Sometimes we challenge things. Jesus’ disciples questioned why many things happened. There were the parables the disciple’s did not understand, and they questioned Jesus; There were situations they saw as they traveled, and they questioned Jesus. (Mk 4:10; Jn 9:2) Sometimes they thought that perhaps things were not in the best interest of Jesus and his band of disciples, like when a Canaanite woman came to him with a request. The disciples said, “send her away.” (Mt 15:23).
Sometimes there is some desperation to have something done. The disciples begged Jesus to heal Peter’s mother in law (Lk 4:38). The people of the Gerarenes begged Jesus to depart from them after they saw the demons go into the pigs. (lk 8:37)
Jesus challenged his disciples with questions: "Who do people say that I am?" (Mt 15:23; 16:13) He challenged them to do things (Lk 5:3)
In the world, we challenge each other, sometimes it is for the best, sometimes it is not. Sometimes it is because we don't understand, sometimes it is because we do not like what we understand. Sometimes it is just because we want something. Other times it is because we need something. The word There were the parables the disciple’s did not understand, and they questioned Jesus. The word ἐρωτάω is used often in our Bible.
The word ἐρωτάω is also used in Prayer. The rich man challenges God to send Lazarus to his house to warn his family about the consequences of not following God (Lk 16:27).
In the Bible most of the ἐρωτάω prayers are uttered by Jesus (Jn 14:16; 16:23, 26; 17:9, 15, 20). The ἐρωτάω prayer of Jesus is a strong prayer, because there is a strong need. It is a challenge (appeal) to meet the need.
And our God who is faithful, indeed meets the need. We can pray the ἐρωτάω also, and God hears.
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Prayer - ἐντυγχάνω - Hitting the Mark
ἐντυγχάνω – entygchanō
In 1307, Herman Gessler, a newly appointed Austrian Vogt raised a pole in the village square of Burglen and demanded that all the local townspeople bow before it. A man named William Tell passed by without bowing and was arrested. William Tell had a reputation as an expert marksman with the crossbow, so he was challenged to shoot an apple off the head of his son, Walter. William Tell accepted the challenge, loaded his crossbow, and with one shot, hit the mark and split the apple which had been placed on the head of his son. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IpGZM3Kf1yw)
The pray of entygchanō is the prayer of “hitting the mark.” Paul would say, “I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air.” (1 Cor 9:26). Our prayers should be specific, well aimed, so we can hit the mark.
This pattern of prayer begins with God. That is the best place to learn about prayer. We see the pattern of ἐντυγχάνω prayer in Jesus Christ who is our High Priest.
“Now there have been many of those priests, since death prevented them from continuing in office; but because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.” Hebrews 7:23-25
The Priest is an intercessor for common people. In the Old Testament the Priest offers sacrifices for Dedication, Fellowship, and Sin offerings to help man build a relationship with God. If we come to a Priest and ask what kind of offering they will advise, the best they can do for us is only surface deep, and that does not always do what is necessary.
Christ, however is our faithful High Priest who knows us even as we are known. It was Christ who created us (Col 1:16), and who knows our frame and personality (Ps 139:13). Christ knows our ways (John 4:17-18) and our thoughts. As Christ intercedes for us, He prays exactly for those things we need. He knows the problems we face, the solutions we need, the gifts we are given and the ministry to which we are supposed to be involved. He knows every weakness and how it needs healing. He forgives our sins and can restore us. Christ is the perfect High Priest.
“Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died--more than that, who was raised to life--is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?” Ro 8:34-35
The Holy Spirit, likewise prays for us. “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will.” (Ro 8:26-27) The Gospel of John tells us the Spirit is our Comforter (John 15:26); Teacher (John 14:26); Protector (John 14:16-18); and Convictor (John 16:8-10).
This is the pattern of “hitting the mark” as we pray. It is knowing people and solutions; it is seeking God to really know people and situations as well as the will of God. Elijah “appealed to God against Israel: ‘Lord, they have killed your prophets and torn down your altars; I am the only one left, and they are trying to kill me’ ? And what was God's answer to him? "I have reserved for myself seven thousand who have not bowed the knee to Baal." So too, at the present time there is a remnant chosen by grace. And if by grace, then it is no longer by works; if it were, grace would no longer be grace. (Ro 11:2-6)
Entygchanō Prayer begins with concern for people, and knowing them and their needs. This prayer includes seeking the face of God so we will know all situations; and concludes with praying specifically for people so we know when the prayer is answered and the target is obtained.
In 1307, Herman Gessler, a newly appointed Austrian Vogt raised a pole in the village square of Burglen and demanded that all the local townspeople bow before it. A man named William Tell passed by without bowing and was arrested. William Tell had a reputation as an expert marksman with the crossbow, so he was challenged to shoot an apple off the head of his son, Walter. William Tell accepted the challenge, loaded his crossbow, and with one shot, hit the mark and split the apple which had been placed on the head of his son. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IpGZM3Kf1yw)
The pray of entygchanō is the prayer of “hitting the mark.” Paul would say, “I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air.” (1 Cor 9:26). Our prayers should be specific, well aimed, so we can hit the mark.
This pattern of prayer begins with God. That is the best place to learn about prayer. We see the pattern of ἐντυγχάνω prayer in Jesus Christ who is our High Priest.
“Now there have been many of those priests, since death prevented them from continuing in office; but because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.” Hebrews 7:23-25
The Priest is an intercessor for common people. In the Old Testament the Priest offers sacrifices for Dedication, Fellowship, and Sin offerings to help man build a relationship with God. If we come to a Priest and ask what kind of offering they will advise, the best they can do for us is only surface deep, and that does not always do what is necessary.
Christ, however is our faithful High Priest who knows us even as we are known. It was Christ who created us (Col 1:16), and who knows our frame and personality (Ps 139:13). Christ knows our ways (John 4:17-18) and our thoughts. As Christ intercedes for us, He prays exactly for those things we need. He knows the problems we face, the solutions we need, the gifts we are given and the ministry to which we are supposed to be involved. He knows every weakness and how it needs healing. He forgives our sins and can restore us. Christ is the perfect High Priest.
“Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died--more than that, who was raised to life--is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?” Ro 8:34-35
The Holy Spirit, likewise prays for us. “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will.” (Ro 8:26-27) The Gospel of John tells us the Spirit is our Comforter (John 15:26); Teacher (John 14:26); Protector (John 14:16-18); and Convictor (John 16:8-10).
This is the pattern of “hitting the mark” as we pray. It is knowing people and solutions; it is seeking God to really know people and situations as well as the will of God. Elijah “appealed to God against Israel: ‘Lord, they have killed your prophets and torn down your altars; I am the only one left, and they are trying to kill me’ ? And what was God's answer to him? "I have reserved for myself seven thousand who have not bowed the knee to Baal." So too, at the present time there is a remnant chosen by grace. And if by grace, then it is no longer by works; if it were, grace would no longer be grace. (Ro 11:2-6)
Entygchanō Prayer begins with concern for people, and knowing them and their needs. This prayer includes seeking the face of God so we will know all situations; and concludes with praying specifically for people so we know when the prayer is answered and the target is obtained.
Monday, August 2, 2010
Prayer - αἰτέω - Begging
αἰτέω – aiteō
1SA 2:7 The LORD sends poverty and wealth; he humbles and he exalts.
1SA 2:8 He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap;
he seats them with princes and has them inherit a throne of honor.
"For the foundations of the earth are the LORD's; upon them he has set the world.
1SA 2:9 He will guard the feet of his saints, but the wicked will be silenced in darkness.
Aiteō is the prayer of Begging. Out of an inner need, a desire or a requirement, we beg God for something. This is not a simple asking, but it is more. Jesus said, "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” Mt 7:7-12
People beg for many things out of desperation. Zechariah begged for a table so he could name his son John (Lk 1:63). James and John (Mk 10:35) and their mother (Mk 10:35) begged Jesus to seat them on his right and left. The multitude begged Pilate for Barabbas (Mt 27:20); and Joseph of Aramathea begged Pilate for the body of Jesus (Mt 27:58). The warden in Philippi begged for a light to see if the prisoners escaped (Ac 16:29). Paul begged that Christians might be filled with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. (Col. 1:9)
PS 72:12 For he will deliver the needy who cry out, the afflicted who have no one to help.
PS 72:13 He will take pity on the weak and the needy and save the needy from death.
The lame man at the Temple begged for money – and the Lord gave him legs to walk on. (Ac 3:2) God is able to do immeasurably more than all we beg for or imagine. (Eph 3:20) The Lord wants us to pray out of need just like the beggar.
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. (James 1:2-6)
JAS 4:2 You want something but don't get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask God. 3 When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.
There are some wonderful prayer promises in the Gospel of John. Note the Promises and the Conditions:
John 14:13 I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father.
John 14:14 You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.
John 15:7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you.
John 15:16 ... I … appointed you to go and bear fruit … the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.
John 16:23 ... I tell you the truth, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.
John 16:24 Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.
John 16:26-27 In that day you will ask in my name. I am not saying that I will ask the Father on your behalf. No, the Father himself loves you because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God. (See 1 Jn 3:22; 5:14-16)
MK 11:22 "Have faith in God," Jesus answered. 23 "I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, `Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. 24 Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.
1SA 2:7 The LORD sends poverty and wealth; he humbles and he exalts.
1SA 2:8 He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap;
he seats them with princes and has them inherit a throne of honor.
"For the foundations of the earth are the LORD's; upon them he has set the world.
1SA 2:9 He will guard the feet of his saints, but the wicked will be silenced in darkness.
Aiteō is the prayer of Begging. Out of an inner need, a desire or a requirement, we beg God for something. This is not a simple asking, but it is more. Jesus said, "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” Mt 7:7-12
People beg for many things out of desperation. Zechariah begged for a table so he could name his son John (Lk 1:63). James and John (Mk 10:35) and their mother (Mk 10:35) begged Jesus to seat them on his right and left. The multitude begged Pilate for Barabbas (Mt 27:20); and Joseph of Aramathea begged Pilate for the body of Jesus (Mt 27:58). The warden in Philippi begged for a light to see if the prisoners escaped (Ac 16:29). Paul begged that Christians might be filled with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. (Col. 1:9)
PS 72:12 For he will deliver the needy who cry out, the afflicted who have no one to help.
PS 72:13 He will take pity on the weak and the needy and save the needy from death.
The lame man at the Temple begged for money – and the Lord gave him legs to walk on. (Ac 3:2) God is able to do immeasurably more than all we beg for or imagine. (Eph 3:20) The Lord wants us to pray out of need just like the beggar.
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. (James 1:2-6)
JAS 4:2 You want something but don't get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask God. 3 When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.
There are some wonderful prayer promises in the Gospel of John. Note the Promises and the Conditions:
John 14:13 I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father.
John 14:14 You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.
John 15:7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you.
John 15:16 ... I … appointed you to go and bear fruit … the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.
John 16:23 ... I tell you the truth, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.
John 16:24 Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.
John 16:26-27 In that day you will ask in my name. I am not saying that I will ask the Father on your behalf. No, the Father himself loves you because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God. (See 1 Jn 3:22; 5:14-16)
MK 11:22 "Have faith in God," Jesus answered. 23 "I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, `Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. 24 Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.
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