PRAYER AND SERVITUDE
(Book 5 Lesson 4)
Key Verse: “For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being.” (Ephesians 3:14-16)
All those who love God naturally would have the desire to serve him, but not everyone has the capability, endurance, or spiritual gifts to fully undertake and complete the holy works. Therefore, in this session, we are going to learn about the importance of prayer associated with works and spiritual nurture. From the examples of Lord Jesus and the saints, we will understand that unceasing, fervent, and watchful prayers are essential for the successful completion of the holy works.
I.The Significance and Importance of Servitude
Paul wrote to the Roman church in Romans 12:1, “I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God – this is your spiritual act of worship.”
From the above verse, we realize that in order to offer ourselves as living sacrifices, we need to live in Christ and for Christ, just as Romans 14:7-8 states, “For none of us lives to himself alone and none of us dies to himself alone. If we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. So whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.”
In the Lord’s Prayer, “Our Father which art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven …”(Matthew 6:9-10) Unless the follower of Christ recognizes his own “calling” and commits himself to live for Christ, it is difficult to bring the Lord’s Kingdom to earth and give glory to God. Therefore, the right attitude towards serving our Lord is quite important.
II.Prayer – The Source of Power
In John 14:14, “You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.” As long as we pray in God’s will, with importunity, and live a holy life, our prayers will be answered. The following are examples of effective prayers:
- Luke 11:8, 13 – God grants Holy Spirit to those who ask in earnest.
- Acts 4:31 – When filled with the Holy Spirit, one speaks the word of God boldly.
- Acts 1:8 – Holy Spirit enables the workers of God to be Lord’s witnesses.
- Acts 6:5, 8, 10 – Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, did great wonders and miraculous signs.
- Acts 11:24 – Great number of people can be brought to the Lord
- Galatians 5:22-23 - Bear fruits of the Holy Spirit
As a lowly vessel, used by God, we need to strive toward glorifying our Lord. In order to shine the “light” in this darkened world, bring more sinners to Christ, and to live a life of worthy of God’s calling, we should pray as often as possible for strength, guidance, wisdom, and power from above.
III.Examples of Lord Jesus and the Saints
- Noah – After he leaves the ark, Noah made offerings to God, which is equivalent to prayers today. (Genesis 8:20-21)
- Abraham and His Servant – Abraham, the Father of Faith, built altars and called on the name of the Lord. (Genesis 12:7-8) Similarly, his servant inquired after God’s will when he was sent by Abraham to get a wife for Isaac. (Genesis 24:10-14, 24-27, 50-52)
- Moses – As long as Moses held up his hands in prayer, the Israelites won the battle with the Amalekites. (Exodus 17:8-13) To win a spiritual battle, one needs to have the power of the Holy Spirit.
- Prophet Samuel – Intercessory prayers of the prophet (1Samuel 7:3-5, 8:4-9, 12:19-25)
- Lord Jesus Christ – Jesus prays early in the morning. (Mark 1:35), He prays in the wilderness. (Luke 5:15-16), He went on the mountainside alone to pray. (Matthew 14:23). From Lord Jesus’ example, we know that before doing any holy work, we need to pray first. Prayers also help to elevate our spiritual level so that we will always have the correct attitude while serving our Lord. (Ephesians 6:18)
Before Lord Jesus was to be crucified on the cross and fulfill God’s plan of salvation, he went up to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray. (Luke 22:39-44) We must seek for the filling of the Holy Spirit so that in every service, we can edify others and give glory to God.
IV.Unceasing Prayers
“You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.” (Hebrews 10:36)
To do the will of God is to serve God. Evangelical work brings salvation to others, but spiritual nurture brings salvation to ourselves. Therefore, we need to have the assistance of the Holy Spirit to aid us in achieving holiness and righteousness in the Lord.
Every believer can serve the Lord by attending church and family services, bible reading, hymn singing, bible studying, self-examining, encouraging each other, and praying often. Through the Holy Spirit, we can have discernment over what is good and evil, right and wrong. Holy Spirit can also give us understanding of the word of God. The power of the Holy Spirit will enable us to perfect our faith, hope, and love.
Every believer can also serve the Lord by playing the piano, leading hymn singing, translation works, testifying for the Lord, personal evangelism, and literary evangelism.
Conclusion:
“This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord Almighty.” (Zechariah 4:6-7)