Then God spoke to me.
He said, "There are over 7 billion people on earth, yet 90% of the prayers I receive are from you. Give it a rest will you and let someone else have a chance!"
Seriously, I think I've made my point.
God likes to hear our prayers but He does not need a headache from us.
When we pray it is good to mention people we love who need our intercession. But God does not need us to repeat over and again the same prayer for each individual by name including their zip code. It is good to pray for other people. It shows a generosity of spirit on our part and an act of love towards someone else. At the very least, when we pray for someone we should have enough faith and trust that God will act in His own way, and in His own time, in accordance to His will, towards that individual and situation.
He does not need us to tell Him what to do for each person in each circumstance they are in. You'd be surprised how many people wish to serve God in an advisory capacity. Thank you but no thanks; He knows what to do and does not need your advice.
Prayer in itself is a sign of faith. It shows that we believe there is Someone there listening to our petitions. Otherwise we're just talking to ourselves.
Christ taught us to start our prayer with the words "Our Father". Not our King, our Leader, Master, Emperor, Boss or similar title. This was to establish our relationship with God in prayer. It is similar to the relationship between a child and a loving parent.
The parent already knows our needs and will provide for them; yet he likes to hear from his children all the same.
There's nothing wrong in asking God for favours for ourselves and others. But we do so in expectation that He will respond. Not an impertinent entitled expectation; but a hopeful expectation that He knows what is best for us and our loved ones.
Prayer is like a constant always open "chat" call to God. At any time of the day, whatever the circumstances, we turn our thoughts to Him and ask on behalf of someone in need. It only takes a second or two. I often pray silently when someone in conversation tells me of their problems.
It's a two-way call to God. We need to listen to Him and not constantly talk so He can't get a word in edgeways!
SUGGESTION: Every day, ask God to send you someone you can help. I did. He took me seriously and now I am inundated with people needing my help.
Okay, I may have laughed out loud at your second paragraph. Indeed, one of my favorite take-aways from reading Time for Reflections is serving Him in an "advisory capacity." That hits closer to home than I'd like to admit.
ReplyDeleteNeeding to "let go and let God" everyday!
Thank you for your kindness Mevely.
DeleteIndeed, we all tend to serve God as advisors telling Him what to do and how to do it. We forget that He created us and the whole Universe and does not need our help.
Praying for you and your family. God bless you all.
I'm not someone who prays to God for a better parking space but I always thank Him when I get one. He knows our needs and even, "oh Lord" is a prayer.
ReplyDeleteGod certainly does not need us for advisors, Victor, but He certainly loves hearing from His children. And when we pray, we should always include, and I try to, that His will be done in everyone and in all situations. I'm so very glad that our Father in heaven hears us, cares for us and loves us beyond measure. May He bless you today and always!
ReplyDelete