Watchman Nee"We should not just pray for our needs. In heaven and on earth there is only one prayer which is legitimate and acceptable to God-- which is asking Him to fulfill His will. Our needs should be lost in God's will. Whenever we see the will of God concerning our need, we should immediately lay down our need and ask Him to fulfill His will. To ask the Lord directly to supply our needs, whatever such needs may be, cannot be considered prayer of the highest level. Prayer for personal need should be touched indirectly by first asking the Lord's will to be done. This is the secret of prayer, the key to victory in prayer.
True prayer is a real work. Praying according to God's will and praying only for His will is indeed a self-denying work. Unless we are completely weaned from ourselves, having not the slightest interest of our own but living absolutely for the Lord and seeking His glory, we will not like what He likes, nor seek what He seeks, nor pray what He wants us to pray."
"Let Us Pray"
By Watchman Nee
Shawn and I like to say that a couple that prays together stays together. Especially over the last year we have found this to be such a lifeline for our marriage.
If you've never prayed out loud with your spouse (I'm not talkin' bout prayer over your dinner) I challenge you to give it a try. Just like anything else that is new it will probably take time to feel completely comfortable bearing your heart and soul aloud. The Bible says in Matthew 18:19-20, "Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them." Don't underestimate that power of corporate prayer.
(Watchman Nee is probably the most read author in our house.
Don't read his books unless you want to be challenged.)
True prayer is a real work. Praying according to God's will and praying only for His will is indeed a self-denying work. Unless we are completely weaned from ourselves, having not the slightest interest of our own but living absolutely for the Lord and seeking His glory, we will not like what He likes, nor seek what He seeks, nor pray what He wants us to pray."
"Let Us Pray"
By Watchman Nee
Shawn and I like to say that a couple that prays together stays together. Especially over the last year we have found this to be such a lifeline for our marriage.
If you've never prayed out loud with your spouse (I'm not talkin' bout prayer over your dinner) I challenge you to give it a try. Just like anything else that is new it will probably take time to feel completely comfortable bearing your heart and soul aloud. The Bible says in Matthew 18:19-20, "Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them." Don't underestimate that power of corporate prayer.
(Watchman Nee is probably the most read author in our house.
Don't read his books unless you want to be challenged.)
Oh man...I long for God's will to be the cry of my heart. I battle with this when I pray for healing over the little ones we both know who are so sick. I accept that God's will is so much better than anything we could ask for as He sees the big picture, but it is hard for this Momma's heart to think that healing a child might not be His perfect will. Tough.
ReplyDeletePS- I think "Watchman" is a pretty rad name.