praying effectively: Walk in the Light (gospels)

(John 1:1-14)  In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being. 4 In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men. 5 The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.

6 There came a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness, to testify about the Light, so that all might believe through him. 8 He was not the Light, but he came to testify about the Light.

9 There was the true Light which, coming into the world, enlightens every man. 10 He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. 11 He came to His own, and those who were His own did not receive Him. 12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, 13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.

14 And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.

(John 12:35-36)  So Jesus said to them, “For a little while longer the Light is among you. Walk while you have the Light, so that darkness will not overtake you; he who walks in the darkness does not know where he goes. 36 While you have the Light, believe in the Light, so that you may become sons of Light.”

These things Jesus spoke, and He went away and hid Himself from them.

(John 8:12)  Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, “I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.”

 (Matthew 5:14-16)  “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; 15 nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”

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 are spiritually born again, becoming children of God, which is God’s will (Jn.1:12-13)

- that we believe in Jesus, the Light (Jn.1:12-13) 12:36)

- that we have the Light of life (Jn.8:12)

- that we follow Jesus, the Light (Jn.8:12)

- that we only walk in the Light (Jn.12:35)

- that we let our light shine, so others can see our good works, and God is glorified (Mt.5:14-16)

Today's prayer: 

Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for being our light in a dark world.  Help us obediently follow You and walk in Your light so that we will not stumble.  Help guide us to shine Your light to the rest of the world, so that they will see a difference in us.  May You be glorified in everything we say and do.  Amen.