praying effectively: Be Strong in Grace (2Tim. 2:1-13)

(2 Timothy 2:1-13)  You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. 3 Suffer hardship with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him as a soldier. 5 Also if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not win the prize unless he competes according to the rules. 6 The hard-working farmer ought to be the first to receive his share of the crops. 7 Consider what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.

8 Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, descendant of David, according to my gospel, 9 for which I suffer hardship even to imprisonment as a criminal; but the word of God is not imprisoned. 10 For this reason I endure all things for the sake of those who are chosen, so that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus and with it eternal glory. 11 It is a trustworthy statement:

For if we died with Him, 

we will also live with Him;
12 If we endure, 

we will also reign with Him;
If we deny Him, 

He also will deny us;
13 If we are faithless, 

He remains faithful, 

for He cannot deny Himself.

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 find trustworthy teachers who are faithful in God's words (2:2)

- that we study God's words, and ask for His guidance to understand them (2:7)

- that we are strong in the grace that is Jesus (2:1)

- that we are good soldiers of Christ, focused on knowing and doing God's will, and not afraid to suffer hardships (2:3-6)

Today's prayer:

Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for Your faithful grace.  Equip Your Church with faithful teachers who will in turn equip believers.  Help us understand Your word so that we may cling to the truth, and embrace Your will without fear.  Guide us towards being excellent soldiers, in Your grace and love.  All to Your glory, amen.