How do we view God?
As an omnipotent, ever loving, always forgiving, spiritual heavenly Father and Creator of all things?
Or do we see Him as a Superman ever ready to fly to all crises wherever they happen in the world?
When we pray to God, is our prayer an ever ending list of requests asking Him to be with and care for a number of people we know and love? To be with sick and dying relatives, family or friends who have lost a job, or who are in some difficulty or other, the poor, the elderly, the destitute and many others in need.
There's nothing wrong with praying for others. It shows a generosity of spirit and caring on our part. Prayer is the greatest gift we can give or receive from someone.
God loves it when we pray for others. It shows Him that we are not selfish and closed to others' needs.
But is our prayer just a set of demands to an ever ready Superman willing and able to circumnavigate the globe and go to the aid of anyone we pray for?
And when we pray, is it just an exercise of bringing to mind various causes and needs; or do we really and genuinely believe there will be a response? A positive one to the prayer we have made.
Let us be honest now. Really honest with ourselves. Just between you and God. No one needs to know your answer.
When you pray, are you 100% sure that God is listening?
Are you 100% sure that He will respond positively to what you are asking for?
Or is there the slightest, tiniest, weeniest little bit of doubt in your mind about God's response?
"Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours." Mark 11:24
What did Jesus mean when He said this?
Did He mean it?
If not, why did He say it?
Do YOU believe it?
Is it reflected in YOUR prayers?
Would you go to borrow a lawnmower or other thing from your neighbour if you knew he would say "No"? Would you go to the bank for a loan if you thought they would turn you down? Would you ask a friend for a favour if you believed he'd refuse?
Then why treat God with suspicion? Why pray believing that He would not respond?
Imagine a different kind of prayer ...
What if you said, "God I am frightened. There are so many things I need to pray about. So many people in need of your help. The sick, the dying, the poor and so many others. I don't even know where to start!"
What do you think God would reply?
Jesus always greeted people with the words, "Peace be with you!"
What He meant was, "Relax. Calm down. All will be well. Trust Me."
If only we approached prayers with that kind of attitude. With that kind of belief. With that kind of trust. That come what may, God is listening. And in His time, and in His way, He will answer our prayers.
It is no point having Faith in a Master who walks on water if we do not trust Him enough to follow Him.
Amen
ReplyDeleteAmen.
DeleteGod bless.
I don't ask for things, usually for the strength to get through stuff...it often seems to work.
ReplyDeleteThat's a good prayer, JoeH.
DeleteGod bless.
A powerful post, Victor, a needed reminder of what our prayer lives could look like if we could only leave our lists and agendas behind so that we could simply focus on who Christ is ...
ReplyDeleteBless you.
Thank you Linda. I often wonder whether my prayers are just a list.
DeleteGod bless you.
He meant it!
ReplyDeleteIndeed.
DeleteGod bless you Sandi.
Abandon the lists, they are too long to list every single day. Just pray that the world could become a better place and people will treat others as they would like to be treated. That is what I try to do but sometimes I do refer to a mental list which seems to get longer and longer. It seems to work if I can keep it simple and to the point.
ReplyDeleteI agree, Bill, about keeping the list simple. I often pray for other people; like all my readers here.
DeleteGod bless.
This is an amazing and inspiring post, Victor. Often, I do feel overwhelmed by the needs of others for whom I need to pray. So relieved that God hears my heart even when I don't have the words. Yes, God will answer our prayers in His time and in His way.
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
Thank you for your kind comment, Martha. Like you, I tend to be overwhelmed by my prayers for others. My list grows longer in this respect.
DeleteGod bless you. You're added to my list.
I really like your (proposed) 'different kind of' prayer, Victor. Peace be with you, as well.
ReplyDeleteThank you Mevely; most sincerely.
DeletePeace be with you, and God bless.
Yes. Amen!
ReplyDeleteAmen, Terri.
DeleteGod bless.
Yes, He is listening :) Great post, Victor!
ReplyDeleteThank you Chris. Happy New Year.
DeleteGod bless you.
Great post, My Friend! YES, He is listening! BUT what I am asking for--is it in His will for me? Am I spending more time pleading or worshiping? I have been pondering all of this also!
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
Hi Lulu,
DeleteIsn't a child, when he asks his parents for something, over and again, in a way "worshiping"? He is pleasing with his parent, knowing full well, his parent's ability, and willingness, and love, to respond.
"You fathers--if your children ask for a fish, do you give them a snake instead? .... Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion?" Luke 11:11-12
God bless you.
So many needs sometimes overwhelm me and I become disoriented. Overwhelm me, but not God. Looking back on my life, I see where God had His hand over me and brought me to this point.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your post and its wisdom.
Yes Susan, we often get overwhelmed by other peoples' needs in our prayers; but God is pleased about that. The more people we pray for the more we are showing love to others; as He commanded.
DeleteGod bless you always.
I believe that Jesus hears my prayers and answers them. Sometime the answer is yes, sometimes no, and sometimes not yet. But I have no doubt that he hears them.
ReplyDeleteI always remember to thank God for my many blessings each day. I actually talk to Got quite a lot during the day. I talk to him like he is actually here with me. I know he always is with me but I mean like a person. : )
I agree with everything you said, Happyone. I tend to pray often in the day too; mostly for other people.
DeleteGod bless you.