Tks Dennis for reminding me about this profound truth that if we are to live by the indwelling spirit of Christ, we cannot but pray the same way.
Tks Rhys for the link to Ray's paper. As always, so simply profound . Yes, I must admit that I did become a 'self-righteous' born-again. I too am learning to live and let live, trusting in God's sovereignty and His power, desire and purpose to save ALL.
Yes John, praying ceaselessly is the essence of the Christian life, which comes naturally to any newfound fellowship. What mars this beautiful communication is when we try to imitate patterns of prayer that have become the 'norm' in Christian circles - praying aloud, praying scripture, claiming biblical promises, binding and loosing, taking authority in Jesus' name... While not necessarily wrong (I think) they strain the relationship we have with our Father.
I've had moments like that too, Driggs, when I've been moved to pray, Absolute mountain top experience!
I'm not yet ready for persecution, Patric! But I am thankful for this season and I know it is just a season...
Today I had my first Aha moments since coming to Bible truths forum. In John 13, Jesus washes his disciples feet and after protestation Peter consents to have his feet washed, not wanting to be excluded for being unclean. Jesus' response to Peter are 'spirit and life', He symbolically washes the feet for it is the feet that go to where the sinful heart leads. In so doing He 'graces' Peter and invites us to do likewise to others (not wash feet, but extend grace). Meditating on this, I was humbled that God should wash my feet each time He graces me.
Am absolutely thrilled at what God is teaching me.
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loretta