FELLOWSHIP FOOTNOTES
Newsletter of Hamilton Bible Fellowship
September 2009
While Matthew 6 contains the best “model prayer” in the NT (the “Lord’s prayer”), probably one of the best in the OT is Nehemiah’s prayer, in Neh. 1:5-11. Here are quotes that demonstrate the key components:
- O Yahweh, God of Heaven, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love . . . . v.5
- I confess the sins we Israelites, including myself and my father’s house, have committed against you. v.6
- Remember the instruction you gave your servant Moses . . . . v.8
- Give your servant success today by granting him favor in the presence of this man. v.
The components are praise, confession, rehearsing God’s promises, and specific requests. This is a great outline to follow as we become “partnered up and praying.”
Praise. Nehemiah acknowledges God’s sovereignty, his power, and his initiative: He is the God who intervenes! And, he is motivated solely by his love for us (does this sound familiar?) Nehemiah recognizes that the prayers of God’s people are the means by which they engage in God’s dynamic, his intervention: “Let your ear be attentive and your eyes open . . . to the prayer of this your servant and the prayer of your servants who delight in revering your name.” v.6, 11
Confession. This is honest, corporate and personal. “We have acted very wickedly; we have not obeyed.” v.7. He includes past and present; others and himself.
God’s promises. This is a reminder to himself that God is faithful to the promises he has revealed in scripture. For Nehemiah this meant that God would return his people to the land from which they had been exiled. For us it means that he will intervene and draw all people to himself - and that he wants no one to perish.
Specific requests. Nehemiah prays specifically for an opportunity to speak his request before the king, to whom he was the cupbearer. He prayed for opportunity with a specific person in a specific situation. Likewise we can pray for sensitivity to the opportunities God opens up for us with individuals - as he intervenes in their lives! He is doing it - we just need to engage in his dynamic. This really takes the pressure off us, to “do evangelism;” we rather become participants in the process as God draws people to himself. We can watch him work, as he uses individuals and situations - including us.
So, grab your prayer partner (or get one, if you haven’t already) and set up some accountability parameters - some means by which you can challenge one another and check up on how each is doing. For whom are you praying? What is God doing; what kind of opportunities is he giving you? How often/when are you praying? How are you communicating the 3 foundational principles and the 3 spiritual dynamics (remember, they’re on your refrigerator!)
NEWS AND PRAYER UPDATE:
Continue to pray for health concerns of Mary Charest, Michael Hayes, Chris Henke, John Hubbard, Martha Fisher, Keslie Nolen.
Pray for the Harter and Card families’ losses of Nate and James, that God uses this tragedy for his purposes.
Michelle Babcock and Michael Townsend are getting married next month; pray as they continue preparations!
Continue to pray for Putter’s transition to the additional role as Protestant Chaplain at Colgate. So far, so good!
THE QUOTE CORNER
In the morning, prayer is the key that opens to us
the treasures of God’s mercies and blessings; in
the evening, it is the key that shuts us up under
his protection and safeguard.
Anonymous
COMING EVENTS CALENDAR:
Saturday Sept. 5, 4:00 - 7:00 PM: Reception for Sarah Eisele and Kurt Dyrli at the Eisele home in Waterville.
Saturday Sept. 12, Skyway Festival on the Hamilton Village Green, 12:00 - 7:00. “Putter Cox and Friends” are on 4:10 - 4:45. Don’t be late - it’s a quick set!
HBF Fall Picnic: Sunday September 20, beginning at 2:00 at Hipsley’s. Let’s make this an outreach event! Invite a friend or family.
Tentative date for Reception for Jeff and Whitney Galletly: Saturday, October 3. Details to follow!
September Birthdays: 2 Michael Babcock; 5 Colleen Schindler; 6 Alisa Babcock; 11 Mary Charest;
13 Patti Hodge; 20 Frank Deiter; 26 Whitney Galletly; 29 Lauren Babcock;
30 Gabe Fister