praying effectively: Hear What the Spirit Says (Rev.2:1-7)

(Revelation 2:1-7)  “To the angel of the church in Ephesus write:

The One who holds the seven stars in His right hand, the One who walks among the seven golden lampstands, says this:

2 ‘I know your deeds and your toil and perseverance, and that you cannot tolerate evil men, and you put to the test those who call themselves apostles, and they are not, and you found them to be false; 3 and you have perseverance and have endured for My name’s sake, and have not grown weary. 4 But I have this against you, that you have left your first love. 5 Therefore remember from where you have fallen, and repent and do the deeds you did at first; or else I am coming to you and will remove your lampstand out of its place—unless you repent. 6 Yet this you do have, that you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. 7 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will grant to eat of the tree of life which is in the Paradise 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 confess our sins and change our behavior (2:5)

- that we go back to being obedient to God's will (2:5)

- that we go back to serving God and others as we should (2:5)

- that we hate the sinful behaviors which God hates (2:6)

- that everyone hears and listens to God's word (2:7)

Today's prayer:

Dear Lord Jesus and heavenly Father, thank You for Your grace.  Thank You for understanding how we will still fall, but You will not give up on Your children.  Keep us from evil and keep us steadfast.  Let us not get discouraged from following You and Your will. 

May we hate what You hate, and may we desire what You desire.  Guide us in understanding Your word and Your will for our lives.  All to Your glory, amen.