Transforming Prayer

Transforming Prayer

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,  that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.”

Matthew 5:43-45 NIV

Jesus isn’t interested so much in what we DO, but in the transformation of our hearts. In a conversation with someone the other day, they asked, “Do you think most Christians have given 100% of their hearts to Christ?” Perhaps I answered too quickly when I said, “Ha! Most Christ-followers haven’t completely submitted their will to Christ’s will. There are still rooms in their hearts that they haven’t yet turned over to Him.”

What do YOU think? By God’s grace and our cooperation, over time, some of the rooms in our hearts are gradually being opened and cleansed, and fresh, life-giving air is beginning to blow through them. However, there are other rooms in our hearts that may still be shut tight against the healing, renovating power of God. Jesus wants the whole you. So He begins to knock on those doors of self-righteousness, fear of others, resistance to “outsiders,” and hatred of enemies.

You see, God loves all His children, obedient or not, just or unjust. Jesus wants to give you more spiritual power through the Holy Spirit, who calls you to go beyond the “usual.” You’re called to be perfect, to be complete, just as our Heavenly Father is perfect. In Christ, God gives you His love so you can be conformed to the image of His Son, who forgave those who crucified Him and offered His death for all.

I know that Jesus command to love your enemies is very difficult, so I’ll be praying that the Holy Spirit of love continues to take more control of more of your life. Why not choose to give God a little more of your heart today?



Thanks for reading Pastor Dale’s Mid-Week Encouragement.  If you’re a regular attender of the Mt. Laurel Church of God, consider reading Luke 8:1-18 to get yourself ready to hear God’s message through Pastor Dale this coming Sunday, October 19.

Called to know the Way, go the Way, and show you the Way,

^{Pastor Dale}

Pastor Dale (PD) and Pamela his wife are honored to serve the Mt. Laurel Church of God. If this Mid-Week Encouragement has helped you, perhaps it may encourage someone else. Feel free to share this message with anyone you choose. And if you'd like to receive PD's Mid-Week Encouragement, just send an email to (kingdomguy@gmail.com) and I'll accommodate your request.