praying effectively: Walk by the Spirit (Gal.5, 6)

(Galatians 5:16-26)  But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. 17 For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law. 19 Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, 21 envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. 24 Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. 26 Let us not become boastful, challenging one another, envying one another. 

(Galatians 6:12-16)  Those who desire to make a good showing in the flesh try to compel you to be circumcised, simply so that they will not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. 13 For those who are circumcised do not even keep the Law themselves, but they desire to have you circumcised so that they may boast in your flesh. 14 But may it never be that I would boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. 15 For neither is circumcision anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. 16 And those who will walk by this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God.

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 do not envy one another (5:26)

- that we do not challenge one another in a competitive way (5:26)

- that we do not become boastful (5:26)

- that we do not carry out the desires of the flesh (5:16) 

- that we walk by the Spirit, which will keep us from carrying out the desires of the flesh (5:16, 25)

- that we only boast in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ (6:14)

Today's prayer:

Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for Your peace and mercy.  May we not feel the need to be competitive or boastful in selfishness, conceitedness or self-centered insecurity.  Help us to feel confident and secure in You, and in You alone.  Help us not to focus on the physical, but on the spiritual.  Help us learn to seek You for everything, and desire to be Spirit-led in all circumstances.  Amen.