Abiding in Christ - Day 21 - So you Will Have Power in Prayer

If ye abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you shall ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. ~John 15:7

Prayer - a means of union with Christ.
Prayer - a fruit of union with Christ.

A believer who takes the time in secret prayer to wait on God, to pour out his heart to the Lord, will grow strong in Christ.  This is a means, a way that God causes His children to grow in grace.

SHUT THE DOOR

It is as impossible to live and prosper spiritually without prayer — as it is to live and prosper physically without food. Those who enjoy a close walk with God and have power with him — are those who pray. Natural abilities and intellect can never supply any lack in spirituality. Unless you are spiritual — you are of but little use to God; and to be spiritual — you must live much in prayer.

It is not those who are on their knees the oftenest or the longest — who do the most praying. Some may pray more real prayer in one hour — than others in two or three hours. Too many people leave the door open. Prayer that feeds the soul, must be offered with the door shut. "But you, when you pray, enter into your closet, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in secret." Matthew 6:6. God is in secret. He is hidden from the world. The world does not see him, neither knows him. You can never reach God in your prayers — unless you shut out the world. Shutting the door means something more than closing the door of your literal closet. People may enter the literal closet and close the door — and yet have the world in their hearts and thoughts. Such have not closed the door in the true sense.

In the public assembly you must enter your closet when you pray, and shut the door — or your prayers avail not with God. You must talk from your heart — to the heart of God. Those assembled may hear your words — but they do not know the secret. The secret is between your heart and the heart of God. You scarcely hear your words. You know and hear more of the speaking of your heart. There is a blessing in such praying; there is a joy that cannot be told. Such prayer feeds the soul upon the divine life, and lifts us in realms of holiness and happiness. Thank God for the sweet privilege of secret fellowship with him. O beloved, when you pray, enter into your closet — and be sure to close the door!

http://www.worldinvisible.com/library/murray/5f00.0562/5f00.0562.21.htm

~ From How to Live a Holy Life by Charles Orr

Prayer is one of the primary channels of influence by which, through us as workers together with God, the blessings of Christ's redemption are dispensed to the world.  It is a fruit of the Spirit.

He who truly abides in Christ knows what it is to pray fervently.  He also knows his prayer is effectual.  He knows his prayers are accepted and heard, because of his life's union with his Saviour.  Our prayers ascend as the prayers of Jesus; the Spirit groans within.


As we abide in Christ, we pray according to His will.

• our self-will is kept down.
• our thoughts are brought into captivity.
• we become like-minded with Christ
• we search our hearts deeply, making sure our surrender is complete

As we abide in Christ, we pray only to seek the glory of God.

Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.

(John 14:13 ESV)

Christ's one thought, one desire and plea, one intercession - that He would glorify the Father!

Father, glorify Your name! ~John 12:28

As we abide in Christ, we pray in Jesus' name.

Whatever you do, in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus.  Colossians 3:17

As we abide in Christ, our faith in answered prayer grows stronger.

• fast and pray
• be humble; have a spiritual mind
• obey whole-heartedly
• wait on God

The secret of the prayer of faith

is the life of faith -

the life that abides in Christ alone.