THE ESPOUSAL OF CHRIST. 050

No sooner does the child of God approach the mercy seat than he becomes the client of the great Advocate. At his first utterance of penitence and appeal for pardon Christ espouses his case and makes it His own, presenting the supplication before the Father as His own request. {6T 364.1}

I know I have mentioned this before, but I came across the same idea in my devotion tonight and believe it is necessary to build upon.

The quote said that Jesus espouses our prayers. The word espouse is of course related to the word spouse and can mean “to marry.” The Biblical view of marriage is that two become one. If Christ marries our earnest and sincere prayer requests, He becomes one with them.

Jesus becomes one with your prayers.

You weep, He weeps too.

You rejoice, He rejoice too.

You ask, He asks too.

You want, He wants, for you.

Isaiah 63:9 In all their affliction he was afflicted.

You see different people have different experiences and perceptions of marriage, for some it's good, for some it may not be. I invite you to see what the Bible says about Christ's view of marriage, He says,

Ephesians 5:25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it.

Christ, in this case, the husband, loved His bride and --gave Himself-- for it. I wish I had an expression to sum up how this truth warms my heart, but my brain, my vocabulary and this qwerty keyboard all fail me; but if Christ --gave Himself-- for His bride, whom He espouses, what will He do for your prayers.

Jesus gave Himself, and gives Himself for the things you pray for.

As Christ intercedes in our behalf, the Father lays open all the treasures of His grace for our appropriation, to be enjoyed and to be communicated to others. “Ask in My name,” Christ says; “I do not say that I will pray the Father for you; for the Father Himself loveth you, because you have loved Me. Make use of My name. This will give your prayers efficiency, and the Father will give you the riches of His grace; wherefore, ‘ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.”’ John 16:24. {6T 364.2}

In the name of Jesus, pray.

Claim your right to have God move mightily for you,

Claim the efficiency that comes with praying in the name of Jesus.

Do not be a coward.

You are praying in the name of Jesus.

Through Him, you, have, power.

God desires His obedient children to claim His blessing and to come before Him with praise and thanksgiving. God is the Fountain of life and power. He can make the wilderness a fruitful field for the people that keep His commandments, for this is for the glory of His name. He has done for His chosen people that which should inspire every heart with thanksgiving, and it grieves Him that so little praise is offered. He desires to have a stronger expression from His people, showing that they know they have reason for joy and gladness. {6T 364.3}

God, thank you for this precious privilege, thank you for ordaining a means whereby we can come to your throne –boldly— thank you God.

Give us strength to keep your commandments.

Give us a heart of deeper thanksgiving,

Please

IJN,

Amen.

Photo by Irina Iriser from Pexels