The Ground of Our Praying
God is the foundation of our prayer life, and He ordains that we should have what we pray for.
Julian of Norwich emphasizes the significance of prayer as a deliberate and persevering action of the soul, connecting us to God's will through the work of the Holy Spirit. She assures that when we pray according to God's will, we can be confident that our prayers will be answered. Julian highlights that everything we are led to pray for by God is ordained for us to receive even before time began. She also shares the comforting thought that our prayers will be waiting for us in heaven, adding to our eternal joy and gratitude.
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Prayer is the deliberate and persevering action of the soul. It is true and enduring, and full of grace. Prayer fastens the soul to God and makes it one with his will, through the deep inward working of the Holy Spirit.
I am the ground of your praying. First, it is my will that you should have this; then I make it your will, too: then I make you ask for it, and you do so. How then should you not have what you pray for?
Everything our good Lord makes us to pray for he has ordained that we should have since before time began.
When we come to heaven, our prayers shall be waiting for us as part of our delight with endless joyful thanks from God.
Sermon Outline
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The Nature of Prayer
- Prayer is a deliberate and persevering action of the soul
- Prayer is full of grace and makes the soul one with God's will
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God's Role in Prayer
- God's will is the foundation of prayer
- God makes prayer a part of our will through the Holy Spirit
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The Assurance of Answered Prayer
- God has ordained that we should have what we pray for
- Our prayers are part of our delight in heaven
Key Quotes
“I am the ground of your praying.” — Julian of Norwich
“Everything our good Lord makes us to pray for he has ordained that we should have since before time began.” — Julian of Norwich
“When we come to heaven, our prayers shall be waiting for us as part of our delight with endless joyful thanks from God.” — Julian of Norwich
Application Points
- Prayer is a deliberate and persevering action of the soul that requires effort and dedication.
- We can be certain that our prayers will be answered because God has ordained that we should have what we pray for.
- The Holy Spirit works deeply within us to make prayer a part of our will and to bring us into unity with God's will.