Seed for the Harvest
The place for prayer

What is God’s design for the human race? His design is to bring about of a new humanity in Jesus Christ.

What’s this new humanity to be like? It’s to be comprised of those who dwell in peace, unity, righteousness, and faith as it is given by the Lord.

Why does the realization of this new humanity seem so difficult? Because there is resistance to it from spiritual forces of wickedness.

How is this resistance to be overcome so God’s design can be brought to fulfillment? By prayer.

This is the message that the Bible gives us about God’s purpose in this world, and how that purpose is to be worked out in reality.

Through Jesus Christ, God the Father has secured the redemption of the human race and the bringing about of a new humanity. As a result, all who belong to this new humanity through faith in Christ are equipped to live differently. They are able to put off the old man and put on the new, and live in peace and righteousness. Through history, God’s Spirit works to cause this new humanity to grow and grow.

What a glorious picture! But it’s a picture not easily realized. It’s much like the promised land of old. Canaan was a place of great blessing, but there were enemies to contend with. The same thing is true regarding our own redemption. All who are in Christ are given hope and promise – but there is resistance that must be dealt with if we are to realize the blessings of redemption.

Because of this, we need God’s ongoing grace — and we need to pray.

Prayer is a general term for various kinds of communication with God. Prayers of adoration, confession, thanksgiving, and supplication are all to be a balanced part of our lives as we seek to have God’s best realized in this world.

Most common is to raise up prayers of petition because we face so many needs and obstacles. And this is something we should do because the Lord tells us that we should ask in order to receive (Jn.16:24).

But our prayers should not be limited to times of trouble. In all our ways we are to acknowledge Him, and as we do He will make our paths straight (Pr.3:5,6).

When it comes to prayer, we are to be alert (Col.4:2). Our approach to prayer is not to be sleepy, but attentive and aware. Pay attention to what is going on around you, consider what it is that would redeem any situation, and pray accordingly. And do not merely pray for yourself, but intercede for others. As you do, you’ll be a participant in God’s work of redemption.

God is building up a new humanity through Jesus Christ that one day will be brought to maturity. When that day comes, the blessings of God will cover the earth – that future has been secured by the death and resurrection of Christ.

In the meantime, there is heavy resistance. Yet we are able to see Christ’s kingdom advance and conquer through prayer.

God’s Word gives us a vision of hope and new life. It’s prayer that brings this vision into reality.

Questions or comments? Email me at davidjbostromATgmail.com or visit my blog at dbostrom.wordpress.com.

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