Praying together as a Family At Christmas

Praying Together 

in the 

Christmas Season--

Christ wants a praying church—What about a praying family?  With the Christmas season upon us, this would be a good time to and look for ways to try and apply some of our learning about praying together. 

Taking that idea, I present the following to each of you as a challenge to you to try the following:  Look for opportunities to pray with your spouse, children, family, and friends.   Take a few minutes together and remember what Christmas is about, especially about the true meaning of Christmas and the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. Then encourage each person say a brief sentence prayer that is related to what they have just considered about Christmas.

At the end- you could even sing a carol like ‘Silent Night’ and then say ‘Amen’ or just have everyone say ‘AMEN’  together, if you don’t sing.

This could be done at a meal, at a time when the family is together, or other special time. It is possible that what you do this year, you may want to do in upcoming years—could be the possible start of a wonderful family tradition, and be an encouragement to all.

Symptoms of a Prayerless Church or Organization

Symptoms of “Prayerlessness” 

in a Church or Organization

 In the course 'Praying Together' offered on Pray!Network, www.praynetwork.org, a number of symptoms that may be seen in a prayless church have been compiled, and are in the chart below.  There may be other symptoms not listed, but any of these symptoms are red flags, that when seen should encourage those of us who pray to further seek God's help in encouraging prayer.

Christ said that He wanted His house to be a 'House of Prayer':  Matthew 21:13

©2013 Lewis Turner

         Symptom                                            

1	Independence from God—a failure to “look to Jesus”	Matthew 6:33
2	A disconnect from the power of Jesus	II Timothy 3:5
3	A failure to seek God’s Wisdom	Prov 2:1-9
4	A lack of humility among leaders and the congregation	II Chronicles 7:14
5	Divisions present among the congregation—creating disunity	John 7:11
6	A failure to connect with others, and a failure to encourage them	John 13:35, I Corinthians 13
7.	A typical feeling of mistrust or lack of consideration—IE mistrust is sometime manifested as ‘not having a voice’, or not being heard when decisions are made	John 13:35
8	A host of other issues—IER gossip and complaining; a lack of Godly purpose and vision; a lack of Godly love.	Proverbs 29:18, Revelations 3:16

Being Thankful--Especially in Prayer

Through out the year and especially at Thankgiving--

May the Lord help each of us be always thankful to Him--Jesus for our blessings--and to bless others through praying for them.

A Prayer for Veterans

Father,

Help us to be thankful for all those who have served our country in the military.  We lift up our veterans to you as many need your help today…asking for your help, protection, and wisdom for all who are actively serving in our military. 

Help us to remember them throughout the year with sustaining prayer.   Those in need of a job, others with serious problems from injuries, or post traumatic syndrome—we also seek your help for their families to understand what their veteran spouse/parent is going through and went through. 

Help us to honor, encourage, and support them.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

©2013 Lewis Turner

 

A Function of God's Family which Relates to Prayer

A Function of God’s Family Which Relates to Prayer

A Study of the Words ‘Plead’ and ‘Cause’ in Psalms 119:154

“Plead my cause, and deliver me...”

Written by Lewis Turner, Wheatland Ministries

The use of the words ‘Plead’ and ‘Cause’ in Psalms 119:154 are significant in that they speak of a function that the Psalmist asked the Lord to do for him.  An examination of the words above and related scriptures will help us further understand a significant function which relate to intercession and agreement.

To start this study, we will be closely looking at the Hebrew spelling of the two words, Plead and Cause, and deriving possible meanings of the words from the Hebrew letters used in the spelling.  Hebrew letters do have a meaning for each letter.  The Hebrew spelling for both words ‘plead’ and ‘cause’ in Psalms 119 verse 154 shows that the spelling appears to be the same. Looking at the Hebrew letters for these words we have:  רִיב‎.  An examination of the meanings of the letters of Hebrew for ‘Plead’ and ‘Cause’ reveals some interesting observations.  The first letter, Reish רִ, in the word refers to the Head/most important Person.  The 2^nd letter, Yud י, in the word, means a deed done. The 3^rd letter in the word רִיב‎ is the letter Bet ב.  Its meaning implies a house.   (The meanings of the letters are listed in the reference A below)  Putting all this together, you might conclude that the word could mean:  the work done of the House of the Head/Highest Person.   Other meanings derived from the letters are possible, but in the context of this verse, this definition seems to be the best. 

Examining the meaning that we have developed of רִיב‎ —using the meaning of the letters, we find that they refer to the work of the House of the Head/Highest Person.  The Head/Highest person referred to in the context of the verse is the Lord.  Speaking of a House of the Head/Highest Person also seems to refer a family.  Looking further at the definition, we find that it speaks of the work done of the house.  This work may be what the Psalmist desired of the Lord when he asked the Lord to ‘plead his cause’.  A work of this nature could be considered a function of the House of our Lord.  

Let’s look this concept further.   In Psalms 119: 154, I believe the Psalmist was referring to the Lord, whom he directed his words in seeking help.   This seeking of the Lord’s help, reminds us of  Romans 8:26-27 and 34, where we find that both the Holy Spirit of God making intercession for us according to the Will of God and in verse 34 we also find that the Lord Jesus making intercession for us.  The word for Intercession in Hebrew is  פָּגַע‎,  which in the context of making intercession, and using the meanings of the Hebrew letters to help define the word, we have the following possible definition—To  speak, lifting up, of the desire of the righteous. (see Reference B below).  The statement in Romans 8:26-27 and 34 is a powerful statement.  Considering that and looking back to the verse in Psalms 119:154, the work of pleading one’s cause especially when it is a righteous cause, is a function of God’s family.  Both the Holy Spirit of God and Jesus make intercession for us. 

The principle of the desire of the Righteous is also seen in I John 5:14 “And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to His Will, he heareth us :”  When we pray and ask for something in accordance with God’s Will, God hears us.  The Bible is God’s Word revealed to us and represents His Will.  When Christ was on earth, He provided a way that we could be right with God.  Bringing this together, a function of God’s family is to pray pleading our cause and focus on what the Will of the Righteous One is.

At this point since both the Holy Spirit of God and Jesus are making intercession for us, we should also consider the scripture Matthew 18:19 which speaks of two being in agreement.  When both the Holy Spirit of God and Jesus make intercession for us, they are in agreement.  That verse says that what two ask in agreement, it is done.   They both intercede according to God’s Holy Word, and because what they ask in intercession for us in agreement, it is done!  That is an important fact to learn and remember.

Their example of pleading for us should encourage us to join together; seek what God wants; learn his word; use His Word in prayer; and pray with others who have their faith in Jesus as Lord and Savior. When we do this we are functioning as part of the family of the House of God.    

Reflection questions: 

The example we have in the document above should encourage us to join together with others in prayer.  What attitudes hold us back?

Many Intercessors pray alone, and there were times when Christ rose up early and prayed alone.  Is then there a case to pray with other?  Consider the study above and respond to this question:  should intercessors also seek time of prayer with others?  What about others?

What can happen if we pray together and in agreement with God’s Word?

Reference A: 

Note:  The development of a meaning of words using the meanings of the Hebrew letters in the words is not a private interpretation, but one derived from the context of the verse and other related scriptures. 

Psalms 119:153-160; looking the words ‘Plead’ and ‘Cause’ in verse 154.

Resh, Reish  ר 

ר   Resh, Reish - what comes first, capstone, head, highest, first, top, beginning, (2b) The literal meaning of the Reish is "first", "Head" and the symbolic meaning is "first" "person", the "most important", "highest" or the "highest/first person".(1a)    R

Psalm 119:153-160 (KJV)
^119:153 Consider mine affliction, and deliver me: for I do not forget thy law.
¹⁵⁴ Plead (the work done of the house of the most important person) my cause (the most important work done of the house of the most important person), and deliver me: quicken me according to thy word.
¹⁵⁵ Salvation is far from the wicked: for they seek not thy statutes. 
¹⁵⁶ Great are thy tender mercies, O LORD: quicken me according to thy judgments.
¹⁵⁷ Many are my persecutors and mine enemies; yet do I not decline from thy testimonies.
¹⁵⁸ I beheld the transgressors, and was grieved; because they kept not thy word.
¹⁵⁹ Consider how I love thy precepts: quicken me, O LORD, according to thy lovingkindness.
¹⁶⁰ Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever.

154 Plead ‏רִיב‎ rîb reeb Hebrew Strong’s Number 7378

ר   Resh, Reish – what comes first, capstone, head, highest, first, top, beginning, (2b) The literal meaning of the Reish is "first", "Head" and the symbolic meaning is "first" "person", the "most important", "highest" or the "highest/first person".(1a)    R

י    Yud - deed done, to make, power, might- Work, worship (2b) In the ancient Hebrew word pictures, the yod was drawn as a "hand" complete with the arm above the elbow. It symbolized work done - (1a)    JI

ב  Bet, Beyt -house, It's literal meaning is House or tent. In the ancient Hebrew, it was drawn as the floor plan of a primitive house, and thus it's symbolic meaning is an household, in or into. (1a), family (2b)  B

Possible Letter Meaning of Plead : 154 Plead ‏רִיב‎ rîb reeb Hebrew Strong’s Number 7378:  Capstone/most important person, work/deed done, house:  the work done of the house of the most important person—note in Romans 8:28 & 34, the Holy Spirit and Jesus make intercession for us—the work of His house is to plead our cause.
154 Cause ‏רִיב‎ rîb reeb Hebrew Strong’s Number 7379

ר   Resh, Reish – what comes first, capstone, head, highest, first, top, beginning, (2b) The literal meaning of the Reish is "first", "Head" and the symbolic meaning is "first" "person", the "most important", "highest" or the "highest/first person".(1a)    R

י    Yud - deed done, to make, power, might- Work, worship (2b) In the ancient Hebrew word pictures, the yod was drawn as a "hand" complete with the arm above the elbow. It symbolized work done - (1a)    JI

ב  Bet, Beyt -house, It's literal meaning is House or tent. In the ancient Hebrew, it was drawn as the floor plan of a primitive house, and thus its symbolic meaning is a household, in or into. (1a), family (2b)  B

Possible Letter Meaning of Cause: 154 Cause ‏רִיב‎ rîb reeb Hebrew Strong’s Number 7378: the most important work done of the house of the most important person

Reference B:

Note:  The development of a meaning of words using the meanings of the Hebrew letters in the words is not a private interpretation, but one derived from the context of the verse and other related scriptures. 

Interceded/Intercession

Gen 23:8 ‏פָּגַע‎ pāgaʿ paw-gah' Hebrew Strong’s Number 6293

פֶּ   Pey - Pe - mouth, speak, word, to speak, to open, It's literal meaning is mouth and it's symbolic meaning is "to open", "speak", "word", "the beginning" (like a river). In the ancient picture Hebrew, the letter Pey was drawn according to the meaning, in this case, a mouth.  Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer. Psalms 19:14 (1a) P

גִּ    Gimel – to lift up, It's literal meaning is a camel, to lift up. Its symbolic meaning is kindness, to nourish, or pride, to be lifted up. (1a) gather, walk (2b)

CG

צִ    Tzade harvest, desire, just, righteous—In ancient Hebrew this letter was drawn like a hook. In Hebrew, to "want" or "desire" is Ra-tsah and the word picture tells us that desire is when a person is "hooked". Another significant word is the Hebrew word for Righteousness, Tse-dek and the word picture tells us that you are righteous when your hook is the door you follow. See John 10:7, 9 (1a) Journey, chase, hunt

Possible Letter Meaning of Intercede: פָּגַע‎ pāgaʿ paw-gah' Hebrew Strong’s Number 6293:  To speak lifting up the desire of the righteous.

Additional References: 

(1a) Yarah  Ministries   http://webpages.charter.net/yarahministries/alphabet.html

(2b) Hebrew28_alphabet chart  http://www.ancient-hebrew.org/28_chart.html

©2013 Lewis Turner

 

Friendship Guide

The following guide is offered to help in building relationships with others where we can have the opportunity to share the good news of Jesus Christ.  Developing relationships takes an effort that should be motivated by the love of Jesus for us and others.  The guide provides some helpful thoughts that may help in building relationships.

Friendship Guide

 

1.  Identify what people would say about the relationship with you have with someone.  Why would they say this?

 

2.  How have you been a friend to others?  Take time to list ways you have      shown friendship:

 

            3.  How can you become a better friend?

            Consider:

·         Could you learn to “be a good listener”?

 

·         Could you consider joining him/her in some activities, but being careful not to compromise your faith?  Examples of activities might be sharing your hobbies, or personal interests, or just being ready to offer help in projects they are doing.  Be careful not to talk too much about yourself.   Take time to take an interest in him/her!  Here is a guide that we will call a friendship guide

 

4.  What are some possible common interests between you and the other person? Take time to review the following list of ideas to help build friendships.  Consider:

·         Their likes

·         Their dislikes

·         Their hobbies

·         Their goals

·         Their dreams

·         Their fears

·         Their hurts

·         Their joys

·         Their struggles

·         Common Interests

 

5.  Are you willing to be vulnerable and share your personal responses or feelings and opinions?  To be free to do so will open yourself to being vulnerable.  In some cases, if you are not willing to listen to different opinions it could hinder building a relationship.  However, if you are willing to listen, that can be a form of being humble which lets people know you are a real person.

           

 6.  Can you “be sensitive” to them in your approach, avoiding judgment?

 

7.  Can you “be faithful” to follow-up, being true to your word and commitments?

 

8.  Are you willing to take time and not rush a friendship?  It may take several years.

 

             9.  Are you willing to find ways to encourage them?

 

           10.  Will you avoid gossip at all times?

 

Further notes on developing relationships:

• Relationships are built over time
• Do not jump to a spiritual encounter, prematurely-Ask the Lord to guide you.
• Ask them if they would appreciate your to praying for them, and if they would allow you to follow-up on your prayer for them.  If there has been an answer to prayer, they would probably be eager to share what has happened. 
• Consider taking reasonable prayer requests to the Lord, for them.  ---Unreasonable requests sometimes come up.  Don’t pray for unscriptural ones—when such a request occurs, consider asking the Lord how to discern and pray for the real need.

• Remember, it is important that we allow the Spirit of God to work in the other person.
•  Developing friendships involves listening to the Lord and His Holy Spirit

• Allow the Holy Spirit to work, as you pray for God’s wisdom and direction.
• The Lord can provide others who will pray for us, and who will also keep us accountable in developing relationships.
• As a relationship develops, the Lord will show you how you can find ways to minister to his/her spiritual needs.  The Lord can also help you to encourage them to meet other Christians in events they enjoy.

 

Finally, as the Holy Spirit of God works in a person’s heart, be responsive to his/her requests.

• Answer questions clearly and compassionately
• Encourage and introduce them to other Christians
• Be clear when presenting the Gospel

 

An important concept to remember from this lesson is that joining together in prayer for others provides the opportunity to bring God’s help to them—giving the opportunity to develop relationships with others, and also helps in building relationships with people who are not a part of the group, who may not know the Lord.  It also gives the opportunity to share Jesus with others.

 

Reflections:

  

The reflection exercise for this lesson is an exercise of what we have learned to-date in the course.  It is intended to encourage you to practice some of the principles we have learned which relate to prayer and building relationship.  It is possible that not everyone may be able to bring a group together to pray.  If that is so and there is a group already praying, consider joining that group, then answers some of the questions in the reflection.   

  

The exercise is a practicum to bring people together in prayer and observe how they respond to group praying.  It may take some time to pull your observations together about praying together.  Your observations should relate back to what we have learned.  Those of you who are pastors and are a part of the class, it would be good to hear from your point of view.  Those who are not pastors, your reflective comments are also very important.  To help lay-students get started, perhaps they could ask their pastor if he/she would welcome your bringing people together for a prayer group.  If they do, that too is an excellent opportunity to learn and observe.  Sharing those observations with others on Pray.Network, could encourage someone else in the class. Maybe you will observe some other issues about prayer in a group that you would like to share for discussion – that too would be helpful.

 

Here are some possible ways to bring people together for prayer—consider praying for an event that your church is having, for example: Vacation Bible School, or a special function event, or a church activity. --that would help us grow in praying together.

 

With the help of God’s Holy Spirit, both pastors and lay students in the course, together, can offer their reflections and comments to the class  for discussion.  Doing this, would benefit all in the course, and it will help us have a deeper understanding of praying together.   During the exercise, we will continue with our lessons, covering the following: praying in groups; prayer circles; looking at the power of a praying church; and developing a prayer-culture in the church. 

 

If you are actually able to do this exercise, in one form or another, I pray that the Lord will make it a meaningful exercise.  For those who cannot do the exercise, please work on the reflections below, and draw from you past experiences in answering.

 

Exercise Reflection: 

• How can we encourage prayer to move from inward self-focus to outward focus on others, but not forgetting the inward-personal need?

• What have you observed about the action of prayer helping to build relationships?

• If you could identify critical elements in “encouraging prayer with others”, what are they?  Why do you think they are important?

• Ask your prayer group to discuss what factors they consider important that encourages others “to belong” to a prayer group.  -- Have the elements they have identified helped them to reach out to others, who are not in their prayer group? 

You may have other observations--please feel free to share them.  When your project is complete, please share about it on pray.

 

SHARE IT -- WHILE IT IS FRESH!

   

If you have any questions, please ask!

©2014 Lewis Turner