Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and Prayer

See more posts by Curtis Hall

She seems an unlikely character for this week’s discussion on Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and Prayer. Throughout her story, as recorded in the Gospel of John, prayer is not once mentioned. She is not one of the many who came seeking Jesus for miraculous healing from some incurable illness. As a matter of fact, she didn’t initially recognize Jesus as they conversed together. Yet, her brief interaction with Him speaks volumes about our experience with God as it relates to prayer.

http://www.goodsalt.com/details/prcas1390.html?r=ssnet

Image © Providence Collection from GoodSalt.com

While her entire story from beginning to end is full of valuable lessons for many aspects of life, we will listen to just a small part of her discourse with Divinity. Jesus, in his humanity, sits at Jacob’s well in Sychar. Unable to draw the water himself he asked this woman of Samaria for a drink. In her shock that a Jew would dialogue with a Samaritan, she sought an answer from Him about this break from tradition. It is here where the lesson of prayer begins.

“Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.” John 4:10

If you only knew who you were talking to…

What would life for us be if we really appreciated who we were conversing with in prayer? Sure, we all readily agree that prayer is talking to God one on one. But the evidence shows that we often pray in a spirit of lowered expectations.

This is not a problem exclusive to our generation. In the days when Jesus walked this earth as man, He addressed this issue in a way to show the higher priorities of life.

“Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. If then God so clothe the grass, which is to day in the field, and to morrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith? And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind. For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things. But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Luke 12:27-31

Today, we are reminded that God “is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think” Ephesians 3:20. We hear Jesus saying to us as He did to the woman of Samaria, “I that speak unto thee am he.”

Our operating in a spirit of low expectations must be replaced with a deeper belief that comprehends the priceless offer of heavenly resources.

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.” Luke 11:9-10

We must no longer limit our prayers to primarily seeking relief from financial necessities or other common life trials. Realizing more fully Who it is we are speaking to, let’s ask Him to do what no other can do – make an entire change in our hearts and lives. Whether rich or poor let us be content, but let us ask Him to free us from the sins that do so easily overwhelm. Our expectations must be higher.

Whether we’re free or bound, give us excellence in our service to the Kingdom of God. Help us to rise above selfish goals of success that feed our egos and allow us to be those at the end of time who hear the pronouncement from the King,

“Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.” “Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” Matthew 25:34-26, 40.

Our expectations must be higher.

Here are a few Hit the Mark questions for this week’s lesson discussion:

What does prayer mean to you? (Don’t use the answer “speaking to God”)
What, if any, is the difference in the life of someone who spends time in prayer compared to someone who rarely does?
Is it possible to be a faithful Christian without spending much time in prayer? Why yes or no? (Personal reflection question) Are you a faithful Christian?
What does it mean in 1 Thessalonians 5:16 to “pray without ceasing” and why should we do that?
If you agree that there is such a thing as selfish prayers, how would you describe an unselfish prayer?
Is it true that the “better” we are as Christians the more likely our prayers will be answered? Why yes or no?
Is the following statement True, Mostly True, Somewhat True or Not True: I should do all in my power to answer my own prayers. Explain your answer.

We close this week with the words of Jesus which speak of the foundation and life transformative power of prayer:

“I am the Vine, you are the branches. When you’re joined with me and I with you, the relation intimate and organic, the harvest is sure to be abundant. Separated, you can’t produce a thing. Anyone who separates from me is deadwood, gathered up and thrown on the bonfire. But if you make yourselves at home with me and my words are at home in you, you can be sure that whatever you ask will be listened to and acted upon. This is how my Father shows who he is—when you produce grapes, when you mature as my disciples.” John 15:5-8 The Message

Until next week, let’s all continue to Hit the Mark in Sabbath School!

(34)

18 comment(s) for this post:

James Alck:
12 May 2015 Let us make GOD as our very best friend. Give all our life anxiety to Him and lean on Him for deliverance and day to day friend. Talk to Him and He sure will enjoyed to respond to us daily !
Ulicia Unruh:
13 May 2015 ◦What does prayer mean to you? (Don’t use the answer “speaking to God”) Prayer is communion with God. It is sharing with Him one's joys and sorrows, needs, and longings. It's praying earnestly for the salvation of others, as well giving of one's own self to God. It's thanking Him for His bounties and blessings and seeking His will for our lives. It's talking to Him, with Bible in hand as we think of His promises and His Words, and asking for the Holy Spirit to enlighten our minds with these truths. ◦What, if any, is the difference in the life of someone who spends time in prayer compared to someone who rarely does? They have a relationship with God. When in situations they send a prayer to God for guidance and it affects their response in the situation. By being in communion with God -- it changes a person, they are connected to Someone far greater than themselves. Without Him we can do nothing With Him all things are possible to them that serve Him. ◦Is it possible to be a faithful Christian without spending much time in prayer? Why yes or no? (Personal reflection question) Are you a faithful Christian? No -- it's like asking, can you have a great marriage if you don't communicate much with your spouse. Yet, its greater than that. For prayer unites us with One far greater than a spouse. ◦What does it mean in 1 Thessalonians 5:16 to “pray without ceasing” and why should we do that? Praying without ceasing is not constantly being on your knees (though special prayer time is important) but praying without ceasing is walking with the sense that God is by your side all day, and sending little prayers for guidance and thanks etc. in the situations that face us during the day. ◦If you agree that there is such a thing as selfish prayers, how would you describe an unselfish prayer? Selfish prayers tend to be "I want something and I don't care what God's will is for me, I just want Him to give it to me" type of prayers. Unselfish prayers still include our wants and needs but they are embedded with desire for God's will to be done. A true prayer life is one of trusting in God, in His promises, and believing that no matter what, we can trust Him ◦Is it true that the “better” we are as Christians the more likely our prayers will be answered? Why yes or no? It depends upon what is meant by "better Christians". If the "better" is centered upon our own goodness -- then the answer is no. The Pharisee's prayer didn't go very far, whereas the Publican's prayer was answered. But if the "better Christians" means one who is genuinely in relationship with Christ. Then yes -- The prayers of a righteous person availeth much. James 5:16 While cherished sin can hinder our prayers. (see Isaiah 59:2) ◦Is the following statement True, Mostly True, Somewhat True or Not True: I should do all in my power to answer my own prayers. Explain your answer Somewhat true. If we are in debt, praying to get out of debt, we need to avail ourselves of jobs, do some serious budgeting etc, and continue to pray that God will guide in these activities and help us make proper choices. When praying for restored health we need to learn good health habits and avail ourselves of needed medical help. However, one can overdo this answering one's own prayers -- God's will needs to be our priority. There are times when it's better to simply "let go and let God", trusting in Him to provide and work. Praying for the salvation of loved ones, is often defeated by doing too much in our power to try and convert them, while not praying enough for God to work. Then there's Abraham and Hagar, Rebecca and Jacob, and their sad examples of people trying to answer their own prayers.
Caleb Beenchog:
13 May 2015 May God bless you for sharing, and I pray that God will help us all in our journey to heaven. I also pray that God's people will realize that all mankind was created for a purpose and the purpose is to reflect the image of God which was demonstrated to us by Jesus Christ on this earth. Our priorities must be of things above, but not of things on this earth.
Dana (last name?):
13 May 2015 I have been struggling for months or even a few years in my spiritual walk, not praying as I should; recognizing my need to draw closer to my Father in prayer. This writing hit a place in my heart. My Father has more than met my temporal physical needs of food, water, shelter, but I needed Him to do the impossible, soften and transform my heart of stone. After this reading, the heart of stone is becoming a heart of flesh. Thank you Brother Hall for allowing the Holy Spirit to use you. Glory to the King!!
Curtis Hall:
13 May 2015 Ulicia, thank you for taking the time to answer the questions. I particularly enjoyed your answer to the last question. It was very insightful. We should do all within our power to answer our own prayers and you described that very well. Thanks!
Curtis Hall:
13 May 2015 Dana, praise God! His Word is given for our guidance, reassurance and comfort. He is intent on saving us :) God bless you in your walk.
Chris Pemhiwa:
13 May 2015 Amen and amen!!!
Dionne Taylor:
14 May 2015 Thank you Brother Curtis for allowing yourself to be a conduit to bless and encourage others. I needed to be reminded to raise my expectations! I live and work in China and the challenges are many and varied. Being in a prayerful state of mind, speaking with my Heavenly Daddy wherever and whenever keeps me going. Yet, I need to raise my expectations....thank you again!
Tabari Brannon:
15 May 2015 Curtis, Thank you for this wonderful lesson. I particularly like your hit the mark questions. You questions make me think about how I think about prayer if that makes sense. I like the last question about should I do all that is in my power to answer my own prayers. There are some prayers that we ask which only God can answer, and there are prayers where it is a joint effort between us and God, and I also I believe there are some prayers which God will not answer. Sometimes we pray presumptions prayers as a way of procrastinating what God has already told us to do.
Hurford Thomas:
16 May 2015 Curtis, you did an excellent work in using the story of Jesus' visit with the Samaritan woman, highlighting: 1. Accepting the invitation to talk with someone she did not know, but being alert to His personal presentation of respect, love and caring, traits of a remarkable character 2. Getting to know Who she is talking to by staying in the conversation (prayer) 3. Significantly raising expectation as she began to discover a new world of forgiveness, acceptance and possibilities in this first prophet, ah, this Messiah In responding to Ulicia, you affirmed doing all within one's power to answer our own prayers. Question: May I query, so then what is the rational for praying for Divine assistance? May I affirm the insight of Ulicia in observing that there are Biblical characters of faith who did all they can to answer their prayers and went against the will/plan of God? Additionally, you did a wonderful job in your article in identifying the change in thinking of the woman of Samaria as she met God, Who in the Biblical narrative gave to her several gifts that she had absolutely no capacity to do for herself. There are prayers that recognize that only God can give a Divine miracle (not magic in the hand of a created being, angel or human); and there are prayers where God will use someone else to meet the need; and there are prayers where I give it my best effort. Surrendered persons "become partakers of the Divine nature", which is God's work in the person; but the saved person must invest everything in giving up, denying, searching, asking, working, giving, overcoming, assured that "it is God Who is working in me both to will and to do of His good pleasure". Phil 2:13 and 4:13 testify of a combined effort, the Divine working in me to produce my best effort to accomplish His will. Thank you sincerely for an insightful article. God bless your ministry.
Hurford Thomas:
16 May 2015 Dana, Curtis truly well represented the love of God in his article. Thank you for affirming the work of the Holy Spirit in your heart, through his ministry. May our Father bless you with a continued walk with HIM, regularly reading these wonderful stories of His work and promises, and regularly taking time to say Thank You for the transformation of the Holy Spirit. This is written with the affirmation of a prayer on your behalf. Amen. God bless you.
Ulicia Unruh:
16 May 2015 Hurford wrote: "In responding to Ulicia, you affirmed doing all within one's power to answer our own prayers. Question: May I query, so then what is the rational for praying for Divine assistance? --Actually my response was a "somewhat" with qualifications, not a full affirmation. Everything we do should be by seeking the Lord's will in the matter. Yet are we to believe that God will answer our prayers if we do not follow his will in the matter? Scriptures reveal God's will for our lives, then ask God that His will be done in our lives, and believe that He will answer that prayer by doing all in our power, believing He will fulfil His promise. Br. Curtis mentioned that "Our operating in a spirit of low expectations must be replaced with a deeper belief that comprehends the priceless offer of heavenly resources. Our expectations must be higher." How do we live life when our expectations are high that God will answer prayers that are according to His promises? We step out in faith. We know God promises us victory over sin. We know Christ died to release us from the power of sin. How do we show that we believe this? When Jesus offered healing to the paralytic telling him to get up and walk, the paralytic did all in his power to answer -- he stood up and walked. Jesus did the healing, yet would the paralytic have been healed if he simply lay there and said -- I can't get up and walk? One person with an alcohol problem mentioned that they prayed for victory, but till God removed the desire, they just weren't going to worry about their drinking problem. Why not claim God's promise for victory and believe God gives the victory - "Likewise reckon yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord." Romans 6:11 Why pray -- Because in ourselves we don't have the power or the victory, it is all in our connection with Christ. It is only in the transforming power of Christ in our lives that true victory is given. Without Him we can do nothing. John 15:5 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Phil 4:13 Our wills are placed under God's will. Hurford wrote: May I affirm the insight of Ulicia in observing that there are Biblical characters of faith who did all they can to answer their prayers and went against the will/plan of God?" Yes, there is the other side -- but notice, in every case in these situations when Bible characters tried to answer their own prayers, they stepped out of the will God to do so. They lost faith in God to perform His promises, and depended on devious methods to achieve the end they wanted. They didn't ask God to lead in these actions, they didn't act in faith, when they tried to do it "their way" instead of "God's way".
maureen [Surname?]:
17 May 2015 Thank you about this week"s lesson Really God is talking to us ,I was impressed by Jesus prayer life when He was on earth before anything Jesus prayed. That also is teaching us to take prayer seriously
guillermo Reyes:
18 May 2015 What a wonderful God we serve. He knows our souls and our hearts and our every need. To me this story brings out the truth that Jesus went to seek the lost sheep with a deep set desire for the living water. She did not it existed. We all have a longing desire for the truth. We have a Void that cannot be filled unless Jesus fills it. We try filling it with money, clothes, etc. all the things that this world has to offer. Yet we are never filled by these things. He is there offering us the living truth Jesus if only we open our hearts. He is at the door and knocks. He seeks for us ready to give us what we really need. A living connection with Him. She did not look for Jesus. Jesus went looking for Her. He offered and she accepted the living water. He is willing to give us better gifts than a father is willing to give to his children. What a merciful Father we have. He seeks me daily as He searched that first morning when Adam and Eve got lost. He has found the woman at the well. Today He seeks me and you. What will be our answer?
Jessica Watson:
19 May 2015 Thank God for fellowship! These comments are as spiritual titbits. They are so energizing. May God help us to advance spiritually and make ourselves available to help others along the journey. According to our lesson, let us be bold enough to ask God's help in our lives to experience acknowledgement, confession, contrition and submission to His will when we sin against Him. I am trusting Thee Lord Jesus.
AnitA reading:
19 May 2015 Thank your lord for the sabbath school lesson for tonight it helps us to understand spiritually strong in our faith especially in these last days the end Of time is very near God bless Us all
Lance Abrahams:
19 May 2015 For me prayer is absolutely awesome, it's getting intimate with the GREATEST being in all of the entire universe. Presidents of nations, Kings, princes and every other variant of important vip just won't be able and in many cases willing to listen to all my personal issues. The omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent, creator of everything in heaven on earth and in the entire ever expanding universe not only listens to me, HE yearns for intimacy with me. wow, wow, wow, how amazing, my mind boggles at my reluctance to experience this ultimate, intimate connection and bond, now words fail me.......Oh wretched man that I am thank God for Jesus Christ and His ever present Holy Spirit.
Hurford Thomas:
22 May 2015 AMEN