"...proving that this is very Christ." _ Acts 9:22
"...proving that this is very Christ." _ Acts 9:22

November 21ST

 

Paul’s Unspoken Guide for Prayer  (Continued)

 

     Further, Paul’s unspoken guide leads us into worship because of sincere gratitude for the grace of God. Not carnal, vain worship but in spirit and truth as Father’s desires.  Paul’s epistles often began with the phrase, "Grace, mercy, and peace, be unto you."  This was a greeting of assurance because all these are attributes of the indwelling Christ.  When reminded of the abiding Power, the petitioner projects an attitude of thanksgiving, praise, and worship versus desperation and despair.

 

     The kind of prayer found in Paul’s unspoken guide opened heaven for him, and the Lord came into his life.  Seeing this pattern, we should always be aware of and respect the Presence of God.  He never leaves or forsakes us.  As a result of an open heaven, Ananias, whose name means grace, a disciple at Damascus, called Saul, "Brother, Saul." 

 

     Acts 9:17  And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, [even] Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.  The root meaning of the word "brother" is Alpha and suggests being joined to the Alpha and Omega.  Paul would later learn and share with us that he that is joined to the Lord is one spirit (First Corinthians 6:17). 

 

       As a result of this open heaven with Ananias’ (Grace’s) obedience and Paul prayer, Paul’s eyes were opened naturally and spiritually! He was filled with the Holy Spirit and therefore sealed according to the Word. "We are sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise." (Ephesians. 1:13).  The benefits of the Seal of Christ are unlimited!  Ananias went on to proclaim that, "The God of our fathers hath chosen thee, that thou shouldest know His will, and see that Just One, and shouldest hear the voice of His mouth. For thou shalt be His witness unto all men of what thou hast seen and heard" (Acts 22:14, 15).

 

     Sincere prayer causes "Grace" to call us "brother" and our nature changes.  Name connotes nature and Saul, whose name means desired, was changed to Paul meaning small or little. As we decrease, Christ increases within us until we are fully conformed to His Image.  Prayer then becomes who we are instead of what we do!

 

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