ICS Daily Devotions
A Consecrated Life
EM Bounds said “As prayer is the condition of full consecration, so prayer is the habit, the rule, of him who has dedicated himself wholly to God. Prayer is becoming in the consecrated life. Prayer is no strange thing in such a life. There is a peculiar affinity between prayer and consecration, for both recognize God, both submit to God, and both have their aim and end in God. Prayer is part and parcel of the consecrated life. Prayer is the constant, the inseparable, the intimate companion of consecration.”
“People who are consecrated are known by their praying habits. Consecration thus expresses itself in prayer. He who is not interested in prayer has no interest in consecration. Prayer creates an interest in consecration, then prayer brings one into a state of heart where consecration is a subject of delight, bringing joy of heart, satisfaction of soul, contentment of spirit. The consecrated soul is the happiest soul. There is no friction whatever between him who is fully given over to God and God’s will. There is perfect harmony between the will of such a man and God, and his will. And the two wills being in perfect accord, this brings rest of soul, absence of friction, and the presence of perfect peace.”
The prayer of consecration is also known as the prayer of dedication, the prayer of surround or submitting to the will of God. It is about praying about the will of God for your life, then submitting to God’s will and it is a prayer that can be repeated.
This type of prayer can be seen in Matthew 26:36-45 where we see Jesus prayer to God the Father at the Garden of Gethsemane.
Jesus prayed in verse 39 “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me.” Then in verse 42, He prays again “My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done.” and in verse 44, we see Jesus “prayed the third time, saying the same thing.”
The Garden of Gethsemane was merely a culmination of a life of consecration. Every day and step of Jesus’ ministry, He was submitting to the will of the Father.
John 6:38 For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me.
Jesus is the Lord of our lives. Therefore, we need to learn to constantly be connected with God in every aspect of our lives and learn to walk in His will by surrendering ourselves to Him.
Sermon Series: Prayer of Consecration
