek will inherit the land and enjoy peace and prosperity.
Meek = humble.
This also fits in line with what is spoken of by Christ when He gave details on accessing the land.
I read from the book of Matthew Chapter five:
5 Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
So, now I summarize here, that this song provides much instruction for that one to still hold on in the midst of the flame, waiting on the Lord, with the promise of receiving access to God’s Kingdom and His provision in times of calamity or trouble. Additionally, there is that condition placed upon that one to remain in that humbled or meek state, waiting to be exalted by the Lord Himself, according to His Law of Humility.
Everlasting Rewards
I now go on to think to myself that the rewards hidden under faith’s blanket are the type spoken of when one thinks of times of calamity, hardship or much tribulation. Though one sees a calamitous event as calamitous, it is in actuality, the Law of Justice taking its effects on the land.
I read from the book of Isaiah Chapter forty-two:
1 “Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom I delight;
I will put my Spirit on him, and he will bring justice to the nations.
2 He will not shout or cry out, or raise his voice in the streets.
3 A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out. In faithfulness he will bring forth justice;
4 he will not falter or be discouraged till he establishes justice on earth.
I also read from the book of Isaiah Chapter twenty- four:
4 The earth dries up and withers, the world languishes and withers, the heavens languish with the earth.
5 The earth is defiled by its people; they have disobeyed the laws, violated the statutes and broken the everlasting covenant.
It is under God’s Covenant then, that is, by following His commands, that one receives much refuge in a space and time of calamity. In a space and time when the natural laws of Life and Order are restored. It is at a time, when God’s eternal Laws are being put back on to the earth. Anything that does not stay in line with His natural flow of life and order dies.
That is why the love of God’s Law, that is to keep God’s Law is the same as one who loves Life.
If one loves Christ, one loves life, then one works hard to stay in life’s true ways; the rewards of such bring everlasting life.
Here is the thing. This is what I am now learning. One can pick up God’s Law book to study Him and learn His ways to live on the earth for history’s timeline, but it seems to me the real reason for this Book is stay in life’s eternal way.
The Word of God speaks life and IS life for man, He speaks eternal life. This is man’s greatest reward, on the condition that He follows the Father’s commands of eternal life.
Man's Ultimate Reward
I study for a bit, the words that I have written. I now see the ultimate reward. The Father has made Himself to be relational with His very own. It is through Jesus Christ, man has an earthly connection to be in continuous communication with the Father. The Ultimate Reward that the Father has given to man is His very Spirit. It is by His Spirit, can man now walk blamelessly in God’s eternal way. When man walks with his faith concealed when He goes to His silent place and pray to the Father, it is then, that man begins to receive a character that slowly starts to resemble the Father’s character. As man spends more and more time with the Father in his secret place, it is where the Lord shapes and forms him to be made in His image and to His likeness. That one slowly and over time, begins to take on the character of Christ Himself. This is man’s greatest and ultimate reward. That is, to be married unto Christ. That is, when the Father places the Law in man’s heart. This is the Ultimate Reward.
Through time and much trials the faith that was once concealed in this man, overtime, becomes revealed. This faith becomes evident in man’s character.
See, the Sovereign Lord comes with power, and he rules with a mighty arm. See, his reward is with him,
and his recompense accompanies him. He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young. (Isaiah 40: 10,11)
How abundant are the good things that you have stored up for those who fear you, that you bestow in the sight of all, on those who take refuge in you. (Psalm 31: 19)
Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord. (Psalm 31: 24)
The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him. (Psalm 28: 7)
Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord, the Lord himself, is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation.” (Isaiah 12: 2)
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