praying effectively: Call on the Name of the Lord (Rom.10:1-17)

(Romans 10:1-17)  Brethren, my heart’s desire and my prayer to God for them is for their salvation. 2 For I testify about them that they have a zeal for God, but not in accordance with knowledge. 3 For not knowing about God’s righteousness and seeking to establish their own, they did not subject themselves to the righteousness of God. 4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.

5 For Moses writes that the man who practices the righteousness which is based on law shall live by that righteousness. 6 But the righteousness based on faith speaks as follows: “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’ (that is, to bring Christ down), 7 or ‘Who will descend into the abyss?’ (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead).” 8 But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart”—that is, the word of faith which we are preaching, 9 that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; 10 for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation. 11 For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes in Him will not be disappointed.” 12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, abounding in riches for all who call on Him; 13 for “Whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

14 How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher? 15 How will they preach unless they are sent? Just as it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news of good things!”

16 However, they did not all heed the good news; for Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our report?” 17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ. 

Reminder:  "praying effectively" involves knowing God's will.  When we pray in His will (in His name), He may choose to not answer those prayers in the time period that we would like, or HOW we would like - but He will answer those prayers!

It is God's will:

- that we hear and believe in the gospel message (10:17)

- that we are free from the law when we have faith in Jesus, which is believing in Jesus and living in His righteousness, not thinking that it is our works which save us or fulfills the law (10:4, 9-10)

- that we call on the name of the Lord Jesus (10:13)

- that we share the gospel message with others (10:14-17)

Today's prayer: 

Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for Your word and for providing salvation to us.  Thank You that we do not have to work for our salvation, but that You did the work for us, so that all we have to do is believe in you.  Thank You for giving us freedom from sin and the law, which Your amazing grace provides.

Help us live out the gospel message in Your love, integrity and confidence, so that Your light shines out to those around us.  Give us the desire and courage to share the good news as You give us opportunities.  And in every step we take, help us remember to call on You, for Your strength and guidance.  Amen.