Quote from Forum Archives on June 20, 2001, 12:57 pm

Posted by: masinick <masinick@...>

Dear friends,

It is perhaps at least as much for me, personally, as it is for
you, (though hopefully both) that I am continuing this series
from Neil Anderson about dealing with spiritual issues between
ourselves and God. Neil has mentioned, in previous articles,
about our rebellious nature, and also about our bodily desires,
and most recently, about living below our potential.

Today, Neil discusses direct communication with God, through
ongoing conversational prayer with God. Have you ever had an
ongoing dialog going on with God throughout the day? That is
what I believe that Neil is talking about. I recommend it
highly. In fact, the apostle Paul mentions this on more than one
occasion - at one point (in his letter to the Thessalonians) he
tells them to pray continually.

Though we are usually busy and occupied with many things, I think
it is important that we take this advice and include God in
whatever we happen to be doing. I also think it is important to
heed the cautions that Neil lays out concerning passivity in this
process. I believe, as he does, that communication with God
involves purpose, intent, time, and awareness of what is going
on. It doesn't mean that we need to be in a closet, on our knees
for 16 hours per day, (though some time in that posture can be
beneficial). It does mean, however, that it is important to
purposefully include God, throughout the day, in the things that
we think, say, and do.

I think this is a prescription for contentment and purpose in
life.

Your brother in Christ,
Brian

Reply-to: Neil Anderson <neilanderson@lists.crosswalk.com>
Subject: Neil Anderson Devotional for Wednesday, June 20, 2001
Date: Wed, 20 Jun 2001 04:09:21 -0400

N E I L A N D E R S O N D A I L Y D E V O T I O N A L
from Freedom in Christ Ministries

June 20

HELP FROM THE HOLY SPIRIT

The Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to
pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with
groanings too deep for words... He intercedes for the saints
according to the will of God (Romans 8:26, 27).

We really don't know how to pray or what to pray for, but the
Holy Spirit does and He will help us in our weakness. Help is a
fascinating word in Greek (sunantilambano), two prepositions
placed in front of the word take. The Holy Spirit comes
alongside, bears us up, and takes us to the other side. The Holy
Spirit connects us with God. He intercedes for us on our behalf.
The prayer that the Holy Spirit prompts us to pray is the prayer
that God the Father will always answer.

How does the Holy Spirit help us in our weakness? I didn't know,
but one evening while preparing a message on the topic of praying
in the spirit I tried something. I said, "Okay, Lord, I'm setting
aside my list, and I'm going to assume that whatever comes to my
mind during this time of prayer is from You or allowed by You.
I'm going to let You set the agenda." Whatever came to my mind
that evening was what I prayed about. If it was a tempting
thought, I talked to God about that area of weakness. If the
busyness of the day clamored for attention, I discussed my plans
with God. I dealt with whatever came to my mind.

I wasn't passively letting thoughts control me though. I was
actively taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ
(2 Corinthians 10:5). Let me warn you that if you passively
listen to your thoughts, you may end up paying attention to a
deceiving spirit (1 Timothy 4:1).

If you try this kind of praying, you will find out how personal
God really is. If God determined and prioritized our prayer list,
He would begin with personal issues that affect our relationship
with Him. "Come on," God says. "You keep telling others you have
a personal relationship with Me. Let's get personal!"

Lord, teach me what it means to pray in the Spirit at the deep,
personal levels of our relationship.

-----------
This daily devotional is published and distributed by
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< shopping.crosswalk.com/bye/devo_na >

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< devotionals.crosswalk.com >.
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