“The entire man must pray. The whole man- life, heart, temper, mind, are all in it . . . it takes a whole heart to do effectual praying.”- E. M. Bounds (1835-1913)
The conclusion of Chapter 8 of Moving Mountains serves as an introduction to Chapter 9 (“Daily Prayer”). Author John Eldredge begins the conclusion of Chapter 8 with another look at consecration:
“Think of consecration as ‘aligning’ and ‘enforcing’- aligning yourself, or the subject in question, with Jesus and all the laws of his kingdom, then enforcing his rule and those laws over the matter in question. . . . But often the enforcing requires a bit more oomph . . . the power of proclaiming.”
John notes that, in Acts 9, we see Ananias proclaim God’s intentions over Saul. Ananias doesn’t pray to God for Saul. Proclaiming Scripture as we consecrate has mighty and powerful effects. Your spirit, or the spirit of the person you are praying for, rises up as you proclaim.
The author states that some sort of daily prayer is essential. Daily prayer is not mindless repetition. John emphasizes that we must be utterly present to it. John describes (in detail) four aspects of the Daily Prayer:
- Begin with aligning- come back under and into God with intention and deliberation. Get yourself in position to pray.
- Relate to each person of the Trinity. You have a unique relationship with the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
- Put on the full armor of God- real combat gear in the spiritual realm
- Call upon the help of angels. Angels are here to help and serve you.
Today’s question: What Bible verses help you to pray with a whole heart? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “The heart of it all”
