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Prayer is generally thought of as making a request or petition to an authority or power greater than ourselves in order to obtain a particular desire or wish. One might begin a plea with, "I pray thee..." Today we simply call it a petition, or request. However, I think we must not forget that prayer is "vertical" not ever "horizontal."
How to Pray: The Foundation
You must first begin a relationship with God. What would be your chances of asking asking the President of the United States to co-sign a car loan for you? How many ways can you spell zero? However if you happened to be his son or daughter, then what do you think your chances would be? Relationship certainly matters.
Do you think God has no sons or daughters? That is not true, He does. And, to use an old expression, it is “really cool,” to have Him for a father.
God, knows them and hears their prayers.
Jesus said, "I am the good shepherd. I know my sheep and my sheep know me...my sheep listen to my voice. I know them and they follow me. I give them eternal life and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand." John 10:14,27-28
Now here is the really great news!! God’s door is open and He is still adopting! So, go get adopted! Pause this letter and “just do it.” Then come back and finish reading. It’s okay, I’ll wait right here. (Click Here)
Now you are a child and we can talk a bit about needs, wants, answers, etc. Certainly people have problems. Sickness, money problems, family struggles they even die. Some like to point and ask, “If God was so loving why would He allow that to happen? That’s when I ask, “Did He really have control? Control was taken away from Him by Adam and Eve in the Garden.
Unless I have surrendered every part and facet of my life to Him I have no right to complain if something goes wrong. On the other side of that coin is a matter of maturity. That to is relationship building.
If I want to be in California today I would have to fly. Stay with me as I make my point… If there were planes available I would either have to have someone fly me or I would have to learned to fly and be qualified to fly the one that was available. What other options are there? Buses, trains, etc but each one is going to have a different estimated time to arrive and I am not going get to California when I had hoped to.
My son, Austin, may be frustrated that I don’t have time to take him somewhere he desperately wants to go to; but he can’t fault me for not handing him the keys to my truck at his age seven. He is delayed by his abilities and maturity.
No one walks up on a platform and lifts a 500 pound set of weights. One must work toward that goal with the vision and desire to accomplish it. Neither can you or I if we never exercise our faith - never grow closer in our relationship with God -expect to demand a miracle on the spot.
There used to be a TV show called “Newly Weds.” The goal was to win the most points by best predicting what one’s spouse would do or say in a given situation. We are in a similar situation in our relation with God. Can you predict what your heavenly father will do in the circumstances of your life? We should.
You will find that much easier as you develop your relationship with Him. If you became extremely ill in the next couple of days what would your Heavenly Father do? If you don’t prepare for that question now and wait until it happens it will be like trying to lift that 500 pound weight set for the first time and yes that will be a miracle.
Lets talk a little about that “new born" baby’s trust in the big guy in his house. We want him to be warm, clean and fed; not to mention, we really do want him to be happy (which means less crying and more peace for us). It may take a while but with proper love and training they learn and they also learn that we are able to be depended on.
God is no different as our Heavenly Father. God tells us to give our concerns to him. "Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you." Even while the situation remains unpromising.
When Chicken Little is screaming, “It’s all over;” God wants you to run home to Him. When the end is coming - it’s a GREAT time to know God. We are taught to be anxious for nothing, but in everything with prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, that surpasses all comprehension, will guard your heart and your mind in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:5-7
God may provide solutions to the problem that are WAY beyond what you imagined possible. But even if the circumstances do not improve, The Word of God states His grace is sufficient to lead you through with peace in your heart. Jesus said “My peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you; not as the world gives.
It is at times like these we learn to exercise our “faith muscles” and practice walking by faith, not by sight. Blind faith or “Head Faith” seldom works. Remember it’s about relationship. Relationship stems from the heart. You will wait for a friend who promised they were coming to your home for a visit because you know them to be honest, sincere and faithful. So much so, that if they did not show up you would worry. You would try to call them. You may even call the police or hospital to see if there had been an accident.
In the same way, God asks us to trust Him. But it will be “Head Faith” if we don’t spend time and learn His Word is true. He is faithful and He is not a man that He should lie.
These are a few thoughts. Fill free to call us to discuss any thoughts you might have Email us your questions and thoughts.
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