As I have been sharing on prayer in our last sermons, I thought I would give you some words from a ‘good Norwegian’ of long ago who wrote and taught much on prayer.
Ole Hallesby was born in Aremark, Norway in 1879. He became a Christian at a young age and went on to study theology at the University of Oslo. The Lord called him to become an evangelical preacher and his ministry sparked several revivals in Norway. He earned his doctorate in theology from the University of Berlin and became the professor of dogmatics at the Free Faculty of Theology in Norway. During World War II, he spoke out against Nazi occupation and was sent to a concentration camp from 1943-1945. He served as the president of Inter-Varsity Christian Fellowship and authored 67 books including a devotional I have in my library given to Lori on her confirmation day entitled, “God’s Word For Today”. I have used this devotional at times in my staff devotions with Robin. He also wrote a best selling book called simply, “Prayer”. Hallesby understood at the heart of prayer was the helpless cry of the believer to his Heavenly Father. Just as Nehemiah desperately prayed as he stood before the King but could pray only a blurt or two in prayer.
“The king said to me, ‘What is it you want?’ Then I prayed to the God of heaven,” (Nehemiah 2:4)
This is praying. Hallesby wrote: “Listen, my friend! Your helplessness is your best prayer. It calls from your heart to the heart of God with greater effect that all your uttered pleas. He hears it from the very moment that you are seized with helplessness, and He becomes actively engaged at once in hearing and answering the prayer of helplessness. He hears today as He heard the helpless, and the wordless prayer of the man sick with palsy.” (Matthew 9:2)
There are instances when the only time to pray is a quick, silent cry to our Heavenly Father for wisdom, courage, or strength. In that helpless moment, the Lord actively engages at once His omnipotent power to “receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” (Heb 4:16)
Today in prayer, thank Christ that He actively engages our helpless cry for help and provides the ready answer we need.
Pastor Mark
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