praying effectively: Walk in the Light (1John 1:1-7)

(1 John 1:1-7)  What was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and touched with our hands, concerning the Word of Life— 2 and the life was manifested, and we have seen and testify and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was manifested to us— 3 what we have seen and heard we proclaim to you also, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ. 4 These things we write, so that our joy may be made complete.

5 This is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you, that God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness at all. 6 If we say that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth; 7 but if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.

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 our joy may be made complete (1:4)

- that we study and know scripture (1:4)

- that we walk in the Light of Jesus (1:7)

- that we fellowship with God the Father, and the Son Jesus Christ (1:3)

- that we fellowship with fellow believers (1:3)

Today's prayer:

Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for being our Light and our salvation!  Guide us to continue walking in Your light.  Guide us as we study Your word, so we understand Your will.  Equip us with everything we need, so we can apply Your will. 

May we always be in fellowship with You.  And as all fellow believers grow closer to You, we will all grow closer to each other.  Help us to have godly fellowship with each other, all in Your love, wisdom and unity.  All to Your glory, amen.