As I See It

June 2009

The Apostle Paul, in closing his first letter to the Christians at Thessalonica, stirred them with a series of brief exhortations. Among them we find the words, “Pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks.”  He urges the believer to a continual life of prayer with God – morning, noon and night. (Daniel 6:10) “Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.”

So often our prayers can wrongly become dominated by our asking “things” of God. Although asking is indeed a definite and biblically commanded part of prayer, it should be balanced. It should include constant thanksgiving for the many blessings God sends our way, as well as for the trials which He allows us to face in order to mold us in His image. (Romans 8:29) “For whom He did foreknow, He also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.”  We must thank Him for His mercies even in these difficult times.

For the most part evangelical scholars agree that the Epistle of James was written by our Lord’s half-brother James. Bible scholars also agree with the possible exception of Mark, James was the first New Testament book to be written. In chapter 5:13-18, James writes of meeting specific needs through prayer. James teaches us that the prayer of faith will save the sick and fervent prayers of a righteous man avails much.  I believe that men like my father, Jimmy Keyton, Gene Trulock, and Tommy Newberry strived to be righteous men.  I am a living example that their prayers over twenty-five years ago in Sycamore, Florida did availeth much and that’s the way I see it!

iHs

Griff