Dr Paul Allen

Jacob Blessing the Sons of Joseph by Rembrandt, 1656. Genesis 48 describes how Jacob blessed Ephraim and Manasseh. (Photo credit: Wikipedia ) “By faith Jacob , when dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph , bowing in worship over the head of his staff” (Heb. 11:21). In Hebrews 11:20 we saw how Isaac by faith blessed his two sons at the end of his life. This evidence of faith shows that those with true persevering faith will hold onto God ’s promises even if they die before they are all fully realized. In Hebrews 11:21 we read another example of faith drawn from the last days of an old covenant saint. This time our model is Jacob who when dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph while “bowing in worship over the head of his staff” (v. 21). This verse reflects upon the book of Genesis and the story of Jacob blessing his two grandsons, Ephraim and Manasseh . We read in Genesis 48:8–16 that near the end of Jacob’s life, Joseph brought his two sons to their grandfather. Manasse

Português: Os primeiros passos da Virgem. (Photo credit: Wikipedia ) d never intended prayer to be a recipe—a formula to follow or a perfunctory procedure to perform. That would go against the Father’s desire for genuine, heartfelt communication with his children. But while prayer is not a recipe, there are certain “key ingredients” we should all strive to include for our spiritual experience to be optimal and effective. Scripture encourages us to combine equal parts of the following:     •      Humility and confession     •      Thanksgiving and praise     •      Pure motives and a clean heart     •      Consistency and devotion     •      Faith that God loves you and listens when you pray Add in a dash of boldness and a pinch of persistence—and then expect the very best from your heavenly Father. PRAY WITH HUMILITY If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from hea