Forgiveness and Prayer

PM#0128

Matt 6:14-15

Have you ever said “I’ll forgive him only if he apologizes…” Maybe you haven’t actually said that, but perhaps our actions reflect that attitude. What does the Bible say about forgiveness?

Matthew 6:14-15 says: "For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your father will not forgive your sins." In this scripture, Christ says we are to forgive, and that it doesn’t say anything about waiting for someone to apologize to forgive.

If God tells us to do something, He will help us, and we can have that help if we ask Him.

Father, may Your Holy Spirit help us to be willing to forgive and to forgive others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.




©2006 Lewis Turner

Unsurrendered will

PM#0127

John 15:7 and Psalms 119:9

How many times do we focus on our selves to the extent of disregarding others? I would be afraid of an honest answer from anyone about this question.

If this is true then our self focus is probably not reflecting what God wants and will affect answers to our prayers. Our focus should be on Jesus. When it is, we will find that we do consider others. The Apostle John says (in John 15:7) “by this shall all men know you are my disciples because you have love one to another.” How do we do this? Psalms 119:9 says “by taking heed to the word of God.”

Christ will help us do that if we let Him and ask Him in prayer.

Father, help us to obey the word of God and help us show your love to others. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

©2006 Lewis Turner

Praying for others—God's will

PM#0126

Col 1:9

Our preachers say we should pray for others. That's good. But how do you pray for others? Do you really want to know how to pray for others?

One teacher in the Bible who gives examples of praying for others is the Apostle Paul. The Apostle Paul did not hesitate to tell others how he was praying. In Col 1:9 he wrote "For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;" Spiritual wisdom and understanding has to do with the knowledge of God's will. In other words, we should pray that God will give them the knowledge of His will. The Apostle Paul prayer this prayer for us and we should follow his example and pray that others will have the knowledge of God’s will.

Father, help us to pray that others will know your will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. In Jesus’ Name, amen.

©2006 Lewis Turner

Praying for Others -- to do God's Will

PM0125

Col 1:10


Have you ever been called to action? If you have you may have found yourself quite busy. Hopefully it was for a good cause.

The Apostle Paul shared in Col 1:10 that we should purpose to live our lives to please the Lord. That is a prayer which calls us to action. This Godly call to action is one of obedience and is the only way a person can fulfill what God has for him.

Let's hear how the Apostle Paul Prayed. Col 1:10 says "That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;" Not only was this a prayer for us, but one that we can pray for others, too.

Father, we ask that our friends and family will obey your will for their lives. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.


©2006 Lewis Turner