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In more than three decades of my Christian life, I have been blest by 2 types of Daily devos'
(matter not exceeding 500 words) in universal Christian literature. Not only those Devos'
which have a different theme everyday but also the ones which revolve around a certain
theme over a period of time, say a fortnight, have richly edified me. In fact, both
styles have their own inherent advantages. If the former style caters to the varying
spiritual needs of a christian from day-to-day, the latter aims 'to ground'
a child of God in a certain subject in order he derives the full benefits of the
deep insightful study of a certain topic, spread over a fixed span of time.
In my Daily devo page, I have consciously tried to go in for 'a blend of both the
styles' whereby within a constant theme, I would be aiming to focus on different
facets of it which admittedly is a closer imitation of the 'Constant theme' style
than the 'Varying topics' one.
Having dwelt on the topics
- “The Christian journey”
- “ The Conquest of Canaan” and the
- “Lent season”.
in the previous months, now in the months of April and May, considering that
post resurrection of Christ (one of our concluding themes’ you would remember
in the meditations of March, was Resurrection), birth of the Church was a
landmark event in Biblical history, I want to cast the spotlight on the Book of
Acts (which records the birth and growth of the Church). This would ensure to a large
extent continuity of thought albeit under the ambit of new subject.
Once again, let me wish you a happy and an edifying read…
Suresh Manoharan
April 18th
Prayer adds to spiritual vigor!
“They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to
the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.”-
Acts 2:42
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While being on the subject of the factors that made the Early Church a powerhouse,
which transmitted life-changing power, we come today to the “prayer factor”.
While times of personal prayer are vital for spiritual growth personally,
corporate prayer is just as important for the Church to grow as one strong body.
For those, who have keenly followed these meditations for more than a fortnight now,
it would have become clear that Church is not a building but a body of believers united
in spirit by a common faith, worshipping together and praying together.
Paul in his first epistle (12th chapter) to the Corinthian Church wonderfully
compares the Church to one human body and its various members to different organs
in the same. Just as the body to be completely healthy would require all its parts
to be healthy, similarly for a Church to be vibrant, all its members need to be
spiritually healthy. What better way to ensure that than by praying together!
Whilst reminding ourselves about the importance of corporate prayer, it would serve
us well to remember that the prayer our Lord taught his disciples-sadly repeated by
rote in the Churches- begins with “OUR” Father and not “My” Father,
(Luke 11:2-4 KJV)
and goes on to supplicate “Give US our daily bread, forgive US our trespasses, lead US
not into temptations”. Do we see a “ME” anywhere in the place of “US”? I do not and
I am sure it is the same for you too! Do I need to say anything more?
Prayer:
Father, how clearly the Scriptures underscore the importance of corporate prayer,
which we often neglect to our own detriment. Makes us passionate intercessory prayer
warriors, praying for each others’ needs earnestly. In Jesus’ name. AMEN.
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