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Prayer and Riches.

by Dale Harcombe | More from this Blogger

25 Mar 2009 08:13 PM

nullIn Luke 6:12,after the confrontations with the Pharisees, Jesus went off alone and spent the whole night in prayer. Have you ever spent as long in concentrated prayer? I haven't though I do find if I am awake at night, which happens fairly regularly to me, it is a good time to pray, right there where I am.

We might wonder what Jesus was praying about. Was he praying about the opposition he was experiencing and the hardness of people's hearts? Was he seeking the Father for strength for what he knew lay ahead of him? Maybe it was both. Or was he praying about whom to choose to be in his band of followers? For after this night of prayer Jesus went and chose his disciples. It is a good thing for us to do too before we approach anyone in our church to take on a particular responsibility We need to pray and ask our Heavenly Father to make clear those He has chosen. Sometimes it might be quite different to those we might have in mind.

What a varied bunch these disciples were. Some were fishermen, one was a tax collector. Sounds rather like our churches, a mixed bunch, doesn't it? Others we don't hear a lot about in the rest of scripture. We don't hear a lot about those in our churches who do the behind the scenes jobs like cleaning and morning teas and prayer either. But they are just as important as other jobs in the church.

People came to Jesus to hear his message and to be healed. Jesus taught of the kingdom of God and the way God's economy works. Those hungry and weeping will be filled and will know joy, Luke 6:21. Jesus promised his disciples, despite the hatred of others, that there would be great reward for all they would have to give up for his sake, verses Luke 6:22-23. Obviously Jesus is not talking about material wealth and riches for the reward, is not on earth. Rather, their reward 'is great in heaven.' But he warns the rich and self-serving their recompense will also come, verses 25-26.

Into which category would Jesus place you? Are you one of those who are committed to serving him regardless of the cost? Or are you too concerned with riches and pleasures on this earth now?

Bible verses from the New American Standard Version

Please visit these related blogs

Waiting Prayerfully

Who Is Jesus?

Strange Atitudes Towards Children's Ministry

Have You Considered a Prayer Covenant?

 
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Learn more about Dale Harcombe
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Dale has a passion for books and writing. She writes in various forms, from articles to poetry to fiction for children and adults.

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User Comments

JohnathanV (20) 26 Mar 2009 01:46 AM

To become rich is every man's dream and prayer... Usually, we could sicerely feel our prayers if it is accompanied with music.Slacker Radio is actually quite the thing. Slacker radio may well outpace Sirius for ad-free radio that leaves their local based counterparts in the dust, partially because of ease of use, convenience, partially because unlike satellite it's free and also because Slacker isn't staring down the barrel of possible bankruptcy. You won't need installment loans to get this ad free radio, its broadcast for free over the internet. All you need to do is register for free with an email address, and you're good to go - which you can also do with its counterpart Pandora. No ads, no self important and really annoying deejays, and you pick the playlist. Who would stick to normal radio when you could get Slacker Radio? Keep your eyes open! Everyone must be keen observant with this kind of person. We earn for our own benefits not for those who never exerted their effort just to have that money..

Dale Harcombe Online! (10333) 26 Mar 2009 01:54 PM

I disagree. It is certainly not my prayer or dream to be rich, unless it is rich in the things of God.

ruthann8 (6378) 26 Mar 2009 06:21 PM

I do sometimes and lately it seems to be more often. Not b/c I want to be rich but for a sense stability. I think it would be nice to have enough for retirement, college, and a small home. It would be nice sometimes to not have the stress. Right now it would be nice to slow down and enjoy life!

ruthann8 (6378) 27 Mar 2009 06:08 AM

It is probably less prayer and more just day dreaming :)

Dale Harcombe Online! (10333) 27 Mar 2009 01:41 PM

Interesting how you clarified your thoughts about this overnight . Thanks for your comments and keep trusting God to provide.

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