WALKING IN WISDOM- THE GIFT OF PRAYER (Matthew 18)

Today´s scripture: Matthew 18

As we begin this chapter we find Jesus surrounded by his disciples and those who followed wanting to hear His words of wisdom, as well as those who were in need  of healing,  He  then was asked by His disciples:  “Who is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” ² He called a little child and set him before them, ³ and said, “I assure you and most solemnly say to you, unless you repent [that is, change your inner self—your old way of thinking, live changed lives] and become like children [trusting, humble, and forgiving], you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. ⁴ Therefore, whoever ^[a]humbles himself like this child is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”  (18:1-4 AMP)

Jesus knew exactly why this was asked: mankind is usually seeking for privileges and eager to “shine” in this world, but in Him and as His disciples we are not to pursue our own glory, on the contrary He set the example of a little child before them assuring, that unless they renewed the spirit of their minds (Romans 12: 1-2) and made like little children, they could not enter His kingdom!

Jesus continues to speak to them about the terrible fate of those who become stumbling blocks in the faith of others, carelessly despising them, since our Father deeply cares: “^][For the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost.], because “¹⁴ So it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones be lost.” (18:10-14)

As we continue to study this chapter I´d like to focus on the following verses regarding prayer. During Jesus´ ministry He was a living example of the power in prayer, and even the disciples asked Him to teach them how to pray. (Luke 11:1-13) Here in Women in the Word on a weekly basis, take the time to pray for our ministry in this group and each one of you who are part of it, are also included in our prayers -as well as any specific prayer you might request on our Bulletin Board- We may not remember each one of your names, but He surely does!! We firmly believe in Jesus´ affirmation:

“Again I say to you, that if two ^[h]believers on earth agree [that is, are of one mind, in harmony] about anything that they ask [within the will of God], it will be done for them by My Father in heaven. ²⁰ For where two or three are gathered in My name [meeting together as My followers], I am there among them.” (18:19-20)

We are ordinary ladies with different backgrounds (and even nationalities) who in faith have surrendered our lives to an extraordinary God and Savior! We have witnessed over these years His Faithfulness and loving answer to our intercessory prayers. Our faith in Him has grown as we have learned to wait upon His perfect will!

“Jesus teaches us to pray together in dialogue prayer in order to release God’s power to bind evil and release good…”We abandon clichés and use short childlike sentences that are honest, specific and personal. In a nutshell: pray to Jesus, our risen Lord, from the child in your heart. This enables the child we each keep silent in our hearts to pray with others and together find love, freedom and joy…”…we share one another’s joys and burdens and become living members of our risen Lord, who teaches us to love one another as he loves us.” (Rosalind Rinker- Women’s Devotional Bible)

We are privileged to have you in our group and to be able to pray for one another; may we as Women in the Word continue to experience His unfailing Love and Faithfulness as we witness to this aching world!!

Thank you Abba Father! Thank you Jesus, for the blessing and the precious gift of prayer!! 

Mari