Epaphras Prays Podcast

Many people use a framework when giving speeches or writing articles. This helps them remember what to say, like using a three-step process, an acronym, or alliteration.

In sermons, you often hear the speaker say, The three points today are this, this, and this. I like using frameworks too, even during my prayer times. It doesn’t mean I’m stuck with just that framework, but it gives me a guide or roadmap.

For experienced people of prayer, a framework might not be necessary. But for those new to praying or seeking guidance, having a framework is like having a map. It helps you know where you’re going and where you want to be.

I enjoy starting with praise and thanksgiving, especially using the Psalms. With Scripture and the Holy Spirit guiding me, along with a framework, then I can focus my prayers better.

So join me in the prayer cast. I’ll talk more about using a framework and even go through a prayer with one. At the end of the prayer time, I’ll share the framework I used and see if you recognized it.

If you find the framework helpful, please share with a friend to help them.

Often on my heart and my lips is prayer for you as Subscribers prayer group members, one which comes from the very prayers of Paul in his letter to Ephesus:

I ask that out of the riches of His glory He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. Then you, being rooted and grounded in love, will have power, together with all the saints, to comprehend the length and width and height and depth of the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

Says Charles Spurgeon:

Alas, to a great many religious people the love of Jesus is not a solid substantial thing at all—it is a beautiful fiction, a sentimental belief, a formal theory, but to Paul it was a real, substantial, measurable fact.

Even those who claim Christ can miss holy love. His is unfathomable, unsearchable, unending; it is unearned, undeserved, and unconditional. Jesus love is so great He came for us, took our place, and He is coming again for us.

The apostle recognizes this, experienced it and prays we would know this love also.

He had considered it this way, and that way, and the other way, and it was evidently real to him, whatever it might be to others. No one knows the love of Christ at all if he does not know it to be real, and no one has felt it in his soul at all unless it becomes so real as to constrain him and move him into actual activity.

Knowing in our head Jesus loves us is one thing. It is an awareness, intellectual, an acknowledgement. But another thing entirely for this love to be real to to us, so real it flows out from us, influencing our actions toward others.

We have a word which we sometimes use in a sense which I believe is not correct according to the dictionary. I mean the word “realize.” That word has been forced into the language of Christian experience, and can never be forced out again. We must realize, or make real to our hearts the love of Christ. That is just what I think the apostle did—he made real to himself the love of his Master and Lord.

The way Paul lived, wrote and spoke was in pursuit of knowing and having this love of God real in his own heart and life. Not only this, he prayed for it and experienced it firsthand.

It was not to him a surface theory, which might have breadth, but could not have depth. Or a mere narrow statement with length, but no breadth. It was a thing as firm and solid as anything in the world.

The experience of a thing makes it more real to us. We can look at photos of a vacation destination, but that’s nothing like actually being there in person. The experience makes it more real, more tangible, more meaningful.

It is true the love of Jesus is not material and earthly so as to be seen and handled, but it is even more substantial than if it were a thing to be seen, for the things which are seen are temporal, and the things which are not seen are eternal.

Love is not love, as the world says, meaning that every love is somehow equal. God’s own love is not material as are things in this world, where we love those who love us. The love we have in Christ is that He laid down his life for us. This love changes us from who we were before Christ in us, to who we are to be after.

To the carnal man the visible is real, and the invisible a mere dream. But to the spiritual man things are reversed, the visible is the shadow and the invisible the substance. May you be such people, dear friends, all of you!

We can love Him because He first loved us, and when this love is made known to us, we comprehend it more and more in our inner being. It is more true and real than any other thing we can sense by touch or taste, by smell or sight or sound.

So then, brothers and sisters in Christ, let us pray together for love as Paul did.

Praying For Love

God wants us:

* firmly rooted and grounded in love

* able to comprehend what is the breadth and length and height and depth

* to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge

* rooted—planted, firmly fixed

* grounded—to be founded upon, a foundation

* comprehending—understand, seize, possess

* breadth, length, height, depth—immensity, without end

* surpasses—experience that affection beyond what we can know

This love is without measure or end and God wants us to know with certainty—from the depth of Christs sacrifice to the height of His glory, that His love is limitless.

O God, make us to know this matchless love, and to live in the reality of it. Amen

My personal prayer is to fall in love with the Savior who loves us. I will pray this for you. Will you pray this for me? Leave a comment or message me below.

The disciples seemed content that the Master would pray, often alone and early or even very late. But here Jesus finds them not with him in prayers, but asleep.

He came to the disciples and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, “What? Could you not watch with Me one hour? Matthew 26:40

Aren’t many of us are also sleeping?

Watching and Praying are actions

Ever tried to hold a prayer meeting at your church? How many did you tell, and how many do attend? Ever asked someone to pray for you, and wonder if they really did? Ever tell someone you would pray for them, and did you actually do that?

Prayer - now as then, is not a popular nor a favorite church ministry. Some don’t know how, or care it is a priority, or there is no prayer leader. Some would rather sing, others be deacons, and many are content to observe.

But praying is not for mere spectators, rather we are to be actual participants. Watching a sporting event, or a cooking show is observing and not participating. When we play on the ball field, or get out the pots and pans that we are participating in sport or cooking.

Biblical watching is not merely observing, it’s being alert, watchful, eyes open. It’s like the sheepdog ever alert over the flock for predators creeping in the dark. It’s also being aware of the Master’s return, even if at midnight. This is active watching, looking, as a sentinel on duty.

The praying Savior admonished Peter as though praying was not an optional activity, but a necessity. What, would we miss an opportunity to pray with Jesus? He wants us to actually pray and not merely observe, or be content with letting others do all the praying.

What Happens When We Do Not Pray?

The next verse tells us: Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.

Though we may want to pray without ceasing, without prayer we enter into temptation. What is the temptation? Many things perhaps, but in the passages following we see that Jesus went to pray a second and then a third time, and again both times He found them sleeping.

Instead of watching - which is to be alert and aware, like a sentinel on duty, we do the opposite and fall asleep! We certainly cannot watch and pray while sleeping.

There are at least two reasons we are to do this:

Mark 13:33 - Take heed, watch and pray; for you do not know when the time is. And in Luke 21:36 - Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.

Prayer As Discipline

The ministry of prayer is like other Christian disciplines (including Bible study, giving, fasting, etc) which require training and practice. When learning any new skill, activity or sport, we must be taught the basics, learn the terminology or movements - and then train with these over and over.

As we devote time and attention to any discipline we get better and better. Ever observe a master craftsman at their chosen work? They make it look so easy, right? But it was many hours honing the basics again and again, mostly when no one else was noticing, that made them that great.

These disciples (followers) of Jesus were being disciplined (trained) in the ministry of Jesus (including prayer). Let us also watch with Jesus and pray.

Photo by Simon Infanger on Unsplash

We know prayer ought to be a daily priority of our Christian life, but which prayers might be a priority for us right now?

Among the many prayers, petitions, requests, and supplications needed, here are three we can all focus on:

* The salvation of unbelievers – pray for those who do not know the Lord Jesus Christ, that they might repent and believe the gospel; they would hear the good news, become aware they are sinners in need of the Savior, and seek the Lord for His mercy and grace to the forgiveness of sins.

* The People of God – intercede for the household of faith, those who do believe - the pillar and buttress of truth. Pray that we be mature in the faith and stand firm in all the will of God.

* The Government – ask on behalf of those in positions of authority, in order that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This is good, and it pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 1 Tim 2:1-4

As we look around, we see our nations are not tranquil. And Believers we ought to pray regularly for the government, not just around elections. For any leader – elected, appointed or hired, there are decisions and dangers. We are asking for wise leaders who will seek guidance, and we are asking for their protection.

In today’s PrayerPodcast let’s lift up those in authority from James 1:5, Proverbs 3:21, 1 Corinthians 16:13.

Pray For The People Of God From The Word Of God

Here are four passages we are praying from this week (one passage per day):

* Thursday - 1 Cor 1:4-8

* Friday - 1 Cor 16:13

* Saturday - 2 Cor 2:12

* Sunday - Rom 15:5-7, 13

Will you join me in praying these verses, and ask one person to join you?

Image Credit

PrayerCast Show Notes:

Acts 4:29-31

A prayer for boldness in our speaking about to the Lord, and asking He show His power through us.

Ephesians 3:16-19

A prayer for spiritual strengthening through the Holy Spirit, rooted in God’s love, and for a deeper understanding of Christ’s love.

Philippians 1:9-11

A prayer for love to abound, increase in knowledge and discernment, and for believers to be filled with the fruit of righteousness.

1 Peter 4: 7-9

A prayer for being fervent in our love for one another in Christ.

1 John 1:7

A prayer for walking in the light of Christ, maintaining fellowship with other believers, and being cleansed from sin through Jesus’ sacrifice.

It is not a matter of time so much as a matter of heart; if you have the heart to pray, you will find the time. ~ C.H. Spurgeon

In the Bible, there were lots of prayer times, like:

Before daylight - Jesus rose long before dawn, went to a solitary place, and prayed there (Mark 1:35).

In the morning - The psalmist declared that God would hear his voice in the morning as he directed his prayer upward (Psalm 5:3). Morning prayer comes before the Lord (Psalm 88:13), and in the morning we can hear His lovingkindness as we trust in Him (Psalm 143:8). The prophet Isaiah reminded us that the Lord is our strength every morning and our salvation in times of trouble (Isaiah 33:2).

In the afternoon - Peter and John went up to the temple at the ninth hour, the hour of prayer (Acts 3:1, approximately 3 pm).

Night and day - God’s elect cry to Him both day and night (Luke 18:7). The widow who is truly alone fixes her hope on God and continues in prayers night and day (1 Timothy 5:5).

All night - Jesus went to the mountain to pray and spent the entire night in prayer to God (Luke 6:12).

Twice daily - The psalmist called for help by day and cried out in the night (Psalm 88:1).

Thrice daily - Evening, morning, and at noon the complaint is uttered, and He hears our voice (Psalm 55:17). Daniel knelt three times a day to pray and give thanks, just as he had always done (Daniel 6:10).

Before taking food - Jesus looked to heaven, gave thanks, and broke the bread before distributing it (Mark 6:41; Luke 22:19).

After the supper - Following the Last Supper, Jesus lifted His eyes to heaven and prayed, asking the Father to glorify His Son (John 17:1).

Apparently they all had the heart to pray and so made the time(s) to pray.

When is the best time for us to pray?

All. The. Time - We are called to pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17) and to continue steadfastly in prayer (Romans 12:12).

What does that mean, to “pray without ceasing”? That beautiful command involves two essential practices woven together like threads in a tapestry:

First, the Anchor: Scheduled Sacred Time - Praying continually begins with establishing a regular daily time and place for personal, private prayer in secret to our Heavenly Father. This is our prayer closet, our appointed meeting place with God. Like Daniel who knelt three times daily, we need this anchored rhythm, a consistent when and where that roots our prayer life in discipline and devotion.

Second, the Atmosphere: Spontaneous Spirit-led Moments - But praying continually doesn’t end when we leave the closet. It means cultivating a lifestyle of brief, spontaneous prayers woven throughout our day, while driving, waiting in line, meeting with someone, or talking on the phone. These are short prayers, quiet prayers of the heart: “Father, help that friend.” “Holy Spirit, come quickly.” “Lord Jesus, I need You.” These prayer-snippets become as natural and regular as blinking and breathing, changing ordinary moments into holy conversations.

Think of it this way: scheduled prayer is like sitting down for a meal with a dear friend, while spontaneous prayer is like the pleasant text messages you exchange during the day. Both matter. Both deepen the relationship. The scheduled time is a deep, abiding connection; the spontaneous moments maintain an ongoing awareness of God’s presence in every corner of life.

Another question:

when do we not pray? Most of us at Epaphras Prays struggle, like many do, with outside distractions that intrude on times to pray. Whether work, family, or hobbies, we find it helpful to have a scheduled Time, a certain Place, and a helpful List, which is written about here.

As seen above, prayer was a priority then, and should be now for all of us.

What about you?

What suggestions would you share that help you remain constant in prayer? Share a helpful idea in the comments:

But when you pray, go into your inner room, shut your door, and pray to your Father, who is unseen. And your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. … for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him. Matthew 6:6, 8

Today our lesson is from Andrew Murray, and emphasizes the importance of private prayer and provides insights into how Jesus taught His disciples to pray. He highlights the significance of having a secret place for prayer, where one can be alone with God. This secret place is where believers meet our heavenly Father and experience the light of His love and the assurance of His presence.

During His Sermon on the Mount, our Lord tells the disciples God is not only King, but Father. Here we have His teaching us to pray. While Moses, David and the prophets prayed, it is Jesus who is our Teacher.

And the first thing the Lord teaches His disciples is that they must have a secret place for prayer; everyone must have some solitary spot where he can be alone with his God.

The Secret Place: Jesus teaches that everyone must have a solitary spot where they can be alone with their God.

Meeting the Father: Three times Jesus uses the name of Father 1) pray to your Father, 2) your Father will reward you, and 3) You Father knows your needs.

And so we are taught, at the very outset of our search after the secret of effectual prayer, to remember that it is in the inner chamber, where we are alone with the Father, that we shall learn to pray aright … your first thought must be: The Father is in secret, the Father waits me there.

Faith in Secret Prayer: Secret prayer is not about the strength or fervency of our feelings but about the faith and confidence that God, as a loving Father, will respond to the prayers offered in secret.

Finally, God Knows Your Needs: Christ assures believers that Father knows our needs even before we ask.

In summary, this lesson underscores the value of private prayer as a means to connect with God as a loving Father, encourages childlike faith in prayer, and emphasizes the confidence that God knows and provides for our needs, reinforcing the importance of secret prayer as a vital part of the Christian’s spiritual life.

And we pray in the podcast for you. If you’re reading this, especially as a Subscriber, we’re praying for you. So join me for a few minutes in that secret place and pray to Our Father.

Image by Deborah Hudson from Pixabay

Today on the Epaphras Prays Prayer Cast, let’s talk about prayers for our spiritual growth and personal godliness.

In Matthew 5:48, Jesus tells us to be perfect (mature, holy) like our heavenly Father. This echoes God’s words to Moses in Exodus, saying we are to be holy because the Lord our God is holy.

This time our devotional prayers will focus on growing in maturity, holiness, and striving for perfection in Christ before His return.

Let’s look at some Psalms that can guide us:

* Psalm 39:1,

* Psalm 43:3-4,

* Psalm 65:4,

* Psalm 86:11,

* Psalm 90:12,

* Psalm 131:2.

For Further Praying

What is our confidence in praying to God? Why would I be assured of His hearing or answering? How does biblical praying work?

I have written these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life. And this is the confidence that we have before Him: If we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we already possess what we have asked of Him.— 1 John 5:13-15 BSB

Understanding Parrēsia (Confidence)

Strong’s 3954: parrésia: freedom of speech, confidence; all out-spokenness, i.e. Frankness, bluntness, publicity; by implication, assurance.

Thayer’s Greek Lexicon: 2. free and fearless confidence, cheerful courage, boldness, assurance.

Topical Lexicon: Parrēsia denotes the unmistakable freedom to speak, act, and approach without fear—whether before people or before God.

Biblical Examples of This Confidence

How the Lord Hears and Answers

Abiding in Christ Aligns Our Will with His

God Gives What We Need

Biblical Examples of Faith-Filled Prayer

Jesus’s Assurance to Us

Wrapping up

So boldly speak freely in prayers, with confident assurance, that Jesus will hear us asking His promises and will grant the answers according to His will. That, brothers and sisters, give us great hope and great confidence to come to the throne of grace, knowing He hears and He answers.

This past weekend, I took a country drive past corn fields and wheat fields. Some already harvested, others underway. And down by the river, along a winding road, I encountered an apple orchard—an entire grove of trees that, row by row, had ripe red apples ready for picking.

It reminded me of something E.M. Bounds wrote in his book The Possibilities of Prayer: the promises of God found in His Word are like fruit trees ready for picking. These promises, like fruit, are picked by prayer. Otherwise, this fruit lies dormant.

Think of all the different things you can enjoy with apples. You can eat them fresh, slice them for apple pie, fry them as a topping for pancakes, or cook them into applesauce. My favorite is apple butter—putting apples into a crockpot with cinnamon, cloves, and brown sugar fills the house with a lovely aroma.

God’s Word: An Orchard Full of Promises

Searching through God’s Word is much like walking through that orchard. His Word is full of promises ripe for the picking by praying and asking Him to do what He has promised to do. Though He has promised to do something, without our asking, He is under no obligation to simply do it for us.

Pray these promises in the podcast:

The Promise of Perfect Peace

Isaiah 26:3 - “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.”

Isaiah’s Promise of Strength

Isaiah 41:10, - “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

God Upholds Our Steps

Psalm 37:23-24 - “The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand.”

The Promise of Wisdom

In James 1:5, God promises to give wisdom: “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”

Peace That Guards Our Hearts

In Philippians 4:6-7, we’re told: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

And more promises

* Provision: “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:19

* Love: “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” – Romans 8:38-39

* Teaching: “He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way.” Psalm 25:9

* Answer Prayers: “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you.” Matthew 7:7

Picking the Ripest Fruit

E.M. Bounds writes: “Prayer goes by faith into the great fruit orchard of God’s exceedingly great and precious promises, and with hand and heart picks the ripest and richest fruit.”

The great promises found in Scripture find their fulfillment through prayer. As Spurgeon said:

“Every promise of Scripture is a writing of God which may be pleaded before Him with this reasonable request: Do as Thou hast said. Our heavenly Father will not break His word to His own children. ‘Remember the word unto Thy servant, on which Thou hast caused me to hope’ is most prevalent pleading. It is a double argument—it is Thy word, wilt Thou not keep it? Why hast Thou spoken of it if Thou wilt not make it good? Thou hast caused me to hope in it, wilt Thou disappoint the hope which Thou hast Thyself begotten in me?”

When we go before the throne of grace and ask what He has promised, we can expect our Lord to answer exactly as He has promised. Let us go to our loving Heavenly Father and pick the fruit of His promises through prayer.