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Scripture which we have used when circumstances seemed to call for such
assistance.
Philippians 1:6 -21
(1) Verse 6 -- God will 'finish'. Remember this promise; it will modify any
tendency to undue anxiety. We start with a consciousness of God and His
faithfulness
(2) Verse 7 -- This promise of verse 6 is not incompatible with our
responsibility. We have a blessed privilege as fellowworkers of God.
(3) Verse 9 -- The actual prayer of the apostle is enlightening.
Do we in
our measure pray in a similar wisdom and spirit?
(4) Verses 12 -18 -- Notice the spirit of Paul, and his one ground of
rejoicing -- 'notwithstanding, every way, Christ is preached'.
(5) Verses 19 -21 -- How Paul expected answer to prayer: (a) Your prayer, (b)
The Lord's supply, (c) My expectation.
Psalm 73
To catch the sense, translate the words 'truly', 'verily', and 'surely'
of verses 1,13 and 18, by the colloquial, 'After all'. Verse 1 is only to be
learned 'in the sanctuary' (verse 17).
Note the change in point of view (verses 3 -12, and 24 -26).
Prayer can lead
us into this sanctuary experience.
Philippians 4:5 -7
(1)
Moderation means 'yieldingness', if such a word is permissible.
This quality must not of course be shown in stewardship, in such a capacity
we may yield nothing, 'no, not for an hour'. But in the matter of our own
rights and liberties we can afford to let much go for the sake of Christ and
His people, as did Paul.
(2)
Prayer is not worry, it is a committal to God.
(3)
God assures one answer to every true prayer: 'The peace of God
... shall garrison your hearts and minds'.
Psalm 61
(1)
What is prayer?
It is a cry.
(2)
Where may I pray?
From the ends of the earth.
(3)
When may I pray?
When heart is overwhelmed.
(4)
What shall I pray?
Lead me to Christ; higher
than I.
(5)
What is my assurance?
Thou hast been ... I will
trust.
Numbers 7:89
'And when Moses was gone into the tabernacle of the congregation to
speak with Him, then he heard the voice of One speaking unto him from
off the mercy seat that was upon the ark of the testimony, from between
the two cherubim: and He spake unto him'.