Praying et al
I’m trying to get better at praying.
Not only am I an introvert which implies I’m lost in my thoughts most of the day, but I don’t even like talking on the phone to people. If somebody gives me the chance to message them, I’ll jump on it. So, praying is challenging to me. But I’m working on it. I have studied several devotional lessons on praying and I’m trying to incorporate praying into my daily activities.
Yesterday, I had an appointment and was intending on going to Patrick’s Apologetics class but the appointment was at 10am. I knew, depending on how long the appointment lasted I’d either be right on time or slightly late getting to the church (probably should mention that I get apprehensive if I’m going to be late or even on time to whatever I’m going to. That is also how I’m wired). Well, I left my appointment and my mind started wandering. I was thinking through an idea for a devotional when I thought I needed to ask God to work through me to share my thoughts. I prayed right there while I was driving.
I get to church and Patrick relayed how there is power in prayer and there is a spiritual battle being fought all around us every day. As a side note, if I’m being a total pain in the butt, it is the Devil’s fault because my desire would not to be so. Anyway, in Patrick’s story, when he heard this person’s feelings of despair and unnatural apprehension, he stopped and got the family together for a prayer. Praise God, the next day, this person felt better.
Prayer isn’t like a wishing well or even a slot machine in that you can’t always expect prayers to go up to God and God to grant you your desire. God has a plan. There was an old MASH episode where a bomber pilot was suffering from PTSD and believed he was Jesus Christ. One of the other characters asked him if God answered all prayers and he replied yes but sometimes the answer is “no.” I’ve always felt that there was wisdom in that scene.
I really don’t understand how or in what way prayer works. That’s ok because I do know that, from the Bible, God has told me to pray. That’s plenty of reason. I also know that I’m not the best at praying even just by myself. I far too stubborn yet and self-centered to see the need to pray in everything I do - I’m working on that too. At this moment, I’m scared that I’m going to get called on for corporate prayer - that’s another pride area that I need to work on.
The bottom line is prayer is opening up your heart and soul to God and opening up your soul to his reply through the Holy Spirit.
“And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all. See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies, but test everything; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil.” - 1 Thessalonians 5:14-22 ESV
“…praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,” - Ephesians 6:18 ESV
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.” - Jeremiah 29:11-13 ESV
Just so you know, when I was driving and trying to think of ideas for this devotion, I had something like a list of advice from a mature man in my mind. That is when I prayed and this is what resulted. I pray that this is what you need to hear and God knew it all along.
