Tag Archives: Prayer

21 Seconds to Pray

Posted on December 19, 2015 by expressyourself4him

During my confirmation process in the Catholic Church in 8th grade, I studied the Lord’s prayer, also known as the Our Father.  According to author Dr. Mark Rutland, it takes the average person 21 seconds to pray this prayer.  After twenty years of using the Lord’s prayer as a foundation for prayer, Dr. Rutland believes that you can change your world if individuals begin to devote 21 seconds to prayer daily.

“This, then, is how you should pray: “ ’Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven,” Matthew 6:9-10.

Keeping a journal during this extended period, Mark began to see the impact Jesus’ words had on his prayer life.  Gradually, his heart, soul and mind were transformed by this basic, yet powerful prayer outline inspiring his book 21 Seconds to Change Your World.  While the average person struggles to pay attention or remain focused, 21 seconds is less than most commercials on television.  Therefore, why not make a resolution for 2016 to commit 21 seconds to prayer each day.

Give us today our daily bread.  And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.  And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one, Matthew 6:11-13.

Even when people draw near to God, prayer can be foreign to many.  Feeling asleep on my pillow in college was a nightly tradition, not getting far before I dosed off.  However, 21 seconds is realistic, a good starting point for novice prayers.  Therefore, I don’t have a good excuse to say I was too busy, didn’t feel well or was too tired.  Rather, now is a great time to start 2016 off on the right foot with 21 seconds to pray.

by Jay Mankus

 

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The Position of Labor

Posted on December 16, 2015 by expressyourself4him

Prior to modern medicine and state of the art hospitals, wives would give birth to their children at home.  Without an epidural injection, woman were forced to endure pain until their children came forth.  In biblical times, there was no stirrups to separate a woman’s legs to expedite this process.  Rather, woman squatted with their elbows spread out on either side, pushing with all their might.  This is the position of labor described in the Bible.

Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the earth for three years and six months, James 5:17.

Common sense tells individuals that you can’t give birth unless you are pregnant.  While Hollywood will beg to differ, producing films like Junior where Arnold Schwarzenegger gives birth during a scientific experiment, this is not normal.  In the same manner, unless you are laboring in prayer, attempting to give birth a miracle, most will become disenfranchised with prayer.  Only when the Holy Spirit breathes new life into souls, Romans 10:9-10, can individuals begin to see the spiritual fruit of prayer.

Then he prayed again, and the sky poured rain and the earth produced its fruit, James 5:18.

Several times in life, I’ve lived by a wing and a prayer, praying only after accidents, emergencies and trials occur.  Subsequently, when I don’t receive the answer I desire from these prayers, I’m not surprised because of my position of labor.  However, when I am proactive, seeking a hedge of protection from evil, I begin to experience Elijah like results.  Therefore, don’t take prayer lightly.  Rather, put yourself into the position of labor, persisting in prayer like the widow who never gave up, Luke 18:1-8.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

 

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You Have to Seek Before You Can Peak

Posted on December 7, 2015 by expressyourself4him

In the aftermath of Wednesday’s San Bernardino shooting leaving 14 dead and another 21 others wounded, responses poured out in the form of thoughts and prayers.  As 2016 Republican Presidential candidates turned to God for help, democratic leaders used this tragedy to drum up support for gun control and the elimination of the second amendment.  Perhaps, this political difference caused a New York journalist to write, “God isn’t fixing this.”  Unfortunately, the author of this quote doesn’t know one of the most basic Bible principles, you have to seek before you can peak ahead.

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well, Matthew 6:33.

During one of the most famous sermons ever recorded, Jesus spends a chapter in Matthew 6 explaining the concept of spiritual etiquette.  Like the present, first century inhabitants were searching for results as well as credit once things improved.  Thus, Jesus brings up proper and improper attitudes and motives.  Listing a few current examples, Jesus exposes the impure.  Essentially, Jesus suggests that prayer, fasting and money won’t change you current situation.  Rather, as soon as individuals make the decision to seek God first, everything else will begin to fall into place within this life.

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own, Matthew 6:34.

Unfortunately, the Name and Claim It Crowd, also known as the Prosperity Gospel, have overlooked one crucial word, righteousness.  God’s nature can not exist without it.  Thus, as Christians leave a negative imprint on society, members of the media are doubting the Lord’s ability to fix America’s decaying morality.  True progress lies in an unswerving devotion to trust God for daily bread, basic essentials to survive.  While this mental state is possible to achieve, few have the faith to endure the storms of life.  Therefore, the next time someone tries to limit God’s power, remember you have to seek before you can peek at the blessings the Lord has in store for you in the future, Proverbs 3:5-6.

by Jay Mankus

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Angels Waiting for a Prayer

Posted on December 6, 2015 by expressyourself4him

In this politically correct world certain words have been phased out, too ignorant and harsh for this generation to hear.  One of these banished words is pig-headed, meaning stubborn.  Unfortunately, I tend to bang my head against the door hoping for a different outcome like a starving pig, doing whatever it takes to pick up the last scrap of food.  Perhaps, I need to take a new approach, shifting my focus toward prayer with the hope that an angel is awaiting on a prayer to act.

But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the doors of the jail and brought them out, Acts 5:19.

Throughout the Bible, angels magically appear after someone prayers.  Whenever an apostle was arrested or imprisoned, the local church began to pray.  While not every prayer resulted in a miracle, angels rescued Peter from jail twice.  Though a scientist may dispute this theory, unable to directly link angels to prayer, its not that far fetched to consider that angels are waiting for specific instructions in the form of prayers.

For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways, Psalm 91:11.

According to author of Psalm 91, God created angels to guard and protect individuals.  This invisible force isn’t something people should experience once in a life time.  Rather, the Psalmist suggests angels are meant to guide you in all your ways on earth.  Therefore, the more believers in the supernatural begin to offer up requests, angels waiting for a prayer can respond immediately like the accounts in the Bible.  If you’re like me, disappointed by your current state in life, then maybe you’re a prayer away from ushering angels into action.

by Jay Mankus

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God isn’t the Solution?

Posted on December 5, 2015 by expressyourself4him

As the print media tries to survive in an age of instant information, journalists are encouraged to write provocative pieces.  Such is the case of this week’s headline in the New York Daily News, “God isn’t fixing this.”  The premise of this article is based upon two opposing worldviews, Theism verse Secularism Humanism.  After several conservative politicians offered thoughts and prayers in response to the San Bernardino shooting, liberals are demanding actions, not words.  Thus, the title suggests God isn’t the solution.

When you spread out your hands in prayer, I hide my eyes from you; even when you offer many prayers, I am not listening. Your hands are full of blood! – Isaiah 1:15

According to Webster’s Dictionary, humanism is any system of thought or action concerned with the interests or ideals of people characterized by an emphasis on human interests rather than religion.  In the mind of those who think government is the answer or solution to life’s problem, God isn’t fixing America’s problems.  Thus, Communists, Progressives and Socialists believe gun control is the ticket, the cure to eliminating crime.  The main flaw is if officials get their way, only the criminals will gain access to guns, leaving law abiding citizens defenseless, without anything to protect their families.

However, if you do not obey the LORD your God and do not carefully follow all his commands and decrees I am giving you today, all these curses will come on you and overtake you, Deuteronomy 28:15.

On the other side of the worldview spectrum is Christian theism, holding to Judeo-Christian values.  Instead of trusting in science or self, this ideology leans on God’s understanding, rather than trusting in man.  This blind faith baffles those who deny God’s existence.  Thus, the debate commences on whether or not prayers can fix America’s current situation.  Beyond the realm of prayer, you must consider blessings and curses.  If America continues to reject God, move away from their with alliance Israel and disobey the Bible’s commands, then words of the Daily News will become a self-fulfilled prophecy.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

 

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Crossing the Threshold into Prayer

Posted on December 1, 2015 by expressyourself4him

Some individuals have a tendency to think out loud.  Meanwhile, when alone others are in the habit of talking to themselves.  Unfortunately, a stereotype has conceived labeling any who talks to God or hears his voice to be crazy.  Thus, to enter a state of prayer requires a certain mindset, crossing over the threshold from the physical into the supernatural.

While Jeremiah was still confined in the courtyard of the guard, the word of the LORD came to him a second time, Jeremiah 33:1.

The power of prayer is like a restaurant which gradually grows as good news spreads through word of mouth.  If prayer doesn’t live up to your expectations, you won’t return, disappointed by your overall experience.  On the flip side, when you cross the threshold into prayer, a desire is conceived to return as soon as you have a chance.

Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know, Jeremiah 33:3.

In the days of the divided kingdom, Judah began to follow in the footsteps of Israel, gradually turning away from God.  Saddened by this choice, the prophet Jeremiah receives a message from the Lord.  Essentially, God promises those who cry out to the Lord in prayer, crossing over into the supernatural, will receive answers to the mysteries of this life.  Therefore, don’t let time or what others think hold you back from entering prayer.  While answers may not come immediately, those who cross this threshold will receive blessings, encouragement and guidance throughout life on earth.

by Jay Mankus

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Staying in Tune

Posted on November 28, 2015 by expressyourself4him

There was a time in my life when I possessed musical talents.  For three years I played the alto saxophone, improving each year.  When I visited my grandmother for the holidays, I quickly picked up the piano, able to play Christmas carols.  Unfortunately, some where along the way, my interests waned, forgetting the notes, rhythm and ability to play an instrument.

Take away from me the noise of your songs; to the melody of your harps I will not listen, Amos 5:23.

C.S. Lewis adds a piano analogy within Mere Christianity.  In one of his introductory chapters, Lewis takes three key components: tune, notes and music sheet.  For performers to correctly play an instrument, it must be tuned properly to produce a quality sound.   Next, individuals must have the knowledge to play the appropriate key or note.  Finally, unless you understand how to read a music sheet, a song doesn’t flow or make sense.

And whenever the harmful spirit from God was upon Saul, David took the lyre and played it with his hand. So Saul was refreshed and was well, and the harmful spirit departed from him, 1 Samuel 16:23.

Beyond music, these elements are essential if you want to stay in tune with God.  The conscience in connection with the Holy Spirit enables individuals to discern God’s still small voice.  Convictions, gut feelings and minds swayed by prayer serve as notes, clues as to where to go and what to do.  Finally, as people begin to read and study the Bible, principles for life are revealed like notes on a music sheet.  While C.S Lewis’ words are more than a half of a century old, these timeless truths provide a guide to stay in tune with God.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Tabitha’s Testimony

Posted on November 17, 2015 by expressyourself4him

In recent years, government officials have attempted to shed light on people who have been forgotten or omitted from history.  Thus, February has been coined Black History month with March dedicated to women in America history.  Unfortunately, timing is everything so unless you lived in a densely populated area, acts, contributions and inventions often gone unnoticed.  With this in mind, I felt compelled to convey Tabitha’s testimony.

About that time she became sick and died, and her body was washed and placed in an upstairs room, Acts 9:37.

Beside Jesus’ resurrection, the healing of Lazarus has gained most of the spot light in the Bible.  Dead for four days, Jesus cancels the funeral, raising his corpse from the dead.  Within the book of Acts, a similar healing takes place.  According to Acts 9, Tabitha had been dead for some time, likely a couple of hours before Peter arrives.  Following one of the principles of Jesus, Peter removed everyone who doubted God’s power from the room.  Shortly after kneeing in prayer, Tabitha arose from the dead.

Peter sent them all out of the room; then he got down on his knees and prayed. Turning toward the dead woman, he said, “Tabitha, get up.” She opened her eyes, and seeing Peter she sat up, Acts 9:40.

Prior to this illness, Tabitha developed a reputation for helping the poor and doing good within her town.  Although its unclear if funeral plans had been made, this miracle inspired many residents of Joppa to believe in the Lord.  According to Acts 9:36, Tabitha was a female disciple, one of the first woman to receive this title.  While March is a long way away, I felt it necessary to recall Tabitha’s life so that other women may be inspired to follow in her footsteps.

by Jay Mankus

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Post-Traumatic Stress

Posted on November 15, 2015 by expressyourself4him

Several years ago I ran into one of my old high school teammates at a restaurant.  Following a banner cross country career, my classmate went into the military, serving a tour of duty in Iraq.  During our conversation he shared about being injured, forced to live on disability the rest of his life.  Although my friend came back alive, he’s lost a great deal of this life due to post-traumatic stress disorder.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God, Philippians 4:6.

Unfortunately, you don’t have to experience war to encounter this illness.  Rather, if you are involved in a car accident, witness someone die or lose a member of your family to cancer, nightmares can haunt you for years.  In addition, anyone who is severely bullied, treated poorly within a relationship or forced to endure a tough life can and likely do suffer from soul-spirit hurts, often leading to a broken heart.

The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit, Psalm 34:18.

In the end, everyone on earth endures intrusive memories, events from the past that you want to forget, but traces pop up from time to time, causing you to relive this pain.  Escaping these patterns are like trying to avoid Freddie Kruger in Nightmare on Elm Street.  Unfortunately, demons and spirits can stir up or trigger panic attacks as you sleep.  Therefore, its essential to arm yourself with the armor of God to shield you.  Although I can’t guarantee immediate healing, in His time the Lord will make everything beauty once again.

by Jay Mankus

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Challenging Demons

Posted on November 14, 2015 by expressyourself4him

While channel surfing last weekend, I stumbled upon Destination America’s new show called the Demon Files.   This reality series features Ralph Sarchie, a former NYPD sergeant who has become a renown demonologist with his team who visit people experiencing paranormal activity.  In the episode I saw, Ralph was challenging the demon or spirit inside a haunted house.  Although I don’t know much about this realm, I do know you should be careful who or what you challenge.

And he said to them, “This kind of spirit cannot be driven out by anything but prayer,” Mark 9:29.

Several years ago I attended a Bible Study when a guest pastor visited for a couple of weeks.  Fascinated by his testimony, I began to ask this man questions about the spiritual realm, trying to collect insight into this arena.  To my surprise, he shared about an elder who attempted to challenge a demonic presence in New England.  Without enough prayer support or others to intervene, this man ended up in an insane asylum.  Following his release from the hospital, this elder left the church, struggling to grasp what happened to him.

Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour, 1 Peter 5:8.

Perhaps this may explain why most seminaries avoid spiritual warfare, focusing mainly on theology.  Beside demons confronted and cast out by Jesus, there isn’t much information in the Bible about challenging demons.  The apostle Paul emphasizes the armor of God, fighting evil with spiritual weapons as well as making sure you don’t give the devil a foothold.  Nonetheless, Paul’s best advice is to test everything, avoid evil and cling to the truth.  When you encounter powers of darkness in the future, make sure you surround yourself with prayer and others believers before you confront or challenge demons.

by Jay Mankus

 

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