Biblical Teachings on Prayer
1 Peter 4:7-8
The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.
Pondering Point
Having learned forgiveness from Jesus, the Apostle Peter encourages others to do the same. This was not true simply of Jesus’ MG with Peter. It can be true for us. Part of what happens in healthy MGs is a deeper version of emotions and connections – including a deeper love. Peter experienced deep love and forgiveness from Jesus. He also grew deeper in his love for Jesus. Such love can exist in our MGs, rooted in the love God has for us and powerful enough to move beyond sins – even sins against one another.
Such love and forgiveness lend itself to a true expression of the unity that Jesus prayed His disciples would experience (see John 17:22-23). And Jesus knows the power of prayer. Just as Jesus told Peter to be alert and pray, Peter – like a good disciple – told others to be alert and pray. And Peter knew that forgiveness was a beautiful blessing – both from God to us and from us to others.
Forgiveness, just like loving and being prayerful, is one more way to follow Jesus – the epitome of being a “disciple’ or follower of Jesus.
John 17:22-23
22 I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one— 23 I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, I don’t know when the end of all things will come, but I know that You called us to be alert and of sober mind, praying through troubling times. As You prayed under distress and called upon your MG to pray with You, so I want to handle all stressful situations with prayer – not alone, but with a few key friends who will be in it with me. Help me get to this place of friendship, discipleship and connectedness with others. Amen.
This is the second week of the Micro-Group lessons.
The first week starts here.
The second week starts here.
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