praying effectively: Apply Moral Excellence (2Peter 1:3-12)

(2 Peter 1:3-12)  seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence. 4 For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust. 5 Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge, 6 and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness, 7 and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love. 8 For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they render you neither useless nor unfruitful in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 For he who lacks these qualities is blind or short-sighted, having forgotten his purification from his former sins. 10 Therefore, brethren, be all the more diligent to make certain about His calling and choosing you; for as long as you practice these things, you will never stumble; 11 for in this way the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be abundantly supplied to you.

12 Therefore, I will always be ready to remind you of these things, even though you already know them, and have been established in the truth which is present with you. 

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 practice these things (1:10)

- that we continue to diligently work out our salvation, to know without a doubt that God has chosen us and given us a purpose (1:10)

- that we apply our faith diligently (1:5)

- that we generate moral excellence (1:5)

- that we pursue knowledge (1:5)

- that we exercise self-control (1:6)

- that we exercise perseverance (1:6)

- that we pursue godliness (1:6)

- that we apply brother kindness (1:7)

- that we apply love (1:7)

Today's prayer:

Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for the reminders of Your promises and everything You do for us - because we are just that forgetful.  As we apply our faith in Your will, direct our paths towards maturing and becoming more and more confident in our salvation and the purpose which You have given to us.  Help us not to forget Your words of direction;  and more so, help us to not forget to ask You for Your strength and wisdom in order to continue moving in Your direction.  All to Your glory, amen.