do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus...

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (Col 3:17)

 

Today, I was reminded how deep is the connection between prayer and reconciliation.  That kind of reconciliation I need every day to reconcile everything I do with the purpose and glory of God.  I was reminded of how reconciliation happens just with the help of the Holy Spirit in the deep secret of prayer.  Prayer is nothing but the mystery of human beings allowed in the presence of God because of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

 

Prayer is what releases that power of redemption we have in Christ.  Releases freedom.  Prayer releases reconciliation between all that was created, to come back to the service of God.  We were saved and sealed because of Christ, through faith… in the context of a prayer.

 

We can do exactly the same thing, with the same effort, the same passion, but very different spiritual impact.  Impact happens just if prayer has been the context of what we do, from the beginning, through the effort, to the end in thanksgiving.  We can do everything, we can fill our lives with busy-ness, we can use powerful resources to support our actions, we can have a multitude of followers, we can have legitimate motives… if we lack prayer, all those are nothing else but poor human efforts absent of real power.

 

A pastor reminded me once ‘praying without doing is nothing but hypocrisy; but doing without praying is nothing less than pride.’  Truthful words.

 

Praying is a call to humble and surrender our souls, our desires, and our plans before God; is a call to ask and listen; a call to renew our minds with the real perspective of life, and circumstances.  Praying is allowing a space for God in our busy agendas, and our private lives.  When surrendered, when repented, when thirsty of God, when allowed in His presence, prayer releases guidance from above… clarity, instructions; we are enabled to hear.  Prayer also releases revelation, and we are enabled to understand… finally, prayer splashes us with God’s presence and glory releasing healing, strength, courage, faith… and we are enable to obey.

 

We stand up of our knees different… transformed for this day, reconciled for this day.