Bαʂιƈ Ⴆυιʅԃιɳɠ Ⴆʅσƈƙʂ σϝ Cԋɾιʂƚιαɳιƚყ : 𝐎𝐛𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐨𝐫 𝐏𝐫𝐚𝐲𝐞𝐫
When faced with the question which is more fundamental, a prerequisite Obedience to the Word or Prayer,I think it should be Obedience to the Word.
I) Actually both are related. In the words of Our Lord 👉 “IF ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.” [John 15:7; KJV]
The qualifying ”IF” makes it absolutely clear, that “Abiding in Christ” is completely volitional. It is better explained in the scripture itself 👉 “And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.” [1 John 3:24; KJV]
A truly loving Father is not likely to encourage disobedience in His children by answering prayer just like a loving mother would never give milk to her child in a dirty, greasy tumbler. Thus, God might choose to ignore the pleas of the selfish and rebellious.
However, even taking this for granted - i.e the relation between God, Obedience to his Word and answered Prayer - is dangerous as it turns God into nothing but a sort of “divine vending machine”.
This conception of prayer is both widespread and wrong. God is the author of creation, of everything that was, is and ever will be. The created being can Never place the creator under any obligation. Even if we “ask according to His will”, He might choose not to answer immediately. For He is a sovereign Lord.
The important point to note here (from the perspective of man) —
This is why the scripture records:
II) Looked at objectively, both “Faith” and “Prayer" are profound and intricate aspects of the Christian spiritual journey.These two foundational elements of the Christian life are inextricably intertwined.
Prayer is both an expression and a reinforcement of faith. Faith is not merely an accompaniment to prayer but an essential component that activates the promises of God. A lack of faith introduces instability and doubt into prayer, when it is steadfastness that it should provide. It is not blind optimism but a reasoned trust based on the knowledge of God and that requires a knowledge of the scripture.
The Bible consistently teaches that faith is essential for effective prayer. However, a knowledge of God's promises is a prerequisite. Finally Our Lord Himself stated:
So even here, Obedience to God is emphasized.
Comments
Post a Comment