Colossians 4:12–13 What and How to Pray

"Epaphras, a member of your own fellowship and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends you his greetings. He always prays earnestly for you, asking God to make you strong and perfect, fully confident that you are following the whole will of God. I can assure you that he prays hard for you and also for the believers in Laodicea and Hierapolis." (NLT)

 

Here's another model of what and how to pray. What: ask God to make our loved ones strong and perfect, fully confident of following the whole will of God. (Isn't that what gives peace?) How: earnestly, even at times agonizing over those for whom we pray. How earnestly are you praying for those in your world?

Psalm 34 Commentary

David praises God, and encourages to trust him. (1-10) He exhorts to fear. (11-22)

Commentary on Psalm 34:1-10

If we hope to spend eternity in praising God, it is fit that we should spend much of our time here in this work. He never said to any one, Seek ye me in vain. David's prayers helped to silence his fears; many besides him have looked unto the Lord by faith and prayer, and it has wonderfully revived and comforted them. When we look to the world, we are perplexed, and at a loss. But on looking to Christ depends our whole salvation, and all things needful thereunto do so also. This poor man, whom no man looked upon with any respect, or looked after with any concern, was yet welcome to the throne of grace; the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles. The holy angels minister to the saints, and stand for them against the powers of darkness. All the glory be to the Lord of the angels. By taste and sight we both make discoveries, and have enjoyment; Taste and see God's goodness; take notice of it, and take the comfort of it. He makes all truly blessed that trust in him. As to the things of the other world, they shall have grace sufficient for the support of spiritual life. And as to this life, they shall have what is necessary from the hand of God. Paul had all, and abounded, because he was content, Philippians 4:11-18. Those who trust to themselves, and think their own efforts sufficient for them, shall want; but they shall be fed who trust in the Lord. Those shall not want, who with quietness work, and mind their own business.

Commentary on Psalm 34:11-22

Let young persons set out in life with learning the fear of the Lord, if they desire true comfort here, and eternal happiness hereafter. Those will be most happy who begin the soonest to serve so good a Master. All aim to be happy. Surely this must look further than the present world; for man's life on earth consists but of few days, and those full of trouble. What man is he that would see the good of that where all bliss is perfect? Alas! few have this good in their thoughts. That religion promises best which creates watchfulness over the heart and over the tongue. It is not enough not to do hurt, we must study to be useful, and to live to some purpose; we must seek peace and pursue it; be willing to deny ourselves a great deal for peace' sake. It is the constant practice of real believers, when in distress, to cry unto God, and it is their constant comfort that he hears them. The righteous are humbled for sin, and are low in their own eyes. Nothing is more needful to true godliness than a contrite heart, broken off from every self-confidence. In this soil every grace will flourish, and nothing can encourage such a one but the free, rich grace of the gospel of Jesus Christ. The righteous are taken under the special protection of the Lord, yet they have their share of crosses in this world, and there are those that hate them. Both from the mercy of Heaven, and the malice of hell, the afflictions of the righteous must be many. But whatever troubles befal them, shall not hurt their souls, for God keeps them from sinning in troubles. No man is desolate, but he whom God has forsaken.

Jeremiah 11:18–23 Plot Against Jeremiah

"Because the Lord revealed their plot to me, I knew it, for at that time he showed me what they were doing. I had been like a gentle lamb led to the slaughter. I did not realize that they had plotted against me, saying,

"Let us destroy the tree and its fruit;

     let us cut him off from the land of the living,

     that his name be remembered no more"

But, O Lord Almighty, you who judge righteously

     and test the heart and mind,

  let me see your vengeance upon them,

     for to you I have committed my cause.

 

"Therefore, tis is what the LORD says about the men of Anathoth who are seeking your life and saying.  Do not prophesy in the name of the Lord or you will die by our hands - therefore this is what the Lord almighty says: "I will punish them.  Their young men will die by the sword, their sons and daughters by famine.  Not even a remnant will be left to them, because I will bring disaster on the men of anathoth in the year of their punishment.'" (NIV)

 

Jeremiah was unaware of the plot to kill him—but God knew. And he revealed it to Jeremiah. Jeremiah was afraid, but he learned that God knows the deepest thoughts of the heart and mind. He also learned that God is a God who could be trusted—even as Jeremiah faced this impossible task of warning God's people of judgment. God would protect Jeremiah as he committed his cause to God. He would render justice in Jeremiah's personal life, not just among his people. God can always be trusted, even for the things you don't know, but God does.