www.freedomjournalpress.com
Editors Note: Beloved we still walk and talk in the Spirit. We pray also that we will continue to write inspired and directed by the Spirit. Many things come silently and in ways other than the midnight sky. However we all have the responsibility to see the Light of Day and Night. What do you see?
In the name of God Master, of the Universe, Ruler of the earth
Greetings Brethren,
Peace be unto you. To the Church (the Church of Christ Jesus the Prophets and Apostles) and believing Christians everywhere. To those that believe in the Bible (the Spirit of God) as the supreme authority that governs all of humankind. In this we give thanks to God the Father the Son and the Holy Spirit that leads and guides us the straightway.
Prayer as a powerful aspect of the Christian experience is best utilized when we have knowledge of the components of prayer. Therefore when we pray we must understand that there are certain principles that in most cases should always be a part of our prayers. There are five principal parts that should be included in our prayers. They are Adoration, Confession, Supplication, Intercession and Thanksgiving. As a prayer is rendered those with a sincere heart come to realize why these five principles are so important as a part of our prayer life.
Adoration from a secular view point that also applies to the church means devoted love; highest respect. Meanwhile the Biblical definition notes worship and reverence. Therefore our prayers should begin with a statement uplifting God and the Father in the name of Jesus. At the Book of Daniel we see the king Nebuchadnezzar moving in a mood of Adoration toward God and the Heavens. We will note at Daniel 4 verses 34 and 35 however we suggest that you read the entire chapter especially the last two verses 36 and 37.
Daniel: 4 34-35: “And at the end of the days I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me, and I blessed the most High, and I praised and honoured him that liveth forever, whose dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom is from generation to generation:”
“And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing; and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?”
So a prayer of Adoration means acknowledging God as the King and lifting Him up with praise. Realizing that there is only one God and we can only reach Him through His son Christ Jesus.
Our second consideration as an integral part of prayer is Confession. Here we need to clearly understand what Confession means in prayer as we petition God. We also must be sure we know who to confess our sins to. The definitive qualities of the word Confession in the Hebrew and Greek languages does not differ from the English meaning. To openly acknowledge one’s faith in anything is noted as Confession. Also to acknowledge the existence and authority of God or the sins one has committed is noted as Confession. As we pray we confess our sins to God the Father in the name of Jesus. However the Bible does not stipulate any other person that we confess to. Therefore the Roman Church that looks toward Confession of sins to a man in the flesh has no Biblical origin. Now follow us to several scriptural passages that reveal what the Bible says about Confession of sins.
I John 1: 9 is our primary verse however we also refer you to verses 8 and 10. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from unrighteousness.”
Verse 8: “If we say that we have not sinned we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.”
Verse 10: “If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.”
Merely saying I confess my sins has very little meaning. What one needs to do in an act of Confession is to be specific as to the sin he or she is guilty of. If the person has committed sins only the Lord knows about he is to only make that Confession to Him. For the record confessing sins in an open Church service does not mean the person confessing is seeking repentance from anyone in the flesh. The forgiveness of sin from God is much different than the forgiveness of man. For example the phrase “faithful and just” in our primary verse means that the Lord will keep his promise to forgive the sins of those that are penitent. The sacrifice of Christ makes it possible for God to be both merciful and just.
Beloved go with us now over to Psalms for a powerful message as a cross reference regarding our notes on Confession of sins. Here we find another blessing and once more than once our faith in the Truth and beauty of the Word is again exploited. At the 32nd Division of Psalms we find another beautiful inspirational word from David. We suggest that you read and enjoy this entire Psalms as its beauty and majesty is profound however our primary verse is five.
Psalms 32: 5: “I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid, I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the Lord; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah.
David made a full Confession of all of his faults, sins, iniquity and transgressions and was forgiven. We can also be forgiven if we bring our faults before God with a repentant heart.
