Embracing the Heart of Jesus: The True Essence of Prayer and Christian Life
"To all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God" (John 1:12). To receive means to embrace Jesus Christ into one's heart. Then, what does it mean to embrace Jesus Christ into one's heart? It means that if one's heart, thoughts, obstinacy, and aspirations were the focal point until now, they will now concentrate on the heart and thoughts of Jesus. As Paul proclaimed, 'I no longer live, but Jesus Christ lives in me'. Similarly, one's obstinacy, desires no longer hold sway. Paul claimed that he once counted all his boastings as refuse. Now, God's hope and vision take precedence. Now it is a life of striving to grasp those who have been ensnared by Christ Jesus. Many Christians would likely concur with this point, even if they do not live accordingly. However, what many Christians mistakenly view as prayer is, in fact, not so. Prayer is a means of approaching God, and simultaneously embracing Go...