praying effectively: Imitate Christ (Rom.15:1-13)

(Romans 15:1-13)  Now we who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of those without strength and not just please ourselves. 2 Each of us is to please his neighbor for his good, to his edification. 3 For even Christ did not please Himself; but as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached You fell on Me.” 4 For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. 5 Now may the God who gives perseverance and encouragement grant you to be of the same mind with one another according to Christ Jesus, 6 so that with one accord you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

7 Therefore, accept one another, just as Christ also accepted us to the glory of God. 8 For I say that Christ has become a servant to the circumcision on behalf of the truth of God to confirm the promises given to the fathers, 9 and for the Gentiles to glorify God for His mercy; as it is written,

“Therefore I will give praise 

to You among the Gentiles,
And I will sing to Your name.”

10 Again he says,

“Rejoice, O Gentiles, with His people.”

11 And again,

“Praise the Lord all you Gentiles,
And let all the peoples praise Him.”

12 Again Isaiah says,

“There shall come the root of Jesse,
And He who arises to rule over the Gentiles,
In Him shall the Gentiles hope.”

13 Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

 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 through the scripture's perseverance and encouragement, we have hope (15:4-6)

- that through believing, we are filled with joy, peace and hope (15:13)

- that through Christ, we glorify God (15:4-6)

- that through Christ, we are unified (15:4-6)

- that we accept each other, to the glory of God (15:7)

- that we rejoice together (15:10)

- that we praise the Lord (15:11)

- that we do not discriminate who can join us in praise to the Lord (15:11)

- that we do not just think about ourselves (15:1)

- that we help those who are struggling (15:1)

- that we please and edify our neighbors (15:1)

Today's prayer:

 Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for Your word and guidance towards a greater hope, and a life filled with joy and peace.  Help Your Church to remain steadfast, always growing closer to You, and closer to each other in unity, so that we might work effectively together - so that the world will notice a difference in us - so that the world will see You.  

Thank You for Your unconditional love.  Help us to not neglect ourselves in becoming more like You.  Help us to love our fellow believers and our neighbors with Your unconditional, selfless love.  Show us where we can help others, to encourage and edify.  May our motives always be to glorify You in everything we say and do.  Amen.