The Fruit of the Word

Prayer-Soldier · Posted: Fri Feb 04, 2011 11:17 pm Post subject: The Fruit of the Word

Through him (Jesus) let us continually offer God a sacrifice of praise, that is, the fruit of lips that confess his name. Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have; God is pleased by sacrifices of that kind. (Hebrews 13:15-16)

When we pray, are our prayers first of thanks or of petitions? It is natural to ask of our Lord that for which we question our ability to prevail or where we feel powerless. It is right to ask Him for that which is for the good of others and the wisdom of His Word, but we should also remember to offer Him thanks and praise for the blessings He gives; more importantly for the forgiveness He has granted us through the sacrifice of His only begotten Son.

He answers our prayers, not for what we do, but because of His love for us. We may not always see His answer in the way we might expect, but the answer we receive is what we need. His works are sometimes done through the hands of others, but we should remember that He also does His work through each of us. As we are moved with the power of the Holy Spirit, we are given the gifts through which we may help others. Blessed are we when we answer that call; therefore, when we pray, we should not only give thanks and offer our petitions, but we should listen for that which He asks of us through which His will shall be done.

The apostles gathered together with Jesus and reported all they had done and taught. He said to them, â€œCome away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.â€ People were coming and going in great numbers, and they had no opportunity even to eat. So they went off in the boat by themselves to a deserted place. People saw them leaving and many came to know about it. They hastened there on foot from all the towns and arrived at the place before them. When he disembarked and saw the vast crowd, his heart was moved with pity for them, for they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things. (Mark 6:30-34)

Can we imagine the crowds which hastened after our Lord? Can we imagine how the people thirsted for that which He taught? Can we imagine the hunger they had to hear the Word of God? Blessed are those who seek His ways, for that which they thirst, that for which they hunger will become theirs in heaven.

The blessings of the Lord are found through that which He sought and seeks to teach us. The Word He gives is one of love, one of forgiveness, one of mercy; for as he offers it to us, He also expects it from us towards one another. How is it, then, that so many seek not the way of the Word, but the way which leads to misery, despair and death? The sorrow of mankind need not be, for He taught us how to live in peace and happiness, but He has left it to our choice so that the harvest of heaven will be fruitful and the chaff will be swept away.

May the peace and blessings of the Lord be with you always,
Prayer Soldier