...The cry reached the ear of our Savior. He knew what the man wanted and Jesus was ready to give it to him. First, Jesus asked, “What do you want me to do for you?” (Mark 10:51) Jesus wanted to hear from the man’s own lips, not only the general petition for mercy, but also the distinct expression of his desire. Until he declared it, he was not healed.

There are still many to whom the Lord asks the same question and until it has been answered, they cannot get the help they seek. Our prayers must not be a vague appeal to His mercy, or an indefinite cry for blessing, but the distinct expression of a specific need. I don’t believe that Jesus’ loving heart does not understand our cry. Or, He is not ready to hear, but He desires that we be specific for our own good. Prayer that is specific, teaches us to know our own needs better. To find out what our greatest need is, demands time, thought and self scrutiny. To find out whether our desires are honest and real; whether we are ready to persevere in them; if we are up to the test. It leads us to discern whether our desires conform to God’s Word and whether we really believe that we will receive the things we ask. It helps us to wait for a definite answer and to be aware of it when it comes.

Yet, how much of our prayer is vague and pointless. Some cry for mercy, without saying why they need mercy. Others ask to be delivered from sin, but do not begin by naming any sin from which deliverance may be claimed. Still others pray for God’s blessing on those around them; for the outpouring of God’s Spirit on their land or the world and do not pinpoint a particular spot where they will wait and expect to see God answer. To all of us, the Lord asks, “What is it you really want and expect me to do?”

Lord Jesus, teach us to pray with all our heart and strength, so clearly that there may be no doubt as to what I have asked. May I know what it is that I truly desire, so when my petitions are recorded in heaven, I can record them on earth too and note each answer when it comes. May my faith in what your Word has promised, be so clear that the Holy Spirit may indeed work in me the liberty to will that it come to pass. Oh Lord, renew, strengthen and sanctify wholly, our will for the work of effective prayer and ministry. Father God, reveal to Trinity the wonderful condescension you show us, by asking us to say what it is, we want you to do and promising to do, whatever it is we choose according to your divine will. Father, in the name of Jesus, You know we don’t understand it all. We can only believe that you have redeemed us wholly for yourself and are seeking to make our will your most efficient servant. Father, we yield our will unreservedly to you, as the power though which the Holy Spirit is to rule our whole being. Let Him take possession of it, lead it into the truth of your promises. Make it so strong in prayer, that we may hear you say, “Great is your faith. Be it unto you even as you will.” In the name of Jesus we pray, Amen.

Lord, bless this place we call Trinity and teach us to pray!

Rev. John D. Tolbert, Senior Pastor

Trinity Missionary Baptist Church

Please post your comments for the pastor.

Name

Email Address

Your Comments:

Submit Comment Reset Form