March 2011 – Page 3 – Gospel Progress

2011-03-04

Lesson outline for improving private prayer

LESSON OUTLINE: Improving Private Prayer

from the Wadsworth, Oh., congregation

1. Last lesson we discussed ideas on how to improve our public praying. One of those suggestions included that if we want to improve our _____________ prayers we need to work on improving our _______________ prayers.

2. We are creatures of __________. Bad _____________ are __________ to fall into, but ________ ____________ require ___________ and ______________. A balanced Prayer Life will likewise require ___________ and ______________.

3. Need Help With The Words? Here is a “qualified” suggestion — Matthew Henry (1662-1714) was an English Presbyterian whose commentary, Exposition of the Old and New Testaments, has been used by millions was also known for another work that was just as popular in his day. Henry’s book, A Method For Prayer, has some excellent thoughts on how we can put our thoughts into words for prayer. It follows the same pattern as our lessons on types of prayer: Adoration, Thanksgiving, Confession, Petition, and Intercession. Plus, it can be downloaded in PDF format for free at Google Books. Continue reading “Lesson outline for improving private prayer”

2011-03-03

Request: Pray for evangelistic campaign in NE Brazil

Missionary Jeremy Newlin asks to pray three specific requests before God as preparations are made for an evangelistic campaign in a city in northeast Brazil.

2011-03-03

How is it, Lord, that an ingrown toenail disturbs us more?

How is it, Lord, that an ingrown toenail disturbs us more than the billions of lost souls across this world? Does our own physical comfort and well-being consume our interest and comittment, so that we are blind to spiritual loss? Pull me out of myself, O God, that I might enter into the suffering of my neighbor and offer him your Good News.

2011-03-02

Life seems to pass too fast, eternal God

Life seems to pass too fast, eternal God.
Is this your doing, also? Did you design
The rush of events and the speed of days
To create in me the desire for you, the Timeless?

2011-03-01

Prayers We Don’t Mean (1)

Carl Jenkins shares two articles on prayers that we don’t mean. His point is that we must not only pray, but act as well. The first one starts here:

The Lord condemned vain prayers saying, "when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words" (Mat 6:7). While we may not have the repetitious prayers of the Catholics, and while praying for the same thing over and over is not wrong, it can be easy to offer up a prayer that is more of habit than heart. It’s easy to offer up prayers we don’t mean. Maybe we pray them, but don’t act upon them.

Read the rest of the article HERE, and check out the second installment as well.

2011-03-01

I have today, Father, as your gift

I have today, Father, as your gift.
Touch a needy life through me.
Remind us all of eternity.
Fill each hour with joy in Christ.
Keep sad and angry thoughts at bay.
Let now be yours and ours, today.

2011-03-01

Let me not be swayed by beautiful words or fine phrases

Lord, let me not be swayed by beautiful words or fine phrases which hide false philosophies or strange spirits. Let me see through the fluff, make me penetrate the oratory to discern if I am hearing truth or lies. For above all, O God, I want to be free to serve you.

2011-03-01

Church prays for 5 1/2 hours

An Arkansas congregation spent 5 1/2 hours yesterday in collective prayer. Read the details of their time together on the BrotherhoodNews.com site. We laud the congregation for their effort, for which the Lord will certainly bless.