Watchman Nee

SUPPLICATION

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GENERAL CHRISTIAN

[Because we are Christians and live in the world we will always need prayer for our walk and for witnessing to others about CHRIST. Here’s an opportunity to pray for others or even ourselves. Fill their name or your name in the blanks.]

HOW DOES JESUS SPEAK?

screen-shot-2017-02-18-at-4-49-14-pm“The head is where God’s will is understood, but it is never the source of His will. The will of God originates in Himself, Who by His Holy Spirit reveals it to the spirit of man” Watchman Nee (ref#101, p79).

FATHER, I thank You for the SPIRIT, who impresses ____ with the words of JESUS through the Bible and then illuminates those very words in the Bible. You do not speak to (him/her) through one without the other (ref#119, p51).

“According to Jesus, the Holy Spirit would first lead the disciples to remember and record His teaching in what we call the New Testament. Then He would guide Christ’s followers into increasing knowledge of the truth on the basis of that written revelation” James Montgomery Boice (ref#119, p31).

FATHER, prohibit ____ from courting the desire to search through the Bible for some precept to obey. Instead, guide (him/her) to making (his/her) life be so in touch with You that the HOLY SPIRIT can continually bring some word from JESUS and apply it to (his/her) circumstances (ref#118, p16).

CONFESSION

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KEEPING FLESH INOPERATIVE

screen-shot-2017-01-28-at-3-27-12-pm…FATHER, remind me of the subtleness of my flesh (“…flesh [the entire nature of man without the Holy Spirit]…”) (Rom 8:3 AMP). Not only do the evil desires of my flesh need to be pushed down and subdued, but also the good desires of my flesh need to be kept from becoming active. The flesh can be nasty or righteous (ref# 33, p112).

My flesh has the potential to accomplish many and diverse Christian activities—amazingly loving acts (ref#33, p112)—at least I think they’re amazing. I am able to achieve many good deeds by my fleshly self-righteousness.

The wisdom flowing from my fleshly mind can engage in Biblical counseling, perform a myriad of Christian service projects, or even write what I’m writing right now–without any need to be absolutely dependent on the HOLY SPIRIT. Flesh is amazingly self-confident. “The old creation is willing to do anything—even submit to God—if only it is permitted to live and be active” (ref#33, p114)!

I have to watch for the appearance of pride. FATHER, send Your SPIRIT to alert me when I’m about to do good in my fleshly strength; help me distinguish the difference between actions of my flesh and the good that flows out of a new life in CHRIST.

“It is my self who can perform and does perform good without the need of trusting in the Holy Spirit, without the necessity of being humble, of waiting on God, or of praying to God” Watchman Nee (ref#33, p113).

My human nature guides spur-of-the-moment, easy acts of righteousness. So a spirit-check is needed constantly. Do I plan and arrange more than I pray? Do I need to know answers immediately? In desperate situations do I fly instantly to You or try to think things through? Do I ever really have a sense of utter dependency? Do I do what seems best to me and forget to ask Your will?

FATHER, make me super-sensitive to the actions of my flesh so I might reject them. Guide me down the path You have for me.

CONFESSION

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THOUGHTS IN MY HEAD–SATAN’S OR GOD’S?

screen-shot-2016-10-21-at-2-06-23-pm…FATHER, my natural inclination is when life is easy to take life easy. Thus, it often does not occur to me to be resolute in the investigating of spiritual matters. You command me to “test everything” (1 Thes 5:21). I know I have power through the HOLY SPIRIT to test everything that enters my life. Let this prayer remind me that the evil one continually hurls lies at me (ref#101, p137-138).

Conviction that is real is conviction from the HOLY SPIRIT that leads to holiness while satan’s conviction leads to discouragement because he continually accuses (ref#101, p140). Asking for the precious cleansing blood (1 John 1:9) to purify me stops all accusation. If I am still assaulted with indictments I know they are from the devil (ref#101, p139). “…the Holy Spirit never reproves further if the sin is cleansed by the precious blood and forsaken” Watchman Nee (ref#101, p140).

“If the reproof is of a nagging nature—that is, blaming, without any end to it—and if it is a vague and general reproof rather than clearly specific, then we may know it to be, as a rule, the accusation of Satan. If the reproof is clear and specific, and if we instinctively know that we have only to be willing to say yes and repent to have peace and comfort, then we may be assured that it is the voice of the gracious Holy Spirit…and we may safely obey His convictions and turn to Calvary” Roy and Revel Hession (ref#100, p96-97).

How sly the enemy is to make his convictions only slightly uncomfortable so that I can be lazy and only a bit discouraged. FATHER, too often I let accusations free to roam in my head for lengthy periods. Prod me, FATHER, that I may recognize conviction and deal with it immediately. All praise to You who conquers all Your enemies.

THANKSGIVING

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THE SPIRIT’S WORK

screen-shot-2016-10-21-at-1-07-40-pm“That [Spirit] is the guarantee of our inheritance [the firstfruits, the pledge and foretaste, the down payment on our heritage], in anticipation of its full redemption and our acquiring [complete] possession of it…” (Eph 1:14 AMP).

“The work of the cross creates a position and achieves a salvation by which sinners can be saved; the task of the Holy Spirit is to reveal to sinners what the cross has created and achieved so that they may in fact receive it and be saved” Watchman Nee (ref#101, p11).

FATHER, I thank You for providing the condition that led me to believe in CHRIST so that I am now “…stamped with the seal of the long-promised Holy Spirit” (Eph 1:13 AMP). This was just Your laying the groundwork for Your indwelling in me (ref#101, p13).

I thank You, SPIRIT, for energizing my personal spirit so that CHRIST is formed in me (Gal 4:19). You give me “the essential nature of God” and the “quickening life of the Son of God” Oswald Chambers (ref#83, p89). Praise to You for I am “lifted to the domain where Jesus lives” Oswald Chambers (ref#83, p89). You SPIRIT, reorient my affections and renew my will. You transform me so profoundly that I no longer live, but CHRIST lives in me (Gal 2:20).

CONFESSION

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DAILY RENDERING FLESH INEFFECTIVE BY FAITH

screen-shot-2016-10-21-at-12-59-48-pm“Give me to view a discovered sinfulness, to know that though my sins are crucified they are never wholly mortified. Hatred, malice, ill-will, vain-glory that hungers for and hunts after man’s approval and applause, all are crucified, forgiven, but they rise again in my sinful heart” The Valley of Vision (ref#76, p71)

FATHER, sensitize me of the truth about myself so that I might, by faith, deal with myself correctly. The consequence of the fall is that I am wicked, corrupt, and fleshly. I have indwelling sin, which is the infection of my nature (ref#15, [Rom 6:6]). Correctly I am as truly slain as CHRIST was crucified in order that I am as truly raised from a death of sin to a life of righteousness as the body of CHRIST was raised from the grave (ref#15, [Rom 6:6]).

As much as this is true, remind me, LORD that this “destroyed” flesh still resides in me (ref#33, p103).

“The flesh with its fleshly nature abides perpetually in the believer. Whenever opportunity is provided for its operation, it at once will spring into action” Watchman Nee (ref#33, p103).

Flesh is forever flesh even though CHRIST delivered me from it. The moment I cease believing that in faith and fail to let the HOLY SPIRIT lead me, I do not walk by the SPIRIT as Romans 8 talks about. As soon as I make a decision without consulting the SPIRIT I am immediately engulfed in the experience of Romans 7 (ref#33, p102) and not able to triumph. Only by constantly appropriating the cross will I be liberated from the power of the flesh (ref#33, p101).

If I am to be freed from the oppression of the flesh, I must ‘put to death the wicked deeds of the body and walk according to the Holy Spirit” (ref#33, p102). FATHER, provide the faith I need to believe CHRIST’s deathblow to my flesh for I desire to take on the responsibly to give my flesh no further attention.

“…loved one…be constantly holding yourselves back from the passionate cravings which are fleshly by nature [fleshly in that they come from the totally depraved nature], cravings of such a nature that, like an army carrying on a military campaign, they are waging war, hurling themselves down upon your soul” (ref#37, p552, [1 Peter 2:11]).

SUPPLICATION

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HOW GOD GUIDES

screen-shot-2016-10-21-at-11-38-02-am“Many failures and much waste and confusion…are due to men’s coming to work, instead of being sent out to work” Watchman Nee (ref#101, p42).

FATHER, I know what my head says is from You because You have a quiet persistence about Your words of guidance. Keep me from considering pros and cons that bring about debating and doubt. This mental activity does not indicate Your presence (ref#7, March 28th).

“Doubt and reflection take the place of spontaneous obedience…Only the devil has an answer for our moral difficulties, and he says, ‘Keep on posing problems, and you will escape the necessity of obedience’” Dietrich Bonhoeffer (ref#10, p73).

FATHER, when You say it is better to obey than sacrifice, You are addressing my human nature in me. This self-serving, self-glorifying part of me wants to sacrifice itself by doing what it considers great and wonderful acts for You. This sacrificing is the “counterfeit of obedience” Oswald Chambers (ref#7, June 8th).

“Obedience is perfected not in doing something you want to do but in doing the last thing in the world you want to do” Michael Card (ref#137, p152).

CONFESSION

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“WILL THE REAL HOLY SPIRIT PLEASE STAND UP”

screen-shot-2016-10-21-at-9-18-19-amThe ones You have not yet called are slaves to sin and cannot know You intimately. But, You have caused me to “know” You. My prayer is that I recognize Your SPIRIT—to know the difference between His voice and my own fleshly voice.

First – The info the SPIRIT gives I cannot see it, or hear it, nor even imagine it before He gives it (1 Cor 2:9). What the SPIRIT gives surpasses all my understanding. I cannot conceive it with my senses (ref#67, [1 Cor 2:9]). Therefore I cannot know You and Your thoughts, FATHER, unless they are laid out in Scripture and You reveal them through Your SPIRIT directly to me (ref#18, [1 Cor 2:6-16]).

Second – “Man’s ordinary sensing is caused or brought out by people or things or events” (ref#101, p71). My intellect searches out things pertaining to me. I adhere to what I consider “reasonable, beautiful, delightful, or interesting” (ref#101, p88). To my flesh impressions from the SPIRIT are “foolishness because they are unreasonable, against my nature, contrary to worldly wisdom, and in conflict with my common sense” Watchman Nee (ref#101, p92).

Third – Beware of flamboyant visions, heavenly voices, or dreams (ref#101, p78). “Nothing should be done which is propelled by excited feeling or abrupt thought; everything must be carefully and quietly examined before it is executed” Watchman Nee (ref#101, p137).

Fourth – Whatever I do “without trusting, seeking, and waiting upon God is or will be done in the flesh” Watchman Nee (ref#101, p30). “…the voice of the spirit is usually very soft, it cannot be heard unless it is listened to attentively with everything else quieted” Watchman Nee (ref#101, p96).

FATHER, I desire to be strengthened with power through the HOLY SPIRIT (Eph 3:16). Help me to yield to You—to forsake every aspect in my life that causes me to doubt—to be willing to obey You fully, and believe that You will flood my spirit with Your power (ref#101, p27).

SUPPLICATION

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NON CHRISTIAN Pursuers

[We all have friends and family that sit in our churches but only act like they are Christians. It is up to us to pray for their salvation. Here’s an opportunity to pray for them. Fill their name in the blanks.]

FLESH – ALL AN UNREGENERATE PERSON IS

screen-shot-2016-10-14-at-4-12-38-pm…FATHER, I can hear ____ say, “Since GOD did so much for me, I want to show my appreciation by being and doing good.” Anyone who approaches You this way does not know You, they only think they do. You have yet to do anything for them. They are simply practicing “religious moralism” Madame Guyon (ref#123, p13). “To most people in our society, Christianity is religion and moralism” Madame Guyon (ref#123, p14).

____ can make great strides at being and doing good. Without any help (he/she) can, all by (himself/herself), accomplish many good works. “Self-confidence and self-reliance… are the notable traits of the good works of the flesh” Watchman Nee (ref#33, p114).

The Apostle Paul calls the unregenerated person “fleshly” (Rom 7:14). “Flesh” is not just the body, but encompasses the entire person (ref#33, p69).  “…put no confidence in human effort,” (Phil 3:3 NLT) says the Apostle Paul, because “it is impossible for the flesh to lean upon God” Watchman Nee (ref#33, p114).

____ has not come to the cross as a helpless sinner. (He/She) is enamored with CHRIST’s goodness and thus wants to show Him (his/her) own goodness.   CHRIST is (his/her) hero but not yet (his/her) Savior.

You, FATHER, have not yet impressed upon (him/her) that the goodness of (his/her) flesh is as filthy rags (Isa 64:6). Send Your SPIRIT to convict ____ of the sin of operating with (his/her) flesh. And, not only once “but daily and incessantly” remind (him/her) of this fact  (ref#33, p122).

FATHER, it is good that ____ admires You. I pray You keep (his/her) interest by revealing more and more of Yourself to (him/her). But, (he/she)) cannot know You until (he/she) first knows (himself/herself). “The nothingness of the creature helps our conception of the all of God” Madame Guyon (ref#128, p405, [Song of Songs 1:7]). Propel ____ to go forth into more understanding of You, permitting (himself/herself) “no natural satisfaction and no life in self” Madame Guyon (ref#128, p405, [Song of Songs 1:7]).

CONFESSION

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DEFINING THE “FLESH”

Screen Shot 2016-07-19 at 6.29.39 AM“Much of our distress as Christians comes not because of sin, but because we are ignorant of the laws of our own nature” Oswald Chambers  (ref#7, March 22nd).

The Bible terms our born-with natural nature, “flesh” (Rom 8:8). “Flesh” denotes “sinful propensities and passions” of my entire nature Barnes’ Notes (ref#16, [John 3:6]).

This “flesh” urges me to carry out its “sinful passions.” I am the host this sinful nature works through. But as a Christian, You, FATHER have implanted another nature in me—Your nature, Your SPIRIT. He not only overpowers my sinful nature but also allows me to be the host of You accomplishing Your will through me.

CHRIST’s activity on the cross has given me the ability to render useless my fleshly nature, not simply the sins of my flesh. But I am too often concerned with the sins. I’m “occupied with today’s anger, tomorrow’s jealousy, or the day after tomorrow’s strife” Watchman Nee (ref#33, p96).

FATHER, please sensitize me to focus on, not individual sins but denying the urgings of my fleshly nature. It’s a given that my sin and lust keep me away from You, but also remind me that this fleshly nature is a totally selfish nature. Anything I do for my profit, or to make me look righteous, and anything I do out of what I deem my duty to You—all these actions are sin also (ref#35, p255).

Attempting to follow You without denying the flesh is the foundation of failure (ref#33, p116). Whenever I lack trust that is flesh in action (ref#33, p114). Flesh is impatient. It will resist waiting on You, FATHER. It also will not have faith enough to trust the SPIRIT. Flesh will make its own plans never having “the sense of utter dependency” Watchman Nee (ref#33, p114).

FATHER, I ask You give me strength to upstage my flesh so I may sit before You experiencing my dependence upon You. I praise You for the grace You have given me to put into practice the death of my fleshly nature. My most concern is always to recognize and render useless this “flesh.”

SUPPLICATION

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NON CHRISTIAN – Pursuers

[We all have friends and family that sit in our churches but only act like they are Christians.  It is up to us to pray for their salvation.  Here’s an opportunity to pray for them.  Fill his/her name in the blanks.]

JESUS’ DEALING WITH FLESH

Screen Shot 2016-03-26 at 2.10.18 PM…FATHER, “…everything a man naturally inherits from his parents belongs to the flesh” Watchman Nee (ref#33, p71). Therefore we are naturally hostile to You, for we do not submit to Your laws, indeed, we cannot (Rom 8:3,7). That which is born of the flesh is flesh (John 3:6).

“God…does not try to alter man’s flesh; He instead gives man a new life in order to help put it to death. The flesh must die. This is salvation” Watchman Nee (ref#33, p73).   “…By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit” (Rom 8:3-4 ESV).

But, man “does not understand God’s Word and so he tries continually to refine and reform his flesh” Watchman Nee (ref#33, p73). Because I see no consistent spiritual fruit in ____, I pray, FATHER, that You provide (him/her) with a deeper understanding of You. I observe ____ is not willing to make (himself/herself) uncomfortable doing good works which makes me believe (his/her) actions are the actions of (his/her) selfish, not-regenerated-yet, flesh.

FATHER, this flesh is so predominate that even Your regenerated easily revert back to utilizing their sinful flesh to deal with daily situations (Gal 3:3). So I pray also for my fellow Christians as well, that they continue depending on Your SPIRIT as they did at first.

“Though He cannot alter our flesh God gives us His life. Man’s flesh remains as corrupt in those who are born anew as in those who are not. The flesh in a saint is the same as that in a sinner. In regeneration the flesh is not transformed. New birth exerts no good influence on the flesh. It remains as is. God does not impart His life to us to educate and train the flesh. Rather, it is given to overcome the flesh” Watchman Nee (ref#33, p76).

FATHER, unsettle ____ until (he/she) longs to walk by Your SPIRIT so (he/she) will not gratify the desires of (his/her) flesh (Gal 5:16). May (he/she) “experience less failure battling with sin and more success battling with self” Watchman Nee (ref#33, p79).