Have you ever come to a place of last resort? A last resort is something done only if nothing else works. In the spiritual realm this something done as a last resort is quite often prayer. Unfortunately prayer from this perspective can take on the character of a lucky rabbits foot. Say this prayer and something wonderful will happen to you. Maybe not. Say a prayer and everything will be alright. Maybe not.

Prayer is not just something you do. Ok, I prayed….everything is going to be alright now. No, prayer is communication. The question is, who are you communicating with and on what basis? Jesus said that the Pharisee was communicating with himself. He addressed his prayer to God, but his prayer was based on his own self righteousness. His prayer was not based on a biblical perspective about himself. The Pharisee was trusting in his own righteousness. Thus Jesus’ statement of fact, the Pharisee was communicating with himself. He had become his own god, therefore He must save himself or deny that he needs saving.

The publican had a biblical perspective of himself. His prayer was God be merciful to me a sinner. Jesus said that this man went down to his house justified. The publican was acquitted because he had rejected his own righteousness and had accepted God’s provision for his sin. God’s provision for sinners is the righteousness of His Son.

Since believers possess the righteousness of Christ, [For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified Hebrews 10:14], we may enter boldly into God’s presence to obtain mercy and grace to help in the time of need. God is sinless and nothing that is sinful or defiles may enter His presence. Believers may enter however, because we are dressed in the righteousness of God’s Son, Messiah Jesus .

God promised to never leave or forsake His own (Hebrews 13:5). That means His presence is always with His children. We should communicate with Him as easily as we do with whoever else is in the room. Communication with God the Father, based on the righteousness of His Son Jesus Christ, is proper prayer.

So should Christians communicate with God (pray) as a last resort? Communicating with God should always be our first resort. Rather than trying to manipulate circumstances to satisfy or justify ourselves, believers should always acknowledge Him first (He is sovereign, in control) and trust His promise to direct us. Even when you do not know where to put your foot down on your next step, acknowledge Him and He will direct you.

In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Proverbs 3:6

…let the word of Christ dwell (take up its life) in you richly…

Is there a heart o’erbound by sorrow?
Is there a life weighed down by care?
Come to the cross, each burden bearing;
All your anxiety—leave it there.

Refrain:
All your anxiety, all your care,
Bring to the mercy seat, leave it there,
Never a burden He cannot bear,
Never a friend like Jesus!

No other friend so swift to help you,
No other friend so quick to hear,
No other place to leave your burden,
No other one to hear your prayer.

Come then at once; delay no longer!
Heed His entreaty kind and sweet,
You need not fear a disappointment;
You shall find peace at the mercy seat.

Edward H. Joy – 1920

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Courtesy of Timeless Truths Publications – Copyright © 2002-2020 Free Online Library

Settling differences between Christians in accordance with the Word of God:

Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican. Matthew 18:15-17

Dare any of you, having a matter against another, go to law before the unjust, and not before the saints? Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters?

Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life? If then ye have judgments of things pertaining to this life, set them to judge who are least esteemed in the church. I speak to your shame. Is it so, that there is not a wise man among you? no, not one that shall be able to judge between his brethren? But brother goeth to law with brother, and that before the unbelievers.

Now therefore there is utterly a fault among you, because ye go to law one with another. Why do ye not rather take wrong? why do ye not rather suffer yourselves to be defrauded? Nay, ye do wrong, and defraud, and that your brethren. 1 Corinthians 6:1-8

Not engaging in carnal strife but showing a Christ-like attitude toward all men:

Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.

Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:17-21

Exhibiting the fruit of the Spirit:

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23

Maintaining a life of prayer:

Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; Ephesians 6:18

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. Philippians 4:6

Edifying the brethren by use of their spiritual gifts:

Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church. 1 Corinthians 14:12

...let the word of Christ dwell (take up its life) in you richly…