Prayer as Worship Leading to Sanctification
Living a Jesus-filled life is a life of worship. We can practice a worship-filled life by consecrating our life to God daily in prayer even as we allow His Spirit to fill us. This lifestyle follows when we recognize Jesus as Lord of our lives and allow His love to fill and guide us. Worship through consecration leads to sanctification (see 1 Thess. 5:23-24).
During my theological studies, one professor showed me the book Lessons for Seekers of Holiness (1918) by Harmon A. Baldwin. I read the book in an evening, feeling that the Lord had prepared my heart for this moment and realizing how much I had been seeking the purity explained in the book. I fell to my knees and asked God to sanctify me entirely. This experience helped me to discern God’s will for my life, and I felt a deep and lasting peace. I had the desire to meet other believers who had experienced sanctification, which led me to the Church of the Nazarene in Büsingen, Germany.
Today, I have deep gratitude as I write this devotional in Büsingen as a missionary for the Church of the Nazarene, 17 years later.
If you notice you are lacking or losing the peace of God throughout the day, simply ask Jesus to lead you back to His love so that you can remain in Him as He remains in you. The key is to learn to walk with Jesus in all we say and do. The more we realize our need for Jesus every moment, the better we learn to walk with Him and dwell in Him and the more we will grow in love and holiness. Without Him we can do nothing, but with Him, everything is possible (John 15:5; Matt. 19:26)!
This week, I invite you to simply ask Jesus in your prayer time: “Jesus, have I given You everything and will You sanctify that which I have given?” Ask Jesus to speak to you during the day and delight in this life of worship!
A sanctified heart is more tender and sensitive to God’s loving guidance. About two thousand years ago, Jesus came into this world to show God’s love and save us from our sins. What better way to celebrate Christmas than to let Jesus fill our hearts with His love. The one who calls you is faithful, and He will do it!
Stéphane Tibi is a missionary serving as Regional Education Coordinator in Eurasia.
Please note: All facts, figures, and titles were accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time of original publication but may have since changed.
Written for devotions.
