Ask and You Shall Receive
The Case for Prayer
Did you know that God pretty much tells us to pray? Yes, He wants us to talk to him. He desires our prayers. Take a look at the Second Commandment or today’s Scripture reading below.
But why would God want to hear from us? Simple answer; he loves us. He is our loving Father. As 1 Peter 5:7 tells us, we should cast our cares upon Him.
So how should we pray? Jesus teaches us right there in Scripture when he uses The Lord’s Prayer. It has everything we need – praise, thanksgiving, and supplication – all wrapped up in one.
And Christ, with his sacrifice on the cross, established that relationship with our Heavenly Father. His death and resurrection reconciled us to God. So Jesus tells us to go to the Father in his name.
As Hebrews 12:2 tells us, “look unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Christ is risen! Alleluia!
Here is today’s sermon text from John 16:
23 In that day you will ask nothing of me. Truly, truly, I say to you, whatever you ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you. 24 Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.
25 “I have said these things to you in figures of speech. The hour is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figures of speech but will tell you plainly about the Father. 26 In that day you will ask in my name, and I do not say to you that I will ask the Father on your behalf; 27 for the Father himself loves you, because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God. 28 I came from the Father and have come into the world, and now I am leaving the world and going to the Father.”
29 His disciples said, “Ah, now you are speaking plainly and not using figurative speech! 30 Now we know that you know all things and do not need anyone to question you; this is why we believe that you came from God.” 31 Jesus answered them, “Do you now believe? 32 Behold, the hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home, and will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone, for the Father is with me. 33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
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Announcements
Bible Study: Our midweek Bible study meets on Wednesdays at 7 pm via Zoom and is covering the book of Revelation. Our Sunday morning class meets at 9:45 and is currently discussing the papacy.
Donations: Even during the pandemic and with a decline in attendance, the expenses still go on. If you wish to make a donation please mail them to the St. James post office box as that is a secure location. You may also donate online.
Prayer requests. Bring your prayer requests to Pastor Jenson, Deacon Poe, or Loyd Harris (bulletin typist). They will be printed in the bulletin and prayed in the Sunday service. The deadline is Tuesday. Remember to obtain permission if you are bringing a prayer request on behalf of another person.