September 21, 2022 -- Colossians 4:2 -- Called to prayer

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.
Colossians 4:2 ESV

“Instinctively and automatically it [your old sin nature] will mobilize all the reasons it can conceive of for not praying now: You’re too busy; your mind is too preoccupied; your heart is not inclined to prayer” Owen Hallesby “Prayer”

It is interesting, isn’t it, how much time we make for the things we love? We call ourselves too busy, but the pile of things to do is left idling while we are binge-watching that movie series. There is always time for the things you love. I urge you pray to Jesus until He is for you exactly as He is pictured in Scripture: The Beloved One; the Desire of All Nations; the Anointed One set up by the LORD on Mt. Zion to rule your heart. When Jesus Christ captures your heart, fills your imagination as what He truly is, the King of Glory Who reveals the Father, then your prayer life, so illuminated by the Spirit, will be deeper and more vital. It won’t be a litany of things you want; it will be privilege to spend time with Him in conversation, praise, adoration, thanksgiving and asking.

THREE IN ONE, ONE IN THREE,
God of my salvation, Heavenly Father,
Blessed Son, eternal Spirit,
I adore thee as one Being, one Essence,
one God in three distinct Persons,
for bringing sinners to thy knowledge and to thy kingdom.
O Father, thou hast loved me and sent Jesus to redeem me;
O Jesus, thou hast loved me and assumed my nature,
shed thine own blood to wash away my sins,
wrought righteousness to cover my unworthiness;
O Holy Spirit, thou hast loved me
and entered my heart,
implanted there eternal life,
revealed to me the glories of Jesus.
Three Persons and one God, I bless and praise thee,
for love so unmerited, so unspeakable,
so wondrous, so mighty to save the lost and raise them to glory.
O Father, I thank thee that in fullness of grace
thou hast given me to Jesus,
  to be his sheep, jewel, portion.
O Jesus, I thank thee that in fullness of grace
thou hast accepted, espoused, bound me;
O Holy Spirit, I thank thee that in fullness of grace
thou hast exhibited Jesus as my salvation,
implanted faith within me,
subdued my stubborn heart,
made me one with him for ever.
O Father, thou art enthroned to hear my prayers,
O Jesus, thy hand is outstretched to take my petitions,
O Holy Spirit, thou art willing to help my infirmities, to show me my need,
to supply words, to pray within me,
to strengthen me that I faint not in supplication.
O Triune God, who commandeth the universe,
thou hast commanded me to ask for those things
that concern thy kingdom and my soul.
Let me live and pray as one baptized into the threefold Name.
"The Trinity", Valley of Vision: Puritan Prayers and Devotions

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