Spiritual Principle of “Entering and Walking” (Matthew 7:13–14)

 

Spiritual Principle of “Entering and Walking” (Matthew 7:13–14)

Matthew 7:13–14 – “Enter in through the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction… narrow is the gate and constricted the way that leads to life.” 

Aspect	Spiritual Principle of “Entering and Walking” (Matthew 7:13–14)
Meaning	“Entering the gate” represents initial salvation and union with Christ. “Walking the path” represents the continuous experience and living out of Christ in daily life. Both are indispensable for a balanced Christian walk.
Reason	God’s design for believers includes both a beginning (the narrow gate) and a process (the narrow way). Without entering the gate, there is no true beginning; without walking, there is no progress.
Distinction	The gate relates to faith and regeneration—an entrance by grace. The way relates to obedience and sanctification—a progressive living in truth.
Explanation	Many emphasize the entrance—salvation by grace—but neglect the ongoing walk of obedience and spiritual growth. Others emphasize conduct without genuine conversion. Both are incomplete.
Purpose	To experience the full reality of Christ as “the Way, the Reality, and the Life” (John 14:6). God wants His people not only to enter Christ but to walk and grow in Him.
Examples	- Israel entering the Red Sea (entrance) and walking in the wilderness (journey). - Believers entering through Christ (John 10:9) and walking in newness of life (Rom. 6:4).
Application	Believers must examine both their entrance (true faith and consecration) and their walk (daily obedience, growth, and warfare). Spiritual progress requires both.
Interrelation	The gate and the path are inseparable. Entering brings position; walking brings transformation. Without the gate, the path cannot begin; without the path, the gate is in vain.
Burden	The church must lead believers not only to be saved but also to advance—step by step, conquering, overcoming, and possessing what God has promised.
Prophetic Guidance	God’s people must learn to “pass the gate” through revelation of Christ and to “walk the way” by faith and obedience. Every step forward rests upon what God has once shown.
Conclusion	Spiritual life is both entrance and progress—first crossing the threshold of faith, then walking faithfully with the Lord. Both are required for maturity and fruitfulness.
Related  Scriptures	Matthew 7:13–14 – “Enter in through the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction… narrow is the gate and constricted the way that leads to life.” John 14:6 – “Jesus said to him, I am the way and the reality and the life; no one comes to the Father except through Me.” Romans 6:4 – “We have been buried with Him through baptism into death… so we also should walk in newness of life.” Colossians 2:6 – “As therefore you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, walk in Him.”

 *Please refer to Brother Watchman Nee's message: Door and Way

Why Must Our Prayer Be Toward God’s Interest for Him to Hear Us?

 

Why Must Our Prayer Be Toward God’s Interest for Him to Hear Us?

1 Kings 8:48 – “If they return to You with all their heart and with all their soul… and pray to You toward their land which You gave to their fathers, the city which You have chosen, and the house which I have built for Your name.”

Daniel 6:10 – “Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house (his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem) and kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.” 

Aspect	Why Must Our Prayer Be Toward God’s Interest for Him to Hear Us?
Meaning	To pray toward God’s interest means that our prayer is directed toward the goal of God’s eternal economy—Christ, God’s kingdom, and God’s house (the church). Such prayer is not self-centered but centered on God’s interest, aiming for His testimony and rule on the earth.
Reason	God’s hearing of prayer depends not on human emotion or zeal, but on whether the prayer aligns with His purpose and economy (1 John 5:14). When we pray toward the holy land (Christ), the holy city (the kingdom), and the holy temple (the church), we touch God’s interest, and He surely listens.
Symbolism	1. Holy Land – Typifies Christ as the allotted portion of the saints (Col. 1:12; Deut. 8:7). 2. Holy City – Signifies the kingdom of God manifested in Christ (Psa. 48:1–2). 3. Holy Temple – Typifies God’s house, the church, His dwelling place and center of His interest on the earth (Eph. 2:21; 1 Tim. 3:15).
Result	When prayer is aligned with God’s interest, He hears, acts, and fulfills His will far beyond what we ask or think (Dan. 9:21–23; Eph. 3:20). Such prayer brings in the realization of God’s purpose and His governmental move on earth.
Purpose	To accomplish God’s eternal economy—so that Christ may be expressed, the kingdom established, and the church built up. The focus of prayer is not on self-need but on God’s divine plan.
Examples	1. Solomon (1 Kings 8:46–53): He prayed that when God’s people were taken captive, their prayers toward the holy land, city, and temple would be heard. 2. Daniel (Dan. 6:10; 9:3–23): Even in captivity, he opened his windows toward Jerusalem and prayed three times a day for God’s holy city, mountain, and people, receiving the revelation of the seventy weeks.
Application	1. In prayer, aim first toward God’s interest before praying for personal needs. 2. When praying for others, focus on God’s will and testimony in them. 3. Pray for the increase of Christ, the spread of His kingdom, and the building up of the church.
Burden	The saints must learn to shift their prayer focus from self-interest to God’s economy, praying for His will, His interest, and His testimony, that He may gain the glory, the kingdom, and His dwelling place.
Prophetic Guidance	In prophesying or ministering, emphasize prayers that are directed toward God’s interest—Christ, the church, and the kingdom. Such utterance builds up and restores the church and aligns the saints with God’s economy.
Conclusion	God hears the prayers that are directed toward His interest. When we pray toward the holy land (Christ), the holy city (the kingdom), and the holy temple (the church), our prayer matches God’s heart and advances His economy on earth. His hearing becomes the manifestation of His governmental action to fulfill His purpose.
Related Scriptures	Daniel 9:16–19 – “O Lord, according to all Your righteousness… let Your anger and Your fury be turned away from Your city Jerusalem… O Lord, hear; O Lord, forgive; O Lord, hearken and do; defer not, for Your own sake, O my God; for Your city and Your people are called by Your name.” Colossians 1:12 – “Giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you for a share of the allotted portion of the saints in the light.” Psalm 48:1–2 – “Great is Jehovah, and greatly to be praised… Beautiful in elevation, the joy of the whole earth, is Mount Zion, the city of the great King.” Ephesians 2:21 – “In whom all the building, being fitted together, is growing into a holy temple in the Lord.” 1 Timothy 3:15 – “…the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and base of the truth.”

 

🔍 Key Points Summary

1.      Principle of God’s Hearing – God responds not to emotional pleading but to prayers aligned with His interest.

2.      Prayer Focus – Shift from self-centered to Christ-, kingdom-, and church-centered prayer.

3.      Spiritual Practice – Open the “windows toward Jerusalem” daily—keep your heart aimed at God’s goal.

4.      Outcome and Blessing – When prayer matches God’s heart, His answer is immediate and surpassing (Dan. 9:21–23).

5.      Ultimate Purpose – That God may gain the glory, the kingdom, and His dwelling—fulfilling His eternal economy.

 

*Please refer to the May 2025 International Elders and Responsible Brothers Training: General Topic: Matthew Chapters 5-7 - Extremely Important Aspects - Week 3: Prayer for Essential Kingdom Life

Prayer in Matthew 6 vs Prayer in the Gospel of John

 

Prayer in Matthew 6 vs Prayer in the Gospel of John

l  Prayer in Matthew 6 (Kingdom Prayer) 

9 You then, pray in this way: Our Father who is in the heavens, Your name be sanctified;

10 Your kingdom come; Your will be done, as in heaven, so also on earth.

11 Give us today our daily bread;

12 And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.

13 And do not bring us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.

 

l  Prayer in the Gospel of John (Life Prayer) 

13 And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.

14 If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it.

11 Holy Father, keep them in Your name which You have given Me, that they may be one even as We are.

21 That they all may be one; even as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be in Us.

22 And the glory which You have given Me I have given to them, that they may be one, even as We are one.

23 I in them, and You in Me, that they may be perfected into one.

 

Aspect	Prayer in Matthew 6:9–13	Prayer in John 14–17
Meaning	The Kingdom Prayer—for God’s name, kingdom, and will to be fulfilled on earth.	The Life Prayer—for the believers’ union, fellowship, and glory in divine life.
Reason	The Lord taught His disciples to pray for the coming of God’s kingdom and the fulfillment of His will (before His death and resurrection).	The Lord revealed the reality of New Testament prayer—fellowship with the Father in His name, entering into divine life.
Distinction	Concerns the Kingdom—God’s government and authority; the Lord’s name is not mentioned.	Concerns Life—inner fellowship and oneness; the Lord’s name is repeatedly emphasized (“in My name”).
Explanation	Focuses on: “Hallowed be Your name, Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as in heaven”—a prayer for God’s rule and warfare.	Focuses on: “Abide in Me and My words in you…ask whatever you wish”—a prayer in oneness of life and union.
Purpose	To see God’s name honored, His kingdom manifested, His will done on earth as in heaven.	To abide in Christ and be one with Him, partaking of His glory and divine fellowship.
Example	The model prayer: “Your kingdom come…for Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever” (Matt. 6:9–13).	The Lord’s prayer in John 17: “That they all may be one…even as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You.”
Application	Believers pray for God’s kingdom and will—fighting for His interest and testimony on earth.	Believers pray in the Lord’s name, in spirit, in union with Him—living the inner reality of divine life.
Relationship	The Kingdom prayer establishes the outward administration of God’s rule.	The Life prayer supplies the inward essence—life supports the Kingdom; the Kingdom expresses life.
Burden	To fight for God’s kingdom, His will, and His name’s glorification.	To abide in Christ and express the oneness and glory of divine life.
Prophetic Speaking	Emphasizes God’s purpose, kingdom vision, and spiritual warfare.	Emphasizes union with the Lord, praying in His name, and the reality of fellowship.
Related Scriptures	Matthew 6:9–13; Matthew 12:28; Matthew 24:14; Luke 11:2; Daniel 2:44	John 14:13–14; John 15:7, 16; John 16:23–24; John 17:1–26; Romans 8:26–27
Conclusion	Kingdom-oriented prayer—outward, governmental, authoritative.	Life-oriented prayer—inward, organic, relational.

 

🔸 Core Summary

• Matthew 6 Prayer → Kingdom, Authority, Warfare.
• John’s Prayer → Life, Oneness, Fellowship.
• Combined Vision → Life produces the Kingdom; the Kingdom manifests the Life.

 

*Please refer to the May 2025 International Elders and Responsible Brothers Training: General Topic: Matthew Chapters 5-7 - Extremely Important Aspects - Week 3: Prayer for Essential Kingdom Life

Solomon’s Prayer vs. Daniel’s Prayer

 

Solomon’s Prayer vs. Daniel’s Prayer

1 Kings 8:48 If they pray to you with all their heart and soul in the land where they are taking captive their enemies, and to their own land, the land you gave to their ancestors, and the cities you have chosen, and the temple I have built for your name,

Daniel 6:10 When Daniel knew that the document had been signed, he went to his house and, three times a day, knelt down before his God to pray and give thanks, for this was his custom. 

Aspect	Solomon’s Prayer (1 Kings 8:22–53)	Daniel’s Prayer (Daniel 9:3–23)
Meaning	A prayer of dedication and worship, expressing gratitude and trust in God’s covenant faithfulness.	A prayer of confession and intercession for Israel’s sins and restoration.
Symbolism	Typifies Christ as the Son of David, interceding as King to establish God’s dwelling among His people.	Typifies Christ as the High Priest, interceding for the people to fulfill God’s redemptive plan.
Representation	Represents royal leadership and the nation’s worship under divine covenant.	Represents prophetic burden and intercession on behalf of God’s people.
Purpose	To dedicate the temple as God’s dwelling and seek His forgiveness and continual presence.	To confess national sin and appeal for mercy and restoration according to God’s word.
Spirit / Attitude	Reverent, humble, thankful, and full of faith.	Penitent, contrite, earnest, and faithful.
Method	Public prayer—kneeling, lifting hands toward heaven (1 Kings 8:22).	Private prayer—with fasting, sackcloth, and ashes (Daniel 9:3).
Content / Focus	Seven petitions for forgiveness, mercy, restoration, and divine presence.	Confession of sin, acknowledgment of God’s righteousness, plea for the sanctuary’s restoration.
Result / Effect	God’s glory filled the temple (1 Kings 8:10–11).	Gabriel was sent with understanding and prophecy (Daniel 9:21–23).
Example Verse	“Hear from heaven Your dwelling place, and when You hear, forgive.” (1 Kings 8:30)	“O Lord, hear; O Lord, forgive; O Lord, listen and act!” (Daniel 9:19)
Application	True prayer acknowledges God’s covenant and seeks His will above all.	Effective prayer aligns with Scripture, involves confession, and moves God to act in mercy.
Burden	That God’s name be honored and His people live in obedience.	That God’s righteousness be revealed and His people restored.
Prophetic Insight	Solomon foresaw Israel’s captivity and repentance (1 Kings 8:46–50).	Daniel discerned the seventy-year prophecy and prayed for fulfillment (Daniel 9:2–3).
Related Scriptures (Expanded)	1 Kings 8:22–23: “Then Solomon stood before the altar… ‘Lord God of Israel, there is no God like You… who keep Your covenant and mercy.’” 1 Kings 8:46–50: “If they sin… and repent… then hear in heaven and forgive Your people.”	Daniel 9:3–5: “I set my face toward the Lord God… with fasting, sackcloth, and ashes… ‘O Lord, great and awesome God… we have sinned.’” Daniel 9:19–23: “O Lord, hear! O Lord, forgive!… for you are greatly beloved.”
Conclusion	Demonstrates kingly intercession for God’s covenant people.	Demonstrates prophetic intercession for the fulfillment of God’s purpose.

 

🔹Key Summary Points

• Solomon’s prayer: God’s dwelling and covenant mercy.
• Daniel’s prayer: Repentance and prophetic fulfillment.
• Both embody identification with God’s people and dependence on His mercy.
• True prayer unites reverence, confession, and faith in God’s promises.

 

*Please refer to the May 2025 International Elders and Responsible Brothers Training: General Topic: Matthew Chapters 5-7 - Extremely Important Aspects - Week 3: Prayer for Essential Kingdom Life