Boldness: Listen: Prayers and Poetry

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Reading: “And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding so that we may know him who is true and we are in him who is true, in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.” I John 5:20

Throughout this study Listen, of Romans chapter eight, we have paused to hear the Spirit’s powerful words that too often get buried under daily stress and noise. And consider seeing through a new perspective the challenges and gifts that enter our lives, so that we are trusting in His foundation. His ongoing word. 

No Condemnation!

“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Romans 8:1

“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways, says the Lord.” Isaiah 55:8

So how then do we move forward and continue to Listen? Where might we start?

Richard Foster says that God is calling us into His heart, His home, and the key to this home—the heart of God—is prayer.

Foster introduces intercessory prayer as priestly ministry, and as one of the most challenging teachings in the New Testament. He says this is not optional; it is a sacred obligation—and a precious privilege—of all who take up the yoke of Christ. He says, “we are his ambassadors, commissioned by him.  We have been given his name to use with his full authority. Therefore, the content and the character of our praying must be, of necessity, in unity with his nature.”            

So, maybe our first steps are to continue to listen with expectation and intent. As Jesus set an example for us—to go  to His Father first—and then into action. Trust.

Lord, we thank you for your ongoing grace and compassion and forgiveness. Please keep us attuned to your prayers and your plans, that we will walk in complete trust and faithfulness to your call.

Psalm of Worship: 1 John 5:14-15

“And this is the boldness we have in him, that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have obtained the requests made of him.”

Reflection Questions

1.     Are you ready to ask God anything? Why or why not?

2.     Are you ready to accept His answer? Why or why not?

3.     What are some ways that we can grow into boldness with humility and obedience?

4.     How can we let condemnation go towards ourselves, and others?

5.     Are we ready to be convinced that nothing is able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord?

Share: What word has the Lord given you from this overall study that you can step into boldness in your relationship with Him?

Thank you for sharing in our journey to Listen together.