“Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well-pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” – Hebrews 13:20-21
At the center of this prayer is the focus of every prayer. Can you see it? The purpose of prayer is to perfect you. Prayer equips you and fits you “To do His will.” Nothing else will do it. Search for nothing more. Settle for nothing less.
The prayer life of Jesus focused on nothing less than the will of His Father. A life intent on being equipped to do the will of God should not be focused on anything else than a life of prayer.
The Will is an ancient word, and refers to “What one wishes or has determined shall be done.” Blue Letter Bible
Being at peace with God joins you to His purpose, His plan, and His priorities for your life. The resurrection of Jesus Christ, and His shed blood for you, did not empower you to become a free agent. God chose you to play for His team. Stop negotiating for a better deal.
God’s grace makes you perfect, in the sense that His peace joins you to Him, and His Spirit equips you, and fits you for what He has called you to do. When you pray in The Spirit, The Father harmonizes your voice with His Word. Prayerless preachers may deliver a sermon, but they will never have an anointed message from God. But I digress.
Recently I was having dinner with friends who were discussing their new “Fitbit” devices. This amazing little instrument tracks the number of steps taken during the day, and has the capacity to measure heart rates, altitude, and a host of other helpful bits of fitness data.
Prayer is The Father’s “Fitbit” measurement device. He has chosen, by His grace, to be at peace with His children and to join with them to do His will. Through prayer they receive His direction, protection and correction, not to fulfill their destiny, but to follow His will.
Prayerless children are not pleasing to The Father. They are not joined with Him, fitted to Him, or in harmony with His Word and His will. Prayerful children are made perfect in the sense that they are equipped for something beyond their own personal preferences. When they yield their will to The Father’s will, His wish becomes their command.
NOTE TO SELF: When you pray, you bring your wishes, desires, plans and priorities to The Father. His Spirit begins to soften your heart, until it is fitted and molded to The Father’s will. Prayer brings you to The Father in the name of Jesus. Expect your will to go through the same fitting process The Son experienced when He prayed, “Not My will but Thy will be done.” Prayer begins with you bringing your “Wish List” to God. It ends with you walking away with God’s “To Do List” for you. Don’t leave home without it. TALK LESS! PRAY MORE!